Warning Indicators: 2012 Cadillac Escalade Instrument Cluster Guide

Instrument Cluster

Speedometer

Fuel Gauge

• At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
• It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel 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 goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the indicator on the gauge moves towards the shaded area on the thermostat, it means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible. See Engine Overheating on pages 10‑19.

Safety Belt Reminders

Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light

There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument panel 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 several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light

When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind front passengers to fasten their safety belts. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
See Passenger Airbag Status Indicator on pages 5‑14.
This cycle continues 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

The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates there is an electrical problem. 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. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on pages 3‑25.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

Charging System Light

This light comes on briefly when the ignition key is turned to START, but the engine is not running, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the charging system. A charging system message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on pages 5‑29 for more information. This light could indicate that there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

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, to produce a cleaner environment. This light comes on when the vehicle is placed in ON/RUN, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See Ignition Positions on page 9‑22.

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on and stays on while the engine is running, this indicates that there is an OBD II problem and service is 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 assists the service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.

Notice: 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.

Notice: 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. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑3.

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.
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, 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 system malfunction:

• Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank on page 9‑55. 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 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 one or more of these conditions occur, change the fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. See Recommended Fuel on page 9‑52.
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

Some local governments may have programs to inspect the on-vehicle emission control equipment. For the inspection, the emission system test equipment is connected 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 with the engine running, or if the light does not come on when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN while the engine is off. 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.
  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 routine 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

With the ignition on, the brake system warning light comes on when the parking brake is set. If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged, a chime sounds when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 km/h (3 mph).

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 and a chime sounds there could be a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected by your dealer.
This light can also come on due to low brake fluid. See Brake Fluid on pages 10‑25 for more information.

This light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN. If it does not, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal could be harder to push or could go closer to the floor. It can take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle on pages 10‑93.

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.

Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light

For vehicles with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light then goes off. 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 the ignition off. 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. If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See Brake System Warning Light on pages 5‑19.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see Brake System Messages on pages 5‑29 for all brake‐related DIC messages. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

Tow/Haul Mode Light

For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated. For more information, see Tow/Haul Mode on pages 9‑33.

StabiliTrak® 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 goes off. Press and release the Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak button to turn off TCS, and a message displays in the DIC.
Press and briefly hold the TCS/StabiliTrak button to turn off the StabiliTrak system; the StabiliTrak Off light comes on and a message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

If the StabiliTrak/TCS system is off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the StabiliTrak/TCS system and the indicator light turns off. See StabiliTrak® System on pages 9‑37, and Ride Control System Messages on pages 5‑34 for more information.

Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light

The TCS/StabiliTrak light comes on briefly when the engine is started. If the light does not come on or stays on, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off.
If the light comes on and stays on while driving, and a message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC), have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. See Ride Control System Messages on pages 5‑34 for more information. If the light flashes while driving, this means that StabiliTrak or TCS is assisting in controlling the vehicle. See StabiliTrak® System on page 9‑37 for more information.

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 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. See Tire Messages on page 5‑36. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure on page 10‑52.

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. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 10‑55.

Engine Oil Pressure Light

Notice: 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 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 goes off.

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 it might have some other system problem. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.

Security Light

The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.

This light is also used to indicate the status of the anti-theft alarm system when the ignition is turned off. The light will flash rapidly if the alarm system is armed and one or more of the monitored entry points are not closed. The light will stay on if the alarm is arming and all entry points are closed.
For information regarding this light and the vehicle’s security system, see Anti-theft Alarm System on pages 2‑13.

High-Beam On Light

This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on pages 6‑5 for more information.

Front Fog Lamp Light

The front fog lamp light comes on when the fog lamps are in use. The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off. See Fog Lamps on pages 6‑8 for more information.

Lamps On Reminder

This light comes on whenever the parking lamps are on. See Exterior Lamp Controls on page 6‑1 for more information.

Cruise Control Light

The cruise control light comes on whenever the cruise control is set. The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off. See Cruise Control on pages 9‑41 for more information.