Warning Indicators and Symbols: 2013 Cadillac CTS Guide
The 2013 Cadillac CTS has several warning lights and icons that are meant to make the driver more aware and safe. These symbols are very important for letting drivers know when different systems are turned on or when there might be a problem with the car. Each light has a specific job to do, like the Intellibeam lights that switch between high and low beams based on traffic or the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) light that lets you know if your brakes might be broken. Cadillac CTS drivers need to know what these symbols mean so they can act quickly when needed and keep the car running at its best. Additionally, using tools such as an OBD-II reader can help figure out and fix any underlying problems that are causing these warning lights.
2023 Cadillac CT-4 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
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 several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a passenger safety belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 3‑26.
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 warning 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 warning 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. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on page 3‑20.
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. See Airbag System Messages on page 5‑42.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 3‑26 for important safety information. The instrument panel has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light the words ON and OFF, or the symbols for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. If the vehicle has a remote start, and it is being used to start the vehicle from a distance, you may not see the 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 right front passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the outboard front passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may 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 outboard front 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 on pages 5‑17 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.
The light turns off when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
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, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on pages 5‑31.
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, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) on page 9‑15 or Ignition Positions (Key Access) on pages 9‑17 for more information.
This light should come on when the ignition is on, 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. 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.
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, 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:
- Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank on pages 9‑49. 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 may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
See Recommended Fuel on page 9‑47.
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
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 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
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, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briefly when the ignition is placed in ON/ RUN. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light also comes on when the parking brake is set. The light flashes or stays on if the parking brake is not fully released. If the light stays on after the parking brake is fully released, 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.
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB), this red brake status 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.
If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer.
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB), this parking brake warning light should come on briefly when the ignition is placed in ON/ RUN. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If this parking brake light comes on, there is a problem with a 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.
See Brake Assist (Except CTS-V) on page 9‑35 for more information.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
The Antilock Brake System (ABS), 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 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. A chime may also sound when the light comes on steady. If this happens, 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 5‑22.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5‑27 for all brake-related DIC messages.
Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an up-shift light. It indicates when to shift to the next higher gear for the best fuel economy.
See Manual Transmission on pages 9‑29 for more information. For the CTS-V, the tracer lights function as a performance up-shift light.
The tracers flash to indicate when to shift to the next higher gear to avoid the engine speed limit. See Automatic Transmission on pages 9‑25 or Manual Transmission on page 9‑29 for more information.
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 TCS is off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak systems and the warning light turns off.
See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 9‑35 and StabiliTrak® System on page 9‑36.
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
The StabiliTrak or Traction Control System (TCS) indicator/warning 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 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 indicator/warning light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working.
See StabiliTrak® System on page 9‑36 and Traction Control System (TCS) on page 9‑35.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on briefly when the vehicle 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 light comes on and stays on while driving, the vehicle may have a problem with the cooling system. Stop and turn off the vehicle to avoid damage to the engine.
A warning chime sounds when this light is on.
See Engine Overheating on pages 10‑21 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 5‑43. 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 10‑66.
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 MonitorOperation on page 10‑69.
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.
The oil pressure 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.
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 armed and all entry points are closed.
For information regarding this light and the vehicle’s security system, see Vehicle Alarm System on pages 2‑22.
High-Beam On Light
The high‐beam light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 6‑2 for more information.
Front Fog Lamp Light
The 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 page 6‑5.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on whenever the parking lamps are on.
See Exterior Lamps Off Reminder on pages 6‑2 for more information.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on whenever the cruise control is active. The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off. See Cruise Control on pages 9‑39 for more information.
FAQs
The 2013 Cadillac CTS warning indicators and symbols encompass a range of alerts, including those for low tire pressure, engine issues, and vehicle stability control.
The 2013 Cadillac CTS displays a warning symbol on the dashboard to alert drivers to issues with the brake system, ensuring prompt attention and maintenance.
Yes, the 2013 Cadillac CTS features a warning indicator for low fuel levels, helping drivers avoid running out of fuel unexpectedly while on the road.
The warning indicator for the airbag system in the 2013 Cadillac CTS alerts drivers to potential malfunctions or deployment issues, prioritizing passenger safety.
The 2013 Cadillac CTS includes a warning symbol for engine temperature, indicating overheating or cooling system problems that require immediate attention to prevent engine damage.
The battery warning indicator in the 2013 Cadillac CTS alerts drivers to potential issues with the vehicle’s charging system or battery, prompting timely maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
The 2013 Cadillac CTS features a warning symbol for traction control issues, indicating situations where additional traction assistance may be needed, especially in slippery road conditions.
Yes, the 2013 Cadillac CTS includes warning indicators for various engine components such as the fuel system, emissions control, or ignition system, ensuring prompt attention to maintenance needs.
The oil pressure warning symbol in the 2013 Cadillac CTS alerts drivers to low oil pressure levels, indicating potential engine lubrication problems that require immediate attention to prevent engine damage.
The 2013 Cadillac CTS displays a warning symbol for ABS issues, indicating potential malfunctions in the anti-lock braking system that may affect vehicle stability and stopping performance.
The stability control warning symbol in the 2013 Cadillac CTS alerts drivers to issues with the vehicle’s stability control system, indicating situations where additional traction assistance may be necessary.
The 2013 Cadillac CTS displays a warning symbol for blind spot monitoring system failures, ensuring drivers are aware of any malfunctions that may affect their awareness of surrounding vehicles.
Yes, the 2013 Cadillac CTS features a warning indicator for electronic steering system issues, alerting drivers to potential malfunctions or power steering fluid problems that may affect vehicle handling.
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2023 Cadillac CT-4 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review