Warning Symbols Guide: Cadillac ATS 2018 Dashboard Features
The Cadillac ATS 2018 Dashboard Features guide is an essential tool for owners and drivers, giving full information on the warning lights that light up the dashboard of this prestigious car. This guide carefully explains the meaning of each symbol so that users can quickly figure out what’s going on and act on any possible problems or alerts. Its goal is to improve safety and understanding. This guide gives Cadillac ATS 2018 owners all the information they need to drive with trust and peace of mind, from warning lights that show when the engine isn’t working right to notifications about low tire pressure or maintenance needs. It is a great tool for both safety and efficiency on the road because it has clear instructions and pictures to help you understand.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat 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 seat 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 seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a passenger seat 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 seat 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 seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger seat 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 seat 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.
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. See Passenger Sensing System 0 77 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 symbols 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 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 Light 0 118 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. 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 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 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. See Recommended Fuel (2.0L L4 Engine) or Recommended Fuel (3.6L V6 Engine).
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 0 256. 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 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 comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. 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. 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 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 (Electric) 0 201 or Parking Brake (Manual). A message may also be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. 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 ABS warning light stays on or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning. If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.
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.
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 when the vehicle is turned on to show that the light is working. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also turned off. To turn TCS and ESC off and on, see Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
If TCS is off, wheel slip during acceleration is not limited unless necessary to help protect the driveline from damage. 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/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is turned off. If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction Control System (TCS) is also off. If StabiliTrak/ESC and TCS are off, the system does not assist in controlling the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak/ESC 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/ ESC system have been disabled. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may be displayed. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) are no longer functioning and whether the vehicle requires service. If the light is on and flashing, the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Uplevel Only)
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. See Engine Overheating 0 269.
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
If equipped with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the vehicle 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 every time the vehicle is started.
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
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge indicator is empty. 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.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use, except when only the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are active.
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.
FAQs
The exclamation mark inside a triangle typically signifies a warning, indicating an issue that requires attention, such as low tire pressure or a malfunction.
The oil can symbol indicates that there may be an issue with the engine oil level or pressure, necessitating immediate inspection to avoid potential engine damage.
The thermometer symbol typically warns of engine overheating, signaling the driver to pull over safely and allow the engine to cool down to prevent damage.
The battery symbol indicates a potential issue with the vehicle’s charging system, such as low battery voltage or a malfunctioning alternator, necessitating immediate attention to avoid a breakdown.
The steering wheel with an exclamation mark usually indicates a problem with the vehicle’s power steering system, requiring prompt inspection to ensure safe driving conditions.
The key symbol with a line through it typically indicates a problem with the vehicle’s security system, such as an issue with the key fob or the immobilizer, requiring attention to resolve potential starting issues.
The image of a person sitting with a seatbelt on serves as a reminder for occupants to fasten their seatbelts, promoting safety during vehicle operation.
The ABS symbol indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system, which could affect the vehicle’s braking performance under certain conditions, necessitating inspection and repair.
The image of a gas pump typically indicates that the vehicle’s fuel level is low, prompting the driver to refuel as soon as possible to avoid running out of fuel.
The snowflake or ice crystal symbol warns the driver of icy or freezing road conditions, advising caution while driving to prevent accidents or loss of control.
The image of a door ajar indicates that one or more of the vehicle’s doors are not fully closed, prompting the driver to secure all doors properly to prevent safety hazards while driving.
The image of a trunk or boot open indicates that the vehicle’s trunk or cargo area is not securely closed, requiring attention to prevent potential loss of cargo or safety hazards.
The image of a wrench or spanner typically indicates a maintenance reminder, signaling that scheduled maintenance or service is due according to the vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
The image of a light bulb indicates a potential issue with one of the vehicle’s exterior or interior lights, such as a burnt-out bulb or a malfunctioning light circuit, requiring inspection and repair for optimal visibility and safety.
The image of a clock or hourglass typically indicates a reminder for the driver to set or adjust the vehicle’s clock or time settings, ensuring accurate time display and convenience for the driver.
Useful Link:
View full PDF: Cadillac ATS 2018 Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac Escalade Review, Specs, Price, And Mileage (Brochure)