Warning Indicators and Symbols: 2014 Cadillac XTS Guide
This is a thorough examination of the Warning Indicators and Symbols on the 2014 Cadillac XTS, a classy car that expertly combines performance and luxury. As we set out on this adventure, we explore the subtleties of the dashboard, where a symphony of symbols conveys important data regarding the condition and operation of your car. Knowing these warning signs is essential to maintaining the best possible performance and safety for your Cadillac XTS as well as basic automotive knowledge. With the help of this guide, you should be able to decipher the language spoken by your car’s dashboard and make confident decisions about your driving experience, from warning lights that indicate possible problems to symbols indicating advanced features.
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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 comes on to remind drivers to fasten their safety belts. 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
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 the front passenger to fasten their safety belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the 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
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. 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. 
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.
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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. 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. See Airbag Readiness including important safety information.
Charging System Light
On some vehicles, 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. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when the ignition is turned on. 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 (Check Engine Light)
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 Service Only Mode, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. 
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 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 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 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 control system malfunction:
- Make sure the capless funnel adapter is removed, if fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank. 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 should 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 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. 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 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 Only Mode and the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on. 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.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not pass or cannot be made ready for the test.
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 should come on briefly when the engine is started. 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.
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 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 
If this light comes on and stays on, there is a problem with the 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 Departure Warning (LDW) Light 
For some vehicles with the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced. For vehicles with the uplevel cluster, this light may not come on when starting the vehicle. This light is green if LDW is on and ready to operate. This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction.
Vehicle Ahead Indicator 
For vehicles with the Forward Collision Alert (FCA) system, this light displays green when a vehicle is detected ahead. This light is located in the Driver Information Center (DIC) on vehicles with a base cluster. This light will display 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. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light is in the display area and it may not come on when the ignition is turned on. 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. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light is in the display area and it may not come on when the ignition is turned on. 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.
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 DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light 
On some vehicles, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when starting the vehicle.
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.
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. 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 a 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.
Traction Off 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 
On some vehicles, the immobilizer 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. For vehicles with the reconfigurable cluster, this light may not come on when the engine is started. 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. For vehicles with a reconfigurable cluster, this light is in the display area and may not come on when the ignition is turned on. 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 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
For vehicles equipped with this light, it comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed. See Door Ajar Messages for more information.
FAQs
You can use the steering wheel controls to access the settings menu and adjust the displayed data to fit your preferences when it comes to personalizing the information on the instrument cluster of your 2014 Cadillac XTS.
You can add a personal touch to your driving experience by changing the theme or color scheme of the instrument cluster through the settings menu in the 2014 Cadillac XTS.
The 2014 Cadillac XTS’s Heads-Up Display displays crucial information on the windshield. You can customize the information displayed to your liking by utilizing the controls on the dashboard to change its settings.
To utilize the navigation system on your 2014 Cadillac XTS, go to the infotainment system via the dashboard, enter your destination, and adhere to the turn-by-turn navigation prompts displayed on the screen.
Your 2014 Cadillac XTS instrument cluster’s “Driver Assistance” setting enhances safety during your drive with features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning.
You can use Bluetooth or USB to link your smartphone to the infotainment system in your 2014 Cadillac XTS. This will allow you to use compatible features like music streaming and hands-free calling.
The 2014 Cadillac XTS’s instrument cluster’s center display screen shows data like the vehicle’s speed, navigational directions, audio settings, and different status indicators.
Use the settings menu available through the dashboard controls to change the instrument cluster display’s brightness for nighttime driving in your 2014 Cadillac XTS. This will ensure maximum visibility without producing glare.
You can navigate between various information screens on the instrument cluster of your 2014 Cadillac XTS by pressing the “Info” button on the steering wheel. These screens display real-time information about the performance and condition of the car.
Using the dedicated controls on the dashboard, you can easily access the climate control settings of your 2014 Cadillac XTS. These controls allow you to modify the temperature, fan speed, and other climate preferences.
Absolutely, you can clear or reset the notifications on the instrument cluster of your 2014 Cadillac XTS by going to the appropriate settings menu option and following the prompts on the screen.
The 2014 Cadillac XTS’s instrument cluster offers direct access to safety features like blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, and lane departure warning via the “Driver Assistance” menu
You can customize the driving experience in your 2014 Cadillac XTS by using the controls on the dashboard or steering wheel to switch between different driving modes. These modes let you adjust the ride according to your preferences or the state of the road.
You can monitor and improve your driving habits for better fuel economy by viewing real-time fuel efficiency information on the 2014 Cadillac XTS instrument cluster.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2014 Cadillac XTS Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2024 Cadillac XT5 Review, Specs, Price And Mileage (Brochure)