Warning Symbols: 2017 Cadillac Escalade Dashboard Guide
The 2017 Cadillac Escalade’s dashboard has a lot of different warning marks that let drivers know about different problems with the car. These symbols let you know visually about possible problems or important alerts that need your instant attention. There are common warning lights for low fuel, low tire pressure, engine temperature, battery charge, and seat belt prompts. The Escalade’s panel also has icons for important systems like the engine, brakes, and transmission that let drivers know if something might be wrong. Understanding these warning signs and acting on them right away is important for keeping the car running well, keeping everyone safe, and avoiding damage. Some things that can help you drive safely and without problems in the 2017 Cadillac Escalade are getting to know these symbols and reading the owner’s instructions.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque
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. See Passenger Sensing System.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their safety belt. 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. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System.
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.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
- The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See 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.
- 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 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 Light 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.
- 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 Information 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)
This light is part of the vehicle’s emission control on-board 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.
See Ignition Positions.
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 tires that do not meet the original tire 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. See Accessories and Modifications.
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:
- If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless fuel funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. 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 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.
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 ignition is in Service Only Mode.
- Critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. If this happens, the vehicle would 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.
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 ParkingBrake system or another system.
- A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See Brake System Messages.
- 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 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 as soon as possible. See Electric Parking Brake. If a message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC), see Brake System Messages.
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.
See Brake System Warning Light and Brake System Messages.
Sport Mode Light
- This light comes on when Sport mode is selected. See Magnetic Ride Control.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
- For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.
See Tow/Haul Mode.
Winter Driving Mode Light
- This light comes on when Snow/Ice mode is selected. See Magnetic Ride Control.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light
- 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.
See Lane Keep Assist (LKA).
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.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System.
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.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
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.
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 Driver Information Center (DIC) message may display. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. See Ride Control System Messages.
- If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system is actively working.
See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
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. See Engine Overheating.
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 display.
See Tire Messages. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure.
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 Monitor Operation.
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. See Immobilizer Operation.
High-Beam On Light
- This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
- See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer.
IntelliBeam® Light
- This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled. See Exterior Lamp Controls.
Lamps On Reminder
- This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use. See Exterior Lamp Controls.
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.
See Cruise Control.
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. See Adaptive Cruise Control.
Door Ajar Light
- This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched.
- Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.
See Door Ajar Messages.
FAQs
Warning symbols indicate potential issues or alerts related to various vehicle systems.
The dashboard has a variety of warning symbols, each representing different aspects of the vehicle’s status.
The check engine light is likely the most common, indicating issues with the engine or emissions system.
It is advisable to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify and address the underlying issue.
While some symbols indicate critical issues, others may signify routine maintenance or less urgent matters.
It depends on the severity of the issue; some warnings may allow you to drive to a service center, while others may require immediate attention.
The oil can symbol typically signals low oil pressure. It’s crucial to address this immediately, as low oil pressure can lead to engine damage.
Yes, there is a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) symbol that alerts you if tire pressure is too low.
The battery symbol indicates an issue with the charging system. Have the vehicle inspected promptly to avoid potential breakdowns.
Yes, an airbag symbol alerts you to potential issues with the airbag system. Immediate attention is necessary for safety reasons.
It’s not advisable. The maintenance required light signals routine service intervals. Ignoring it may lead to long-term issues and decreased performance.
The temperature warning light signals engine overheating. Pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and seek assistance.
Yes, a brake system warning light may illuminate, indicating low brake fluid or potential issues with the braking system. Have it checked promptly.
Service reminders are typically for routine maintenance while warning symbols indicate potential issues that require immediate attention.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: 2017 Cadillac Escalade | Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque