Instrument Cluster: 2015 Cadillac ATS Dashboard Symbols Guide
The 2015 Cadillac ATS’s instrument cluster functions as an advanced center of communication between the automobile and the driver, using a wide range of finely crafted dashboard symbols to deliver crucial details about the vehicle’s operation, security, and general condition. Every symbol is expertly designed with the intention of giving drivers clear and understandable indicators so they can maintain the highest level of awareness and control while driving. This instrument cluster epitomizes Cadillac’s commitment to fusing cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design, from traditional signs like the well-known check engine light to more subtle icons signifying enhanced safety features and maintenance reminders. These symbols are quiet but essential companions that provide a seamless driving experience that puts safety and convenience first, whether it’s a warning about low tire pressure, an impending service interval, or an alert for a possible system fault. In the always-changing world of automotive innovation, being able to decipher the meaning behind these symbols enables drivers to precisely read the information being sent by their car, strengthening the bond between humans and machines.
2023 cadillac xt6 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
Instrument Cluster
English Shown, Metric Similar
Cluster Application Displays
The cluster has three interactive display zones. Use the five-way control on the right steering wheel control to move between the different display zones and scroll through the different displays. The left and right zones display Driver Information Center (DIC) information. The centre zone displays application information for navigation, audio, phone, or settings. A speedometer can also be displayed in this centre zone.
Navigation
If there is no active route, a compass will be displayed. If there is an active route, press SEL to end route guidance or turn the voice prompts on or off.
Audio
While the Audio application page is displayed, press SEL to enter the Audio menu. In the Audio menu search for music, select from favorites, or change the audio source.
Phone
While the Phone application page is displayed, press SEL to enter the Phone menu. In the Phone menu, if there is no active phone call, view recent calls, select from favourites, or scroll through contacts. If there is an active call, mute the phone or switch to handset operation.
Settings
Press SEL while the Settings application page is displayed to enter the Settings menu.
Units: Press SEL while Units is highlighted to enter the Units menu. Choose English or metric units by pressing SEL while the desired item is highlighted. A checkmark will be displayed next to the selected item.
Info Pages: Press SEL while Info Pages are highlighted to select the items to be displayed in the DIC information displays.
Open Source Software: Press SEL while Open Source Software is highlighted to display open-source software information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle’s speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was the 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).
Caution
If the engine is operated with the rpm’s in the warning area at the high end of the tachometer, the vehicle could be damaged, and the damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with the rpm’s in the warning area.
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates how much fuel is 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 four things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:
- At the service station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
- 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 or speeding up.
- 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
Metric
English
This gauge measures the temperature of the vehicle’s engine.
While driving under normal operating conditions, if the needle moves into the shaded area, the engine is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
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 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 passengers to fasten their safety belts. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the 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), 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. 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 airbag 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 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
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.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the vehicle to ensure emissions
are at acceptable levels, helping to maintain a clean environment. The malfunction indicator lamp comes on when the vehicle is placed in ON/RUN for Key Access or Service Only Mode for Keyless Access, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while the engine is running, 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 is apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This system also assists the service 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, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with other than those of the same Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s 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 may come 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.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
- Reduce vehicle speed.
- Avoid hard accelerations.
- Avoid steep uphill grades.
- If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to stop and park the vehicle. Turn the vehicle off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. If the light is still flashing, 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:
- For vehicles without the capless fuel system, check that the fuel cap is fully installed. The diagnostic system may be able to determine if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap could allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.
- For vehicles with the capless fuel system, Make sure the capless funnel adapter is removed, if fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter. The diagnostic system may be able to detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, which could allow fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light.
- Check that good quality fuel is used. Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed and may cause stalling after start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. These conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
If this occurs, change the fuel brand used. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If the light remains on, 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 next to the steering wheel. See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The malfunctioning indicator lamp is on while the engine is running, or the malfunctioning indicator lamp is not on while the vehicle is in ON/RUN or Service Only Mode. 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 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 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.
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.
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
This light should come on briefly when starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If this light stays on, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system or another 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
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.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
If available, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle.
If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced.
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
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.
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.
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 messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service.
If the indicator/warning light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
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 a 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 Tyre 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 tires 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.
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
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.
IntelliBeam® Light
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled.
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light
This light should come on briefly as the vehicle is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. This light comes on solid when there is a problem with the AFL system. It flashes when the system is switching between lighting modes.
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 in the Driver’s Information Center (DIC) comes on when the Adaptive Cruise Control is active.
FAQs
This symbol denotes a problem or malfunction with the braking system, such as low brake fluid. This must be examined right away by a trained professional.
You are warned about an overheating engine by this light. Put the car in park and let the engine cool. When an engine overheats, it can be extremely damaging to continue driving.
This signifies low oil pressure in the engine. Stop the car right away, then check the oil level. Engine damage may result from using the engine at low oil pressure.
This light indicates that the charging system may be having issues. A malfunctioning alternator, battery, or other electrical problems could be the cause. Get a competent inspector to look it over as soon as feasible.
An issue with the electric power steering system is indicated by this symbol. It is best to have it inspected by a trained mechanic to prevent any steering problems.
This light suggests that the pressure in one or more tires is low. To guarantee safe driving, check the tire pressures and quickly inflate them to the necessary levels.
This symbol usually alerts drivers to the possibility of ice road conditions when the outside temperature is close to freezing. In these kinds of situations, drive cautiously.
The low amount of windshield washer fluid is indicated by this sign. Fill up the washer fluid reservoir to guarantee that you can see clearly while driving.
This light can be a sign of an engine or emissions system problem. To identify the precise issue, the car’s onboard diagnostics system must be scanned.
This indicator denotes a low fuel level. To prevent running out of petrol while driving, refuel as soon as feasible.
This light serves as a reminder for passengers to buckle up. Before you drive, make sure that every passenger is securely strapped.
This light suggests that there is an issue with the airbag system. Get it examined by a certified specialist to make sure it will function properly in the event of an accident.
This symbol denotes a malfunction with the immobilizer system or key recognition of the car. Try using the spare key if the car won’t start. See a professional to have it looked out if the problem continues.
This sign means that the cruise control system is engaged and configured to keep the speed constant. It usually glows green when it’s in use.
This sign denotes the need for a service. It can be a more serious problem or a notice for planned repair.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2015 Cadillac ATS Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 cadillac xt6 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review