Like all modern vehicles, your Cadillac, no matter the model you own or are looking to purchase in the near future, features an extensive array of onboard technologies and equipment.
These modern technologies are all designed to make sure that your vehicle continues to drive perfectly, safely, and efficiently.
A myriad of sensors allied with modern automotive software technology constantly monitors the health status of your Cadillac, and any fault detected is communicated to the driver via the relevant dashboard lights.
Continue to read on as we share in some detail what all these Cadillac dashboard symbols mean.
What are Cadillac Dashboard Lights and Signals?
Dashboard lights are typically those warning lights located in the instrument cluster that are easily seen by the driver without taking away their focus from the road ahead.
These warning lights in red, yellow or orange will illuminate to alert the driver to a problem that the vehicles systems have detected.
A flashing red, yellow or orange dashboard symbol light will require the driver to immediately take action and address the fault.
The check engine light (CEL) on your Cadillacs dashboard is generally the most serious and feared warning light as it signals a serious mechanical or even safety issue. Drivers should not ignore this but rather make contact with a Cadillac dealer at the earliest opportunity and try not to drive their vehicle any further if possible to avoid serious mechanical damage.
Signal lights on your Cadillacs dashboard are typically symbol shapes in green or blue and are important to let drivers know that a system is on or operating such as the headlights or fog lights.
 |  |  |  |
Common Cadillac Dashboard Lights and Signals
Let's take a look at some of the common Cadillac dashboard symbols and signals found on your car. Here's what these lights are telling you.
Charging System Light
This red warning light symbol looks like a car battery and will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition key before starting as a check to show you it is working. Once your vehicle is running, the light should go off. If the warning light continues to stay on or illuminates while driving, it indicates a possible problem with the charging system.
Your Driver Information Center (DIC) may also communicate any issue.
Engine Coolant Warning Light
This red light in the shape of a thermometer will come on when you first turn on the ignition along with all other warning lights so that you can check the functioning of this warning light. It should then go out a few seconds later. If the light does not switch on, it's best to see your closest Cadillac dealership.
If the Cadillac dashboard symbol stays on or if the light comes on while you are driving, it indicates a possible problem with your vehicle's cooling system. It is then advisable to stop the vehicle immediately and turn off the engine to avoid possible overheating and any subsequent damage to the engine.
Your Cadillac will also sound a warning chime while the engine coolant light is on, in addition to the warning light.
Airbag Light
The airbag readiness light showing an airbag symbol will light up when you start your vehicle, and it will flash for a few seconds. The light should go out once the system is ready.
The system will check the airbag's electrical system for any possible malfunctions, including airbag sensors, seatbelt pretensioners, airbag modules, the systems wiring along with all the crash sensors and the onboard diagnostic module.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start your Cadillac or lights up when driving, your airbag system may not function properly in the event of an accident. For safety's sake, you will need to have your vehicle checked and serviced without delay.
Check Engine Light
Illuminating on startup, the orange check engine light (CEL) in the shape of a car's engine will go off after a few seconds. The CEL is part of your Cadillac's computer system called OBD-II (Onboard Diagnostics-Second Generation), which monitors the operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
The CEL will come on to indicate that there is an OBD-II problem and service is required.
Vehicle malfunctions often are indicated by the CEL system before any problem is apparent, such as a misfiring spark plug or a clogged catalytic converter. This warning can prevent further catastrophic mechanical damage to your Cadillac. The OBD system along with the CEL also functions to assist your Cadillac service technician to correctly diagnose any issues detected.
Anti Lock Braking System Warning Light
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) light, like the other warning lights, will come on briefly when starting the car and extinguish shortly thereafter. If the light does not turn on, a repair is necessary so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If your Cadillac's ABS light stays on, a quick reset is possible by turning the ignition off and then starting the engine again. In the event of the ABS light remaining lit or if it lights up while driving, your vehicle will require a repair.
Safety Belt Reminder
Looking like a seated person with a seatbelt, the orange symbol will light up and flash once the engine is started, plus a warning chime will sound for several seconds to remind passengers to fasten their safety belts, unless all occupants safety belts are already buckled.
This chime and light will continue if passengers stay unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion.
Headlamp Light
A green headlamp symbol lights up on the dashboard once the vehicle headlamps have been switched on to inform the driver that the headlamps are indeed on.
High Beam Light
The blue high beam symbol with five horizontal lines that resembles a headlight will light up on the instrument cluster to notify you that your high beam lights are active. Once the high beams have been turned off, this symbol will turn off as well.
Get Your Cadillac Serviced at Colonial Cadillac
If your Cadillac is in need of any repair or scheduled service don't hesitate to make contact with Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT. We will let you know what the Cadillac dashboard symbols mean and fix them for you.
At our service department, we prioritize Cadillac service excellence by offering a gold-standard experience through our certified skilled technicians.
