Warning Lights Guide: Cadillac CTS 2014 Dashboard Indicators
Welcome to our in-depth guide on warning lights for the Cadillac CTS 2014 dashboard. Here, we’ll help you understand the mysterious language of indicator lights so you can drive more safely and smoothly. It can be intimidating to navigate the complex warning signal system in your car, but this guide aims to make the dashboard easier to understand so you can recognize the importance of each signal. These warning lights function as conversation starters within the complex dashboard design of your Cadillac CTS, informing you of possible problems and guaranteeing peak performance. Come along on this educational journey as we explain the significance of each indicator, giving you the essential knowledge required to interpret your car’s signals and drive safely.
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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.
Passenger Sensing System for important safety information. The
instrument panel has a passenger airbag status indicator.
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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. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let Do you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal 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 is allowed to 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 front outboard 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 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 or is flashing, the Driver Information
The Center (DIC) also displays a message.
See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
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.
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 there is an OBD II 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.
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 this system 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.
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:
- Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank. 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.
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 on with the engine running, or if the vehicle is placed in Service 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.
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.
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.
brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system.
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB), this parking
brake warning light should come on briefly when 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
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.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see Driver Information Center (DIC) 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 best fuel economy.
See Manual Transmission 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 or Manual Transmission 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 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.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
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
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.
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 tyre pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tyres are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tyre pressure message may also be displayed.
Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tyres 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.
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 arming and one or more of the monitored entry points is 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 Vehicle Alarm System
High-Beam On Light
The high‐beam on light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer 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
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on whenever the parking lamps are on.
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 for more information.
FAQs
The Anti lock Braking System (ABS) warning light on your 2014 Cadillac CTS suggests that there may be a problem with the brakes.
A problem with the charging system is indicated by the red battery warning light. To make sure everything is working properly, check the alternator, battery, and other connected parts.
When your tire pressure is too low, the TPMS warning light helps you stay safe and perform at your best by alerting you.
The general warning light, represented by the yellow exclamation point, indicates a general problem that needs to be addressed. It is imperative to look into the precise cause.
Low oil pressure could cause engine damage, as indicated by the red oil pressure warning light. Check the oil level as soon as you stop the car.
A problem with the anti theft system is indicated by the green car with the key symbol on it. Check that you are using the right key, then attempt to start the car again.
The Cadillac CTS 2014’s adaptive cruise control system is indicated by the green “A” light.
The engine is overheating, as indicated by the red temperature warning light. Before looking any deeper, stop right away, turn off the engine, and let it cool.
An issue with the airbag system is indicated by the airbag warning light. Have a qualified technician inspect and fix the system.
The car is in park when the green “P” light turns green. It’s a typical indicator when the vehicle is parked and motionless.
An issue with the electronic throttle control system is indicated by the yellow engine with the lightning bolt symbol. Seek expert assistance in order to identify and resolve the issue.
A transmission problem could be indicated by a blinking green “D” light. Arrange for a diagnostic examination to find and fix any possible transmission issues.
When a red seatbelt warning light appears, it means that one or more passengers are not buckled up. Before you drive, make sure every passenger is securely fastened.
A low fuel level is indicated by the yellow gas pump symbol. To prevent unexpected gas shortages, refuel your car as soon as possible.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: 2014 Cadillac CTS Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac XT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage (Brochure)