Instrument Cluster: 2018 Cadillac CTS Display Guide
In the 2018 Cadillac CTS, the Instrument Cluster is where all the important information and controls are located. This high-tech screen is right in front of the driver and gives them a full picture of the car’s performance, safety features, and directions. The Instrument Cluster is designed to be sleek and easy to use. It displays important information like speed, fuel level, and engine diagnostics, giving drivers real-time changes at a glance. Modern technologies also make driving better by letting you change settings and receive alerts, which gives you peace of mind and ease on the road. Whether you’re driving in the city or on a long trip, the 2018 Cadillac CTS’s Instrument Cluster sets a new standard for car instruments by combining usefulness with style to make the driving experience unmatched.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)
Instrument Cluster
English Base Cluster with Auto Stop Shown, V-Series, V-Sport, and Metric Similar
English Uplevel Balanced Cluster Shown, V-Series, V-Sport, and Metric Similar
Reconfigurable Instrument Cluster
The uplevel cluster display layout can be changed.
The Balanced configuration has three interactive display zones: one in the center of each of the gauges.
The Enhanced configuration has three interactive display zones.
The Performance configuration has two interactive display zones.
Use the five-way control on the right side of the steering wheel to move between the different display zones and scroll through the different displays.
To change the cluster configuration:
- Find the Options page in one of the interactive display zones on the cluster.
- Press SEL to enter the Options menu.
- Scroll down to highlight Display Layout. Then press SEL to select it.
- Each layout in the menu is represented by a small preview image of the display layout. Scroll up or down and highlight the selection. Press SEL to select the desired cluster configuration.
- Exit the Display Layout menu by pressing S.
Cluster Application Displays
The cluster can display information regarding Navigation, Audio, and Phone. On the base cluster, a speedometer can also be displayed in the center 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 favorites, or scroll through contacts. If there is an active call, mute the phone or switch to handset operation.
Cluster Options Menu
To enter the cluster Options menu:
- Use the five-way control on the right side of the steering wheel to find the Options page in one of the interactive display zones on the cluster.
- Press SEL on the center of the five-way control to enter the Options menu.
Units: Press SEL while Units is highlighted to enter the Unit 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 info displays. See Driver Information Center (DIC).
Display Layout: Press SEL while Display Layout is highlighted to change the configuration of the uplevel cluster. See “Reconfigurable Instrument Cluster” earlier in this section.
Head-up Display (HUD) Rotation: This feature allows for adjusting the angle of the HUD image. Press SEL on the steering wheel controls while the Head-up Display Rotation is highlighted to enter Adjust Mode. Press y or z to adjust the angle of the HUD display. Press S or T to highlight OK, then press SEL to save the setting. Cancel can also be selected to cancel the setting. The vehicle must be in P (Park).
Fav Button Options: Press SEL while Fav Button Options is highlighted to select between FAV Primary and SEEK Primary. This selection allows for the configuration of the C and B steering wheel controls. When FAV Primary is selected, pressing C and B will go to the next or previous favorite, and pressing and holding C and B will seek. When SEEK Primary is selected, pressing C and B will seek, and pressing and holding C and B will go to the next or previous favorite.
Open Source Software: Press SEL while Open Source Software is highlighted to display open source software information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle 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 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). On the base cluster, if the vehicle has 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 engine’s revolutions per minute (rpm). The tachometer may vary by several hundred rpm, during Auto Stop mode, when the engine is shutting off and restarting.
A slight bump may be felt when the transmission is determining the most fuel-efficient operating range.
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.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)
Fuel Gauge
Base Level
Uplevel Balanced Configuration
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.
Boost Gauge (Performance Configuration Only)
Metric 6.2 Engine (LT4) Shown, 3.6L Engine (LF3) Similar
English 6.2 Engine (LT4) Shown, 3.6L Engine (LF3) Similar
This gauge indicates a boost under heavier throttle. It displays the air pressure level in the intake manifold before it enters the engine’s combustion chamber.
The gauge is automatically centered at zero every time the engine is started. The actual boost is displayed from this zero point. Changes in ambient pressure, such as driving in mountains and changing weather, will slightly change the zero reading.
Engine Oil Temperature Gauge (Performance Configuration Only)
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine oil temperature. If the gauge pointer moves into the high end, it means that the engine oil has overheated. If the vehicle has been operated under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Metric Base Level
English Base Level
Metric Uplevel Balanced Configuration
English Uplevel Balanced Configuration
This gauge measures the temperature of the vehicle’s engine. While driving under normal operating conditions, if the needle moves into the red area, the engine is too hot. Pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
FAQs
The 2018 Cadillac CTS typically comes equipped with a digital instrument cluster featuring a high-resolution display.
The instrument cluster displays vital vehicle information such as speed, RPM, fuel level, engine temperature, and various vehicle settings.
Yes, the display settings can usually be customized to some extent, allowing drivers to adjust the layout and content of the information displayed.
Depending on the trim level and options, the instrument cluster may display turn-by-turn navigation instructions and other pertinent navigation information.
Typically, drivers can navigate through the menu options using buttons or controls located on the steering wheel or dashboard.
Yes, drivers can usually configure the instrument cluster to display their preferred information and settings.
Yes, the instrument cluster often includes diagnostic features that can display real-time information about the vehicle’s status, such as tire pressure, oil level, and more.
Warning messages may include alerts for low fuel, low tire pressure, engine issues, and other potential problems with the vehicle.
Yes, drivers can typically adjust the brightness of the instrument cluster display to suit their preferences and driving conditions.
Yes, the instrument cluster often integrates with various vehicle systems to provide seamless functionality and information to the driver.
Yes, many models feature a night mode that adjusts the brightness and color scheme of the instrument cluster for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
In some configurations, the instrument cluster may display multimedia information such as audio track details, incoming calls, and more.
The instrument cluster enhances driver convenience by providing easy access to critical vehicle information and settings without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road.
Yes, the high-resolution display and customizable settings typically ensure that the instrument cluster remains easy to read in different lighting conditions.
While it’s possible to find aftermarket options for instrument cluster upgrades, they may not integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s systems and could void warranties, so caution is advised.
Useful Link:
View full PDF: 2018 Cadillac CTS Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac Escalade Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)
2018 Cadillac CTS Dashboard Indicators | Warning Lights Guide