Indicators Warning Symbols: Cadillac XT5 2021 Cluster Guide
When it comes to high-tech car building, the Cadillac XT5 2021 is the benchmark for style and innovation. Its carefully designed interior includes a cluster guide with many warning and signal lights. Each one was carefully made to give the driver important information. These symbols are like intuitive messengers that tell you about the health and operation of the car. This makes sure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience. From warnings about how well the engine is running to important system failures, the Cadillac XT5 2021’s cluster guide is an essential tool that shows the brand’s dedication to quality in both design and usefulness.
2024 Cadillac XT5 Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)
Instrument Cluster
Base Level English Shown, Metric Similar
- Tachometer
- Driver Information Center (DIC)
- Speedometer
- Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
- Fuel Gauge
Uplevel English Shown, Metric Similar
- Tachometer
- Driver Information Center (DIC)
- Speedometer
- Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
- Fuel Gauge
Cluster Menu
There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open and scroll through the different items and displays.
Press S or T to access the cluster applications. Use the thumbwheel to scroll through the list of available features within the applications. Not all applications or features will be available on all vehicles.
Speed Sign: Shows sign information, which comes from a roadway database in the onboard navigation if equipped.
- Info App. This is where the selected Driver Information Center (DIC) displays can be viewed.
- Audio
- Navigation
- Phone
- Night Vision
- Options
Audio
In the Audio menu browse for music, select from the favorites, or change the audio
source. Use y or z to change the station or go to the next or previous track.
Navigation
If there is an active route, press SEL to cancel or resume route guidance, or turn the voice prompts on or off.
Phone
In the Phone menu, if there is no active phone call, view recent calls, or scroll through contacts. If there is an active call, mute the phone or switch to handset operation.
Night Vision
If equipped, Provides an infrared night vision image of the area beyond the headlamps that highlights and provides alerts to detected pedestrians or large animals. See Night Vision System 0 237.
Options
Use y or z to scroll through items in the Options menu.
Units: Choose US or metric units by pressing SEL while the desired item is highlighted.
Info Page Options: Press SEL to select the items to be displayed in the Info app.
Display: Press SEL to enter the Display menu. Select to turn on or off the speedometer, time, fuel range, or, if equipped, compass or speed sign.
Speed Warning: The Speed Warning display allows the driver to set a warning at a speed that they do not want to exceed. To set the Speed Warning press SEL when Speed Warning is displayed. Use the y or z to adjust the value and press SEL to set the speed.
Once the speed is set, this feature can be turned off by pressing the SEL while viewing this page. If the selected speed limit is exceeded, a pop-up warning is displayed with a chime.
Head-Up Display (HUD) (Uplevel) :
If equipped, this feature allows for adjusting the angle of the HUD image and changing or turning off the Speed Limit Sign.
HUD Rotation (Uplevel):
Press SEL while Adjust Rotation is highlighted to enter Adjust Mode. Scroll to adjust the angle of the HUD display. Press the SEL to confirm and save the setting. This feature may only be available in P (Park).
Speed Sign:
If equipped, press SEL while the Speed Sign is highlighted to turn it on
or off.
Software Information:
Displays open-source software information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in either kilometres per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometres or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last reset. The trip odometer is accessed and reset through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
For vehicles with the Stop/Start system, when the ignition is on, the tachometer indicates the vehicle status. When pointing to AUTO STOP, the engine is off but the vehicle is on and can move. The engine could auto-start at any time. When the indicator points to OFF, the vehicle is off.
When the engine is on, the tachometer will indicate the rpm. The tachometer may vary by several hundred rpm, during Auto Stop mode, when the engine is shutting off and restarting.
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates the approximate amount of fuel left in the tank.
There is an arrow near the fuel gauge pointing to the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
When the indicator is empty, the low fuel light comes on. There still is a little fuel left, but the vehicle should be refueled soon.
Here are three things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:
- It takes a little more, or less fuel to fill up than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it took a little more, or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
- The gauge moves a little while turning a corner, speeding up, or braking.
- The gauge takes a few seconds to stabilize after the ignition is turned on and goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
English
Metric
This gauge measures the temperature of the vehicle’s engine. While driving under normal operating conditions, if the red LED is illuminated, the engine is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat 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 seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
The vehicle may have a front passenger seat 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 passengers to fasten their seat belts.
Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may come 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 seat belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
problem with the airbag system. It is located in the instrument cluster. 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. For more information on the airbag system.
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 0 58 for important safety information. The overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator.
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 either 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 is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF, or the off symbol, is lit on the passenger 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. See Airbag Readiness Light 0 98 for more information, including important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, 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 may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the 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. Find a safe place to stop the vehicle.
