Warning Indicators: Cadillac ATS 2016 Dashboard Symbols
Understanding the complexities of contemporary car technology may be as difficult as decoding hieroglyphics, particularly when faced with a dashboard that seems like a constellation of warning symbols. The Cadillac ATS 2016 introduces its lexicon among these mysterious symbols, each of which acts as a sentinel to warn drivers of potential problems that may range from the little to the serious. Gaining insight from these signals, which provide drivers with an indication of the condition and capabilities of their car, is similar to learning a new language. With the help of this tutorial, we will explore the Cadillac ATS 2016’s dashboard and solve the mysteries around its warning lights, equipping drivers with the knowledge they need to drive safely and confidently.
2023 Cadillac XT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)
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 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), 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. for important safety information. 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 airbags are allowed to inflate. If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger senses the 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’s 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)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control onboard diagnostic system. If this light is on while the engine is running, a malfunction has been detected and the vehicle may require service. The light should come on to show that it is working when the ignition is in Service Only Mode. 
Malfunctions are often indicated by the system before any problem is noticeable. Being aware of the light and seeking service promptly when it comes on may prevent damage
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 to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system, or the use of replacement tyres that do not meet the original tyre specifications can cause this light to come on. This could lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This could also affect the vehicle’s ability to pass an Emissions Inspection/ Maintenance test.
If the light is flashing
A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady: A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required. Check the following
- For vehicles without the capless fuel system, a loose or missing fuel cap may cause the light to come on. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.
- For vehicles with the capless fuel system, if fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. 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 may turn off the light.
- Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If the light remains on, see your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test, the 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. Connecting devices that are not used to perform an Emissions Inspection/Maintenance test or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation See Add-On Electrical Equipment The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The light is on when the engine is running.
- The light does not come on when the ignition is in Service Only Mode.
- Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle will not be ready for inspection and might require several days of routine driving before the system is ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down, or if the vehicle has been recently serviced.
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 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 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.
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 A 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. See the information for the Electric Parking Brake under Parking Brake
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. This light may also come on when a Performance Traction Management (PTM) mode is selected. 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 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 are actively working.
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 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 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 Information Center (DIC) comes on when the Adaptive Cruise Control (if equipped) is active.
FAQs
An engine or emissions system problem is usually indicated by the “Check Engine” light. Getting a trained expert to diagnose it is crucial.
The Anti-lock Braking System is having trouble, as shown by the “ABS” light. Low braking fluid or a system malfunction could be the cause. It is advised to inspect right away.
The “Traction Control” light signifies the presence of either an active traction control system or a potential system malfunction. If it remains on, have an expert inspection.
A problem with the charging system is indicated by the battery icon. An alternator or dead battery could be the cause. It is best to get the electrical system inspected right away.
Low oil pressure is indicated by the “Oil Pressure” light. Check the oil level as soon as you stop the car. Driving with low oil pressure can seriously harm an engine.
The “Service Vehicle Soon” light points to a general problem that has to be fixed with the car. It may have anything to do with many systems, so a diagnostic scan is required.
If the engine is overheating, the “Coolant Temperature” light indicates that. After letting the car cool down, stop it and check the coolant levels. Overheating a vehicle while driving can seriously harm the engine.
A power steering system malfunction is usually indicated by a steering wheel with an exclamation point. It is advised that a technician do an immediate inspection.
A problem with the car’s security system is indicated by the key icon with a slash across it. It might have something to do with the key recognition system or ignition.
It’s time to refuel because the “Low Fuel” notification indicates that the gasoline level is low. The car can run out of fuel if this warning is ignored.
A malfunction with the airbag system is indicated by the “Airbag” light. For safety reasons, it must be inspected and repaired by a skilled expert.
A tire bearing an exclamation point denotes either low tyre pressure or a malfunctioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Inflate your tires to the required amounts after checking their pressure.
The warning light labeled “Brake System” indicates that there may be a brake system issue. It can be a sign of worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or a more serious problem. An inspection must be done right away.
The “Lane Departure Warning” light shows that either the system is malfunctioning or that the lane departure warning is activated. Check to see whether it stays on.
An automobile with a lock icon on it indicates that there might be a problem with the security system. It might have something to do with the door locking mechanism or anti-theft system. It is recommended to have a technician inspect.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2016 Cadillac ATS Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac XT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)