Dashboard Warning Lights: 2014 Cadillac ELR Guide
Let’s go on a trip into the heart of automotive knowledge as we figure out what the 2014 Cadillac ELR’s dashboard warning lights really mean. Behind the sleek exterior and cutting-edge technology is a symphony of visual cues. Each light tells you something about the health and functionality of your car. This blog post will explain what each dashboard warning light means, giving you a complete guide to understanding the language of your Cadillac ELR’s alerts. We’ll figure out the signs that keep your driving experience safe and luxurious, from important engine warnings to reminders for regular maintenance. Join us as we walk you through the lit-up scenery of your Cadillac ELR’s dashboard, giving you the knowledge to confidently understand and act on each warning. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of these important indicators, which will turn your dashboard into a guide for proactive vehicle maintenance and a smooth drive experience.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their safety belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue for several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the the vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the front passenger to fasten their safety belt. Then the the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the front passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning light and chime may turn on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic device. To turn off the warning light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the safety belt.
Second Row Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Second-row seating positions monitored for safety belt use are represented by a coloured symbol on the instrument cluster indicating safety belt status.
When the vehicle is started, two safety belt symbols come on and stay on for several seconds to alert the driver that passengers may need to fasten their safety belts. After the passenger safety belt is buckled, the corresponding safety belt symbol in the instrument cluster turns green. If a safety belt is not initially buckled, the instrument in the cluster displays a grey safety belt symbol.
While the vehicle is moving if a second-row passenger who was previously buckled becomes unbuckled, the corresponding safety belt symbol will change to a flashing red for several seconds and a chime may sound.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.
Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it means the airbag system might not be working properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System for important safety information. The passenger airbag status indicator is in the overhead console.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds
as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF or the on or off symbol, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbags are allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger senses the system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.
Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right away.
Charging System Light (12-Volt Battery)
The charging system light comes on briefly when the vehicle is in ON/ RUN, as a check to show the light is working.
If the light stays on or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the 12‐volt battery.
If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the vehicle. It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to maintain a clean environment. The malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the vehicle is placed in Service Only Mode, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See the Power Button for more information.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on, while the engine is in ON/RUN, this indicates that the OBD II system has detected a problem and diagnosis and service might be required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem becomes apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This system also assists the dealer technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Caution
If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on, the emission controls might not work as well the vehicle fuel economy might
not be as good, and the engine might not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications made to the engine, electric drive unit, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the vehicle or the replacement of the original tyres with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle emission controls and can cause this light to come on. Modifications to these systems could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also fail to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
This light comes on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing: A misfire condition has been detected. A misfire increases vehicle emissions and could damage the emission control system on the vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.
The following can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
- Reduce vehicle speed.
- Avoid hard accelerations.
- Avoid steep uphill grades
If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to stop and park the vehicle. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before driving the vehicle again. If the light begins to flash again, follow the previous steps and see your dealer for service as soon as possible
Light On Steady: An emission control system malfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis and service might be required.
The following may correct an emission control system malfunction:
- Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
- Check that good-quality fuel is used. Poor fuel quality causes the engine to not run as efficiently as designed and may cause stalling after start-up or misfiring. These conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occur, change the fuel brand used. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above has made the light turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle. The dealer has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that might have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
Depending on where you live, your vehicle may be required to participate in an emission control system inspection and maintenance program. For the inspection, the emission system test equipment will
likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The malfunction indicator lamp is on while the vehicle is in ON/ RUN, or if the vehicle is placed in Service Only Mode and the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on. See your dealer for assistance in verifying the proper operation of the malfunctioning indicator lamp.
- The OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. If this were to occur, then the vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down.
The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical emission control systems during normal driving. This can take several days of driving. If this has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of an OBD II system readiness, your dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is not working, the remaining circuit can still work to stop the vehicle. For normal braking performance, both circuits need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on, there is a base brake problem
Warning
The brake system might not be working properly if the brake system warning light is on. Driving with the brake system warning light on can lead to a crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has been pulled off the road and carefully stopped, have the vehicle towed for service.
Electric Parking Brake Light
This light comes on when the parking brake is applied. If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving,
there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system or another system. A message may also be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
If this light comes on and stays on, there is a problem with the system on the vehicle that is causing the parking brake system to work at a reduced level. The vehicle can still be driven but should be taken to a dealer as soon as possible. See the Electric Parking Brake on
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off.