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 ignition is in Service Mode.
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, transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of replacement tires that do not meet the original tire 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. See Accessories and Modifications 0 294.
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 towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible.
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:
- If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless fuel funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank 0 243. The diagnostic system can detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light.
- 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 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).
The DLC is under the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test 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 ignition is in Service 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.
2024 Cadillac XT5 Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)
Brake System Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. 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. Have the brake system inspected right away. This light may come on if the brake fluid is low.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. If equipped with an electric brake boost, vehicle speed may be limited when the brake system warning light comes on. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
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. 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
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when the vehicle is started.
If this light stays on or comes on while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). Take the vehicle to a dealer as soon as possible. In addition to the parking brake, other safety functions that utilize the EPB may also be degraded.
A message may also be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. 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 ABS warning light stays on or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning. If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
Performance Shifting Light
If equipped, this light may display green when Sport Mode is activated and certain driving conditions are met. Sport Mode detects when the vehicle is being driven in a sporty manner, and adjusts the shifting of the gears accordingly.
All-Wheel-Drive Light
If equipped, the corresponding light comes on when an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mode or Front-Wheel-Drive mode is selected. See Driver Mode Control.
If the light turns amber, there may be a malfunction. See your dealer.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
After the vehicle is started, this light turns off and stays off if LKA has not been turned on or is unavailable. If equipped, this light is white if LKA is turned on, but not ready to assist. This light is green if LKA is turned on and is ready to assist. LKA may assist by gently turning the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected lane marking. The LKA light is amber when assisting. This light flashes amber as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed.
LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal is active in the direction of lane departure, or if LKA detects that you are accelerating, braking, or actively steering. See Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0 274.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display green when a vehicle is detected ahead and amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber when a nearby pedestrian is detected in front of the vehicle
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also turned off. To turn TCS and ESC off and on, see Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
If TCS is off, wheel slip during acceleration is not limited unless necessary to help protect the driveline from damage. 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/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.
If StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/ESC 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/ ESC system have been disabled. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may be displayed. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) are no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Uplevel Only)
This light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off.
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.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport Mode is selected.
This light comes on when Snow/Ice Mode is selected.
This light comes on when the Off-Road Mode is selected.
Tire Pressure Light
If equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the vehicle is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also be displayed. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure 0 293.
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 every time the vehicle is started. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0 296.
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
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge indicator is empty. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security 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.
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
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/ Low-Beam Changer.
IntelliBeam Light
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled. See Exterior Lamp Controls 0 117.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use, except when only the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are active.
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. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.
FAQs
The red battery light typically indicates an issue with the vehicle’s charging system. It could be due to a faulty alternator, battery, or electrical system.
This symbol usually indicates a problem with the vehicle’s traction control system or stability control system. It may come on when there’s a loss of traction or when the system detects a potential loss of vehicle control.
The blue “H” icon signifies that the vehicle’s high-beam headlights are engaged.
The red thermometer symbol typically indicates that the engine is overheating. It’s essential to pull over safely and allow the engine to cool down to prevent damage.
The yellow engine-shaped icon, also known as the check engine light, signifies a potential issue with the engine or emissions system. It’s recommended to have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible.
The green “P” indicates that the vehicle is in park mode.
The red oil can symbol typically indicates low oil pressure. It’s crucial to stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level. Continuing to drive with low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage.
The yellow gas pump icon indicates that the vehicle is low on fuel. It’s advisable to refuel as soon as possible to avoid running out of gas.
The green “D” indicates that the vehicle is in drive mode.
The red brake warning light typically indicates a problem with the braking system, such as low brake fluid or a malfunctioning brake system component. It’s essential to have the brakes inspected immediately for safety reasons.
The yellow lightbulb icon typically indicates a problem with one of the vehicle’s exterior lights, such as a headlight or taillight. Check to ensure all exterior lights are functioning correctly.
The green “N” indicates that the vehicle is in neutral.
The red seatbelt icon typically indicates that one or more occupants in the vehicle have not fastened their seatbelts. It’s crucial for safety to ensure all occupants are properly restrained before driving.
The yellow wrench symbol typically indicates a problem with the vehicle’s service system. It’s advisable to have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible to address any potential issues.
The green arrow symbol typically indicates the direction in which the turn signals are activated. It’s essential to use turn signals properly to communicate intentions to other drivers on the road.
Useful Link:
View full PDF: Cadillac XT5 2021 User Manual | Auto User Guide
2024 Cadillac XT5 Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)