Warning: lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury.
Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
Instrument Cluster
Base Level English Shown, Metric Similar
Midlevel English Shown, Metric Similar
Uplevel English Shown, Metric Similar
Cluster Menu
There is an interactive display area in the center of the instrument cluster.
Use the right steering wheel control to open and scroll through the different items and displays.
Press to access the cluster applications. Use or to scroll through the list of available applications. Not all applications will be available on all vehicles.
Audio
Press to select the Audio app, then press to enter the Audio menu. In the Audio menu browse for music, select from the favorites, or change the audio source.
Phone
Press to select the Phone app, then press to enter the Phone menu. In the Phone menu, if there is no active phone call, view recent calls, scroll through contacts, or select from the favorites. If there is an active call, mute or unmute the phone or switch to handset or handsfree operation.
Navigation
Press to select the Navigation app, then press to enter the Navigation menu. If there is no active route, press to access Recents or Favorites list. If there is an active route, press to cancel route guidance, mute/unmute voice guidance, or access Recents or Favorites list.
Options
Press to select the Options app.
Use or to scroll through items in the Options menu.
Units : Press while Units is displayed to enter the Units menu.
Choose English or metric units by pressing while the desired item is highlighted.
Display Themes (Uplevel) : Press while Display Themes is displayed to enter the menu.
Choose Sport or Touring by pressing while the desired item is highlighted.
Info Pages : Press while Info Pages is displayed to enter the Info Pages menu and select the items to be displayed in the Info App. Speed Warning : The Speed Warning display allows the driver to set a speed that they do not want to exceed. To set the Speed Warning, press when Speed Warning is displayed. Scroll to Set Speed and press . Press to set the speed.
Once the speed is set, this feature can be turned off by pressing while viewing this page. If the selected speed limit is exceeded, a DIC message is displayed with a chime.
Software Information : Displays the open source software information.
Speedometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle's speed in either kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
Odometer
The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either kilometers or miles.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
For vehicles with the Stop/Start system, when the ignition is on, the tachometer indicates the vehicle status. When pointing to AUTO STOP, the engine is off but the vehicle is on and can move. The engine could auto start at any time.
When the indicator points to OFF, the vehicle is off.
When the engine is on, the tachometer will indicate the engine's revolutions per minute (rpm). The tachometer may vary by several hundred rpm's, during Auto Stop mode, when the engine is shutting off and restarting.
A slight bump may be felt when the transmission is determining the most fuel efficient operating range.
Caution: If the engine is operated with the rpm's in the warning area at the high end of the tachometer, the vehicle could be damaged, and the damage would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with the rpm's in the warning area.
Fuel Gauge
Uplevel Metric
Uplevel English
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge indicates about how much fuel is left in the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
When the indicator nears empty, the low fuel light comes on. There is still a little fuel left, but the fuel tank should be filled soon.
Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with the fuel gauge:
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Uplevel Metric
Uplevel English
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gauge pointer moves toward the warning area at the high end of the gauge, the engine is too hot.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on when the engine is too hot. This reading indicates the same thing as the warning light. 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.
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.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belt. 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.
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. The overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag.
If the word ON 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 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.
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.
The light turns off when the engine is started. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery.
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 on-board 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.
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:
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 your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass inspection if:
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.
Metric
English
This light should come on briefly when the engine is started. 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.
Electric Parking Brake Light
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English
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 display 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, take the vehicle to your dealer as soon as possible.
See the information for the Electric Parking Brake under Electric Parking Brake. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn off the vehicle. 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. A chime may also sound when the light comes on steady.
If the ABS light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but the antilock brakes are not functioning.
If both the ABS and the brake system warning light are on, the vehicle's antilock brakes are 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 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 turns off.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF light come on when StabiliTrak/ Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off.
If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited. 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.
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 display. Check the DIC messages to determine which feature(s) is 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.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
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.
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
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 Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also display. 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 at every ignition cycle.
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
This light is near the fuel gauge and comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is low on fuel. 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.
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light
This light should come on briefly as the vehicle is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
This light comes on solid when there is a problem with the AFL system. It flashes when the system is switching between lighting modes.
Front Fog Lamp Light
For vehicles with fog lamps, this light comes on when the fog lamps are on.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off.
Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use.
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
This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.