WHAT ALL THE SYMBOLS ON YOUR CAR'S DASHBOARD MEAN

Cadillac Dashboard Symbols & Meanings: Diagnostic Guide

Cadillac dashboard symbols are color-coded by urgency: Red symbols indicate a critical system failure, Amber/Yellow symbols represent a cautionary warning, and Green/Blue symbols indicate active driver assistance features like Super Cruiseâ„¢ or Adaptive Cruise Control.

If your Cadillac is displaying a persistent warning light in the Phoenix Valley heat, it is vital to have the code scanned by a factory-trained technician to prevent long-term damage.


Urgency: Critical

Oil Pressure Warning

Cadillac Oil Pressure Symbol

What it means: Your Cadillac engine has lost oil pressure. This could be due to a leak, low oil levels, or a pump failure.

Can I drive?:NO. Pull over and turn off the engine immediately. Continuing to drive will cause permanent engine failure.

Urgency: Critical

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning

Cadillac Overheating Symbol

What it means: Your engine is overheating. Driving while this light is on can warp the engine block.

The Phoenix Factor: Arizona summers put extreme stress on Cadillac cooling systems. If this light stays on while driving on the I-10 or 101, pull over immediately.
Urgency: Critical

Braking System Warning

Cadillac Brake/ABS Symbol

What it means: A fault has been detected in the hydraulic brakes or the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Can I drive?: Use extreme caution. Your stopping distance may be significantly increased. Have the system inspected immediately.

Urgency: Safety Reminder

Seat Belt Reminder

Cadillac Seatbelt Reminder

This symbol, often accompanied by a chime, indicates that the driver or front passenger has not buckled their seat belt.

Urgency: Advisory

Check Engine Light (OBD II)

Cadillac Check Engine

What it means: The onboard computer has detected a problem with emissions, fuel, or ignition.

Can I drive?:
• Steady Light: Yes, but schedule a diagnostic soon.
• Flashing Light:NO. This indicates a severe engine misfire that can destroy your catalytic converter.

Urgency: Advisory

TPMS: Tire Pressure Warning

Cadillac TPMS Light

One or more tires are under-inflated. Refer to the PSI levels on your driver-side door jamb. In Phoenix, dramatic temperature changes can cause these lights to trigger as the air expands or contracts.

Urgency: Advisory

Traction Control System (TCS)

Cadillac Traction Control

This light flashes when the system is actively limiting wheelspin. If it remains steady, the system has a fault. Be cautious in rain or on loose gravel around the Valley trails.

Urgency: Driver Assist Alert

Forward Collision Indicator

Cadillac Forward Collision

This light turns Green when a vehicle is detected ahead and Amber if you are following too closely for current speeds.

System: Active Feature

Adaptive Cruise Control

Cadillac Cruise Control

Indicates that the system is functioning. Your Cadillac will automatically maintain a safe gap from the car ahead based on the interval you've selected.

System: Active Feature

Lane Departure / Keep Assist

Cadillac Lane Keep Assist

This turns Green when the system is tracking lane markings and Amber if your vehicle begins to drift without a turn signal active.

Professional Cadillac Diagnostics in Phoenix, AZ

If your dashboard is glowing, don't leave your safety to chance. Our Cadillac-Certified Technicians use the latest factory tools to identify fault codes and keep your Cadillac performing at its peak.

Schedule My Diagnostic Now