Auto User Guide

Dashboard Warning Lights: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Guide

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Dashboard Warning Lights: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Guide

Welcome to the 2016 Cadillac Escalade, the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication in cars, where unmatched design and state-of-the-art technology come together. The commanding presence and unwavering commitment of this iconic SUV to providing an unmatched driving experience captivate you as you set out on a journey through its opulent landscape. But beneath all of the luxury, there is a chorus of warning tones in the form of Dashboard Warning Lights, those silent guardians that keep an eye on the car’s vital indicators. To give every Escalade enthusiast the knowledge they need to confidently navigate the roads and seamlessly blend performance and safety in the pursuit of automotive excellence, we are unraveling the intricate dance of these luminous heralds and deciphering the subtle language they speak. So fasten your seatbelts and join us as we explore the interior of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade, where sophistication blends with intelligence and the dashboard transforms into a canvas of warnings and direction.

2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque

Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument cluster

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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

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When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their safety belts. Then 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 reminder 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 reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the safety belt.

Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.

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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.  The passenger airbag status indicator is in the overhead console.

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Canada and Mexico

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.

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 sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal 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 

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The charging system light comes on briefly when the vehicle is in ON/ RUN, as a check to show the light is working.

It should go out when the engine is started.

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.

When this light comes on or is flashing, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message.

If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)

This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control onboard diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the vehicle is in Service Only Mode.

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Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable. Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage.

Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually with this light on, the emission control system may not work as well, the fuel economy may be lower, and the vehicle may not run smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.

Caution
Modifications to the engine, electric drive unit, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tyres that do not meet the original tyre specifications can cause this light to come on. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions Inspection Maintenance test.

If the light is flashing: A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required.

To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades.

If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.

If the light is on steady: A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required.
Check the following:

  • A loose or missing fuel cap may cause the light to come on. See  Filling the Tank. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.
  • Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at At least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.

If the light remains on, see your dealer.

Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test, the test equipment will likely connect to the vehicle’s Data Link Connector (DLC).

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The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform Emissions Inspection/Maintenance tests or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation  See your dealer if assistance is needed.

The vehicle may not pass inspection if:

  • The light is on when the engine is running.
  • The light does not come on when the vehicle is in Service Only Mode.
  • Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle will not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced.

See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass or cannot be made ready for the test.

Brake System Warning Light

The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one of the circuits 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.

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This light should come on briefly when the engine is started. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.

If the light comes on and stays on, there is a 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

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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

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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.

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

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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 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 light are on, the vehicle’s antilock brakes are not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.

Tow/Haul Mode Light

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For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light

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This light is green if LKA is available to assist. LKA may assist by gently turning the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected lane marking without using the turn signal in that direction. The LKA light will turn amber. This light is amber and flashes as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

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This indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.

Traction Off Light

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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

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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 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

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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) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service.

If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

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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

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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. 

Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tyres to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.

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.

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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

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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

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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.

High-Beam On Light

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This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.

IntelliBeam® Light

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This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled.

Lamps On Reminder

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This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use.

Cruise Control Light

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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

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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

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This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched

FAQs

How do I adjust the brightness of the display in my 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

Find the brightness control button on the dashboard of your 2016 Cadillac Escalade to change the brightness of the display. Usually, it has an icon of the sun on it. To adjust brightness, turn the knob or press the button.

How can I pair my smartphone with the Bluetooth system in the 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

Make sure your car’s Bluetooth is on before attempting to pair your smartphone with the 2016 Cadillac Escalade’s Bluetooth system. Next, open your smartphone’s Bluetooth menu, choose your Cadillac Escalade, and adhere to the on-screen instructions to finish pairing.

What does the “Service Vehicle Soon” light on the dashboard of my 2016 Cadillac Escalade indicate?

Usually, the “Service Vehicle Soon” light on your 2016 Cadillac Escalade denotes a non-critical problem.

Where can I find information about the fuel efficiency of my 2016 Cadillac Escalade on the dashboard?

The driver information center on the dashboard is typically where you can find the fuel efficiency data for your 2016 Cadillac Escalade. To find information about fuel consumption, navigate through the menu options.

How do I set up and use the navigation system in the 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

Press the NAV button located on the center console to activate and set up your 2016 Cadillac Escalade’s navigation system. Turn-by-turn guidance is available by following the on screen instructions after you enter your destination using the touchscreen or voice commands.

Can I customize the information displayed on the driver information center of my 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

It is possible to personalize the data that appears on the driver information center. To access the customization menu and select which data, like tire pressure or trip information, to display, use the controls on the steering wheel.

What is the procedure for calibrating the sensors in the lane departure warning system of a 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

The 2016 Cadillac Escalade’s lane departure warning system sensors are normally calibrated automatically. 

How do I engage the parking assist feature in my 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

You must select the parking assist option from the dashboard’s settings menu. When activated, the system will help you park by warning you ahead of obstacles both visually and audibly.

What type of oil is recommended for the engine of a 2016 Cadillac Escalade, and how can I check the oil level on the dashboard?

Use the oil level indicator, usually found in the driver information center, to check the oil level on the dashboard. To get precise information about the oil level, follow the instructions.

How do I reset the trip odometer in my 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

Find the trip odometer button on the dashboard and press it to reset the trip odometer until the desired trip meter appears. To reset the trip odometer to zero, depress the button.

What safety features are available in the 2016 Cadillac Escalade, and how can I access information about them on the dashboard?

Access to safety features like lane departure warnings and collision alerts is available via the dashboard’s driver information center. 

Is there a way to customize the display theme or wallpaper on the infotainment system of the 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

Indeed, a lot of infotainment systems let you change the wallpaper or display theme. Navigate to the infotainment screen’s settings menu to find options for customizing the display to your tastes.

How do I troubleshoot issues with the touchscreen display in my 2016 Cadillac Escalade?

Try restarting the car after turning it off to reset the system if you’re having problems with the touchscreen.

View Full PDF: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide

2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque

Dashboard Instructions: 2016 Cadillac Escalade Guide