If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the vehicle. Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on or comes on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light comes on steady.
If the ABS light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but the antilock brakes are not functioning.
If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights are on, the vehicle’s antilock brakes are not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
This light comes on green when the system is on and ready to operate. When the system determines that the vehicle is leaving its lane without using the turn signal in that direction, this light will change to amber and flash.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this light displays a green when a vehicle is detected ahead.
This light will display amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light is in the display area and it may not come on when the ignition is turned on.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF light come on when StabiliTrak is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on when The StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. If the StabiliTrak and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak systems and the warning light turns off.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak system have been disabled. A DIC the message may display. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) are no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service.
If the indicator/warning light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
On some vehicles, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when starting the vehicle.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature warning light indicates that the vehicle has overheated. Driving with this light on can damage the engine and it may not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on when the engine has overheated.
If this happens pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tyre pressures and the TPMS. When the Light Is On Steady This indicates that one or more of the tyres are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tyre pressure message may also be displayed. See Tire Messages. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tyres to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil level is within the operating range and the oil pressure is still low, have the vehicle serviced. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
On some vehicles, the immobilizer light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when the engine is started.
If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system
Vehicle Ready Light
The vehicle ready light comes on whenever the vehicle is ready to be driven.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
IntelliBeam® Light
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active.
Adaptive Cruise Control Light
This light is white when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC, if equipped) is on and ready, and turns green when the ACC is set and active.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched.
FAQs
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Check Engine” light indicates a possible problem with the engine or one of its linked systems.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Battery Warning” light may indicate that there is an issue with the battery charging system. This could be anything from a dead battery to problems with the alternator or other associated parts.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Oil Pressure Low” warning light shows that there is not enough oil pressure in the engine. If this is not fixed right away, it could cause major engine damage. When you safely stop the car, check the oil level.
When operating your 2014 Cadillac ELR, if the “Brake System Warning” light appears, there may be a braking system issue. Brake pad wear, insufficient brake fluid, or a more serious problem could be the cause of this. For safety reasons, it’s imperative to have the brakes examined right away.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Tire Pressure Low” warning light suggests that one or more of your tires are underinflated. Using a gauge, check the tyre pressures and make sure they are inflated to the proper levels. Should the light continue, there can be a leak or another problem that needs to be fixed.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Airbag Warning” light remaining suggests that there might be an issue with the airbag system. This might make the airbags less effective in the case of an accident.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “ABS Warning” light shows that there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system. To guarantee the best possible braking performance, it is advised to have the ABS checked and fixed, even though the fundamental brake functions should still be effective.
If the 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Coolant Temperature High” warning light activates, it indicates that the engine is operating hotter than usual. Check the coolant level, let the engine cool down, then carefully stop the vehicle. If the light continues, there might be a more significant problem that needs to be looked at by a specialist. If not, refill as needed
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s power steering system is having issues, as indicated by the “Power Steering Warning” light. Even while the car could still be able to be manually steered, it’s best to drive carefully and get the system checked out as a way to prevent any steering issues.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s flashing “Stability Control/Traction Control” light means that the system is actively attempting to preserve traction and stability. This is typical when driving on certain types of roads, such as slick ones.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Fuel Cap Loose” warning light suggests that the fuel cap might not be tightened all the way. When the fuel cap clicks, carefully pull over, inspect it, and tighten it. If the light stays on, there might be an issue that needs to be looked at with the fuel system or the cap.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Security Indicator Light” shows you how well the security system is working. After starting the automobile, if it blinks or remains on all the time, there can be a system issue.
A cruise control system malfunction may be the cause of your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Cruise Control” light not turning on.
When your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Lane Departure Warning” light flashes, it means that the car is potentially detecting lane departure without using a turn signal. It serves as a reminder to pay attention to your driving style and the road ahead, even though it’s not necessarily a reason for alarm.
Your 2014 Cadillac ELR’s “Service Vehicle Soon” light warns you of a possible problem with several systems that might not be life-threatening but still need to be attended to.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2014 Cadillac ELR Owner’s Manual|Auto User Guide
Instrument Cluster: 2014 Cadillac ELR Dashboard Guide
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