Warnings Indicators: 2011 Cadillac Escalade Cluster Guide
The instrument panel in the 2011 Cadillac Escalade is an important part that gives the driver important information. This complex cluster has a system of warning lights that are meant to let the driver know about different problems and possible dangers. These warning lights are very important for making sure the car is safe and running at its best. Drivers need to know what each warning light means so they can act quickly and correctly in any scenario. Whether they’re telling you that the gas tank is low or that the engine isn’t working right, these warning lights are very important for keeping the car safe and healthy. In this situation, looking at the specific warning lights in the 2011 Cadillac Escalade’s instrument panel reveals a wealth of data that gives drivers the power to make smart choices on the road.
2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque
Instrument Cluster
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The vehicle’s odometer works together with the Driver Information Center (DIC). The Trip odometer can be set. See “Trip Odometer” under Driver Information Center (DIC) on pages 5‑26 for more information.
To check the odometer mileage while the vehicle is not running, Press the trip stem on the instrument panel cluster.
If the vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed, the new one will be set to the correct mileage total of the old odometer.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can show how far the vehicle has been driven since the trip odometer was last set to zero.
For more information see “Trip Odometer” under Driver Information Center (DIC) on pages 5‑26.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Fuel Gauge
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge shows how much fuel the vehicle has left in the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
The gauge will first indicate empty before the vehicle is out of fuel, but the vehicle’s fuel tank should be filled soon.
Here are some situations owners may experience with the fuel gauge. None of these indicate a problem with the fuel gauge.
- At the gas station, the fuel pump shuts off before the gauge reads full.
- It takes a little more or less fuel to fill up than the fuel gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated the tank was half full, but it took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
- The gauge goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the indicator on the gauge moves towards the shaded area on the thermostat, it means that the engine coolant has overheated. If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and turn off the engine as soon as possible. See Engine Overheating on pages 10‑20.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light flashes for several seconds then comes on solid for several more.
This chime and light sequence is repeated if the driver remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
For vehicles equipped with the passenger safety belt reminder light, several seconds after the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt. The passenger safety belt light, located on the overhead console, comes on and stays on for several seconds, flashes for several more seconds, and then comes on solid for several more.
This chime and light sequence is repeated if the passenger remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning 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 warning light and or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System on pages 3‑35. The airbag readiness light comes on solid for a few seconds when the engine 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 can also come on. See Airbag System Messages on pages 5‑38 for more information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
If the vehicle has the airbag status indicator pictured in the following illustration, then the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position. The passenger airbag status indicator is on the overhead console. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 3‑44 for important safety information.
In addition, if the vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the right front passenger position, the label on the vehicle’s sun visors refers to “ADVANCED AIRBAGS.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will have the light ON and OFF, or the symbols for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. If you are using remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle from a distance, you may not see the system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light up either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the right front passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the right front passenger frontal airbag is enabled (may 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 right front 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 on pages 5‑16 for more information, including important safety information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when the ignition key is turned to START, 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. The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the charging system. A charging system message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear. See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages on pages 5‑31 for more information. This light could indicate that there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment. 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 and stays on while the engine is running, this indicates that there is an OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before any problem becomes apparent. Being aware of the light can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. This system assists the service technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice: If the vehicle is continually driven with this light on the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle fuel economy might not be as good, and the engine might not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice: Modifications made to the engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the vehicle or the replacement of the original tires with those 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 these systems 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 on page 10‑3.
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, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to 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 emissions system malfunction:
- Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank on page 9‑68. 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.
- Make sure the electrical system is not wet. The system could be wet if the vehicle was driven through a deep puddle of water. The condition is usually corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
- Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed and can 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 will require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. See Recommended Fuel on page 9‑64.
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
Some state/provincial and local governments may have programs to inspect the on-vehicle emission control equipment. For the inspection, the emission system test equipment is connected 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 light does not come on when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN while the engine is off.
- The critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. This can happen if the battery has recently been replaced or if the battery has run down. The diagnostic system evaluates 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, your dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light comes on when the parking brake is set. If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged, a chime sounds when the vehicle speed is greater than 5 km/h (3 mph).
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 and a chime sounds there could be a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected by your dealer. This light can also come on due to low brake fluid. See Brake Fluid on pages 10‑26 for more information.
This light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN. If it does not, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal could be harder to push or could go closer to the floor.
It can take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle on pages 10‑87.
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.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this light comes on briefly when the engine 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 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. 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.
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 on pages 5‑21.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see Brake System Messages on pages 5‑31 for all brake-related DIC messages. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.
For more information, see Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑43.
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light
The StabiliTrak indicator light comes on briefly when the engine 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, there might be a problem with the StabiliTrak system and the vehicle may need service. When this warning light is on, the system is off and does not limit wheel spin.
The light flashes if the system is active and is working to assist the driver with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. See StabiliTrak® System on page 9‑47 for more information.
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 tire pressure message can accompany the light. See Tire Messages on pages 5‑39 for more information. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Tire Pressure on pages 10‑52 for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is On a Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the TPMS. The light flashes for about a minute and stays on steady for the remainder of the ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on pages 10‑56 for more information.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
WARNING
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. The engine can become so hot that it catches fire. Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the maintenance schedule for changing engine oil. 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 goes off.
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 it might have some other system problem. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the hybrid supplement for more information.
Security Light
For information regarding this light and the vehicle’s security system, see the Anti-Theft Alarm System on pages 2‑13.
High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use. See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on pages 6‑6 for more information
Front Fog Lamp Light
The front 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 on pages 6‑9 for more information.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on whenever the parking lamps are on. See Exterior Lamp Controls on page 6‑1 for more information.
Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light comes on whenever the cruise control is set. The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off. See Cruise Control on pages 9‑51 for more information.
FAQs
Common warning indicators on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may include symbols for low fuel, low tire pressure, engine issues, and various system malfunctions.
The instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may display a warning light and message indicating low fuel, reminding the driver to refuel as soon as possible.
Warning indicators such as the check engine light or engine malfunction symbol on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade indicate potential issues with the engine that require attention.
The instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may display a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light and message to alert the driver about low tire pressure in one or more tires.
The battery warning light on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade indicates potential issues with the vehicle’s charging system or battery, requiring inspection and possible repair.
The instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may display a temperature warning light and message to warn drivers about an overheating engine, prompting them to pull over safely and address the issue.
Warning indicators such as the brake system warning light or ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade indicate potential issues with the brake system that require inspection and repair.
The instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may display an airbag warning light and message to indicate potential issues with the airbag system, prompting drivers to have the system inspected.
The oil pressure warning light on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade indicates low oil pressure, signaling potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
The instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may display a transmission warning light and message to indicate potential issues with the transmission, prompting drivers to have the system inspected.
The stability control warning light on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade indicates potential issues with the vehicle’s stability control system, affecting handling and traction.
The instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may display a warning light and message to indicate potential issues with the fuel system, such as fuel leaks or pressure problems, prompting drivers to have the system inspected.
The service vehicle soon light on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade indicates that routine maintenance or service is required, prompting drivers to schedule an appointment with a service center.
The instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade may display a power steering warning light and message to indicate potential issues with the power steering system, affecting steering assistance.
The traction control warning light on the instrument cluster of a 2011 Cadillac Escalade indicates potential issues with the vehicle’s traction control system, affecting stability and traction on slippery surfaces.
Useful Links
2023 Cadillac Escalade Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Torque