Cadillac Dashboard lights, symbols, and meanings
At Coulter Tempe Cadillac in Tempe, AZ, we make owning and maintaining a Cadillac simple and stress-free. Our factory-trained sales, finance, and service teams work together to ensure every customer understands their vehicle and feels confident behind the wheel.
That commitment includes helping Cadillac owners recognize and understand dashboard warning lights. From fuel and engine alerts to safety-related symbols, knowing what these lights mean—and when to take action—can help prevent costly repairs and protect your vehicle.
If you’ve recently purchased a Cadillac or are considering one, this guide explains the most common Cadillac dashboard lights, what they indicate, and what steps to take when they appear.
Select a Dashboard Light to Learn What It Means
Cadillac Escalade Dashboard Lights to Pay Attention To
Whether you own a Cadillac or not, there are some car dashboard signs that you simply cannot ignore. Understanding these warning Cadillac dashboard symbols ensures you’re able to take immediate action if needed.
So, what are the most common car dashboard signs?
Check Engine Light
Starting with perhaps the most important of Cadillac dashboard lights to be aware of, the check engine light could indicate problems from something as simple as a disconnected sensor to more serious engine or engine component problems.
From a simple loose gas cap to something as serious as cracked engine components or seals, never ignore this red, amber, or yellow warning light on your car. Once you see it, stop your Cadillac and check the gas cap to ensure it’s not loose. If the light continues flashing, book an appointment with our service team immediately.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Another one of the more important Cadillac Escalade dashboard lights to be aware of is the oil pressure warning light. It’s often red or yellow and indicates that your Cadillac does not have sufficient oil pressure or that the oil within your Cadillac’s engine is low or contaminated.
From low oil, contaminated oil, to the diagnostics within your Cadillac sensing that an oil change is required, there are several reasons to take this warning light seriously. Do not ignore this warning light, as it could indicate serious oil pressure problems within the engine. The engine’s oil viscosity is critical to ensuring the engine’s components are properly lubricated.
If you see this warning light, pull over. Stop the engine. Check the oil level to ensure it’s safe. If it isn’t, schedule a visit to our service department.
Engine Temperature / Overheating Light
An overheating engine should always be taken seriously. Whether it’s damage to the engine, the coolant in the engine being too low, thermostat issues, a coolant leak, or even issues with your Cadillac’s radiator, it doesn’t matter.
Stop your Cadillac and pull over. Turn off your Cadillac, let the engine cool down for 10 to 15 minutes before quickly checking the levels of the coolant. Then immediately call our service team.
Battery Light
Regardless of whether it’s your Cadillac’s alternator, a damaged belt, or your Cadillac’s battery, any warning light for your battery must immediately be dealt with. The last thing you want is to have the battery run out or have an alternator stop you from starting your Cadillac.
Hoping for someone to jump-start your Cadillac is not a solution. Immediately schedule an appointment with the Coulter Tempe Cadillac service department.
Brake Warning Light
From having low brake fluid levels to having a system-wide issue with your Cadillac’s entire braking system and assembly, a brake warning light needs to be addressed. Far too often, Cadillac owners ignore this warning light. However, it is a safety risk.
Not being able to brake properly is not something you should ever ignore. Damaged brake components or a loss of hydraulic braking pressure must be serviced immediately by our team.
Airbag Warning Light
This warning light could indicate serious issues with your vehicle’s entire airbag system. This is another critical safety issue and could indicate issues with the sensors. Regardless, a malfunctioning airbag system needs to be dealt with immediately.
If you don’t get this serviced, then the airbags within your Cadillac may not deploy properly if you experience an accident. From low battery voltage, an issue with the clock spring, or a faulty sensor, a malfunctioning airbag system needs to be fixed.
Low Fuel Light Symbol
Simply put, a low fuel light indicates that you need to put more fuel (gas) into your vehicle. Just pull over at a gas station and refuel. If, after refueling, the light is still flashing, then it can be addressed on your next scheduled maintenance.
Schedule Your Service and Maintenance at Coulter Tempe Cadillac Today
The Coulter Tempe Cadillac service team includes factory-trained service technicians and mechanics. These all-important experts are the perfect solution for getting your Cadillac back on the road.
If you need to schedule service or maintenance for your Cadillac, call our service team or book your appointment now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cadillac Dashboard Lights
Understanding Cadillac dashboard warning lights helps you know when to take action and when to schedule service. Below are answers to some of the most common questions Cadillac owners ask.
What does the Cadillac check engine light mean?
The check engine light can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a serious engine or emissions system issue. If the light is flashing, immediate service is recommended to prevent potential engine damage.
What does the oil pressure warning light mean on a Cadillac?
This warning light means your Cadillac may have low oil pressure or contaminated oil. Stop the engine, check oil levels if it’s safe to do so, and schedule service as soon as possible.
Why is my Cadillac overheating warning light on?
The engine temperature warning light signals overheating, often caused by low coolant, leaks, thermostat issues, or radiator problems. Pull over, turn off the engine, allow it to cool, and contact a service professional.
What does the battery light mean on a Cadillac?
The battery light indicates a charging system issue, such as a failing battery, alternator, or drive belt. Immediate service is recommended to avoid a breakdown.
Is it safe to drive with the brake warning light on?
No. The brake warning light may indicate low brake fluid or a serious braking system issue. Driving with this light on is unsafe and requires immediate inspection and service.
What does the airbag warning light mean in a Cadillac?
The airbag warning light signals a malfunction in the airbag or safety restraint system. If this light is on, the airbags may not deploy properly in a collision and should be serviced immediately.
What does the low fuel light mean?
The low fuel light means your Cadillac is running low on fuel and should be refueled soon. If the light stays on after refueling, it can be addressed during routine maintenance.
