Warning Indicators: Cadillac ELR 2016 Dashboard Symbols
It’s important to become acquainted with the multitude of warning indications that grace the dashboard of your 2016 Cadillac ELR as you set out on your journey. These indicators act as quiet watchdogs over the condition and performance of your car. These well-thought-out symbols protect you from possible dangers while providing information about many facets of the health and performance of your vehicle. Every symbol conveys a unique message, emphasizing attention to detail and timely action when required, ranging from alerts for serious failures to reminders of routine maintenance duties. Comprehending these symbols is not limited to reading obscure iconography; it also involves developing a mutually beneficial relationship with your vehicle, guaranteeing seamless rides and secure journeys for an extended period. To give you the confidence and peace of mind to drive the 2016 Cadillac ELR, let’s dive into this thorough guide and solve the mysteries behind the dashboard symbols.
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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 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 for several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the the vehicle is moving. If the driver safety belt is already 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 may continue 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.
Second Row Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Second-row seating positions monitored for safety belt use are represented by a colored symbol indicating safety belt status. When the vehicle is started, two safety belt symbols come on in the instrument cluster and stay on for several seconds to alert the driver that passengers may need to fasten their safety belts. After the passenger safety belt is buckled, the corresponding safety belt the symbol in the instrument cluster turns green. If a safety belt is not initially buckled, the instrument in the cluster displays a grey safety belt symbol. While the vehicle is moving if a second-row passenger who was previously buckled becomes unbuckled, the corresponding safety belt symbol will change to a flashing red and a chime may sound.
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.
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 (12-Volt Battery)
The charging system light comes on briefly when the vehicle is in ON/ RUN, as a check to show the light is working.
If the light stays on or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the 12-volt battery.
If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio.
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 vehicle 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, electric drive unit, 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 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:
- A loose or missing fuel cap may cause the light to come on. See Filling the Tank 0 231. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed may turn the light off.
- 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 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 Emissions Inspection/Maintenance tests or to service the vehicle may affect vehicle operation See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
- The light is on when the engine is running.
- The light does not come on when the vehicle 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 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
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
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. 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.
This light comes on when the StabiliTrak system is turned off. If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off.
If 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 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 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
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.
Vehicle Ready Light
The vehicle ready light comes on whenever the vehicle is ready to be driven.
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.
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
This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched
FAQs
This warning light usually denotes a problem with the braking system of your car. A problem with the braking system or low brake fluid could be the cause. It is advised that a competent specialist inspect the area right away.
The engine-shaped light, sometimes referred to as the check engine light, signals an issue with the emission control system or engine. It can be a more significant problem or something as simple as a loose gas cap. It is recommended that you get a professional diagnosis for your car as soon as possible.
Your engine is likely overheating if the thermometer symbol appears. As soon as possible, stop your car, let it cool down, and check the coolant levels. If you drive the engine overheated, serious damage could result.
Low oil pressure or low oil level in the engine is indicated by the oil can symbol. You must stop the car, check the oil level, and add more if needed. Engine damage may result from using the engine at low oil pressure.
Generally speaking, the battery icon denotes a charging system issue. It can indicate loose connections, a malfunctioning alternator, or a failed battery. As quickly as possible, have the electrical system of your car checked out.
Usually, this warning light denotes a power steering system issue. Low power steering fluid or a system fault could be the cause. Get an expert to check it to prevent any steering problems.
Low tyre pressure is indicated by this symbol. As soon as you can, check the pressure in your tyres and inflate them to the proper levels. Low tyre pressure when driving can impair handling and raise the possibility of a blowout.
Typically, this symbol denotes a problem with the car’s security system. Either the immobilizer system or the key fob could be malfunctioning. Get a professional inspection to make sure the car is operating correctly.
The anti-lock braking system is having trouble, as shown by the ABS light. It can be low brake fluid or a system problem. Get a certified mechanic to check it and make sure your brakes are working correctly.
This icon serves as a reminder to buckle up. Before you drive, make sure every person in the car is buckled up.
This symbol means that the security system of the car is activated. It serves as a visual cue to secure your car before leaving it alone.
This symbol denotes a problem with either the headlight or taillight or with one of the external lights. Examine your lights, and replace any broken bulbs as soon as you can.
This symbol suggests that there may be an issue with the washer fluid level or windshield wipers. Examine your washer fluid reservoir and wiper blades, then top it off as necessary.
A low fuel level is indicated by this symbol. To prevent running out of gas, fill up your car as soon as you can.
This symbol denotes a temperature that is either below or close to freezing outside. This serves as a reminder to travel carefully because the roads may be slick or snowy.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2016 Cadillac ELR Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac XT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)