Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
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.
Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working.
Gauges can indicate when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Often gauges and warning lights work together to indicate a problem with the vehicle.
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. Follow this manual's advice.
Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
Instrument Cluster
English Shown, Metric Similar
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.
This vehicle has a tamper-resistant odometer. If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, the new one is set to the mileage of the old odometer. If this is not possible, it is set at zero and a label is put on the driver door to show the old mileage reading.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Fuel Gauge
Metric
English
When the ignition is on, the fuel gauge shows about how much fuel the vehicle has left in the fuel 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.
When the fuel tank is low on fuel, the FUEL LEVEL LOW message appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC). For more information see Fuel System Messages .
Here are some situations that can occur 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 actually took a little more or less than half the tank's capacity to fill the tank.
► The gauge moves a little while turning a corner or speeding up.
► The gauge goes back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. Under normal driving conditions the gauge will read 100°C (210°F) or less.
If the gauge pointer is near 125°C (260°F), the engine is too hot.
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 for more information.
Voltmeter Gauge
When the engine is not running, but the ignition is on, this gauge shows the battery's state of charge in DC volts.
When the engine is running, this gauge shows the condition of the charging system. The vehicle's charging system regulates voltage based on the state of charge of the battery. The voltmeter may fluctuate.
This is normal. Readings between the low and high warning zones indicate the normal operating range.
Readings in the low warning zone may occur when a large number of electrical accessories are operating in the vehicle and the engine is left idling for an extended period.
If there is a problem with the battery charging system, a SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC) and/or the charging system light comes on.
See Battery Voltage and Charging Messages for more information.
However, readings in either warning zone can indicate a possible problem in the electrical system.
Have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument panel cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their safety 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 safety belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind front passengers to fasten their safety belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the front passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety 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 safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. For more information on the airbag system, see Airbag System .
The airbag readiness light comes on and stays on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. Then the light goes out.
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.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing system. See Passenger Sensing System for important safety information.
The instrument panel has a passenger airbag status indicator.
United States
Canada and Mexico
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. If you use remote start, if equipped, to start the vehicle, you may not see the system check. Then, after several more seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag is allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard 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.
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 for more information, including important safety information.
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.
It should go out when the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays the SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM message.
See Vehicle Messages for more information.
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
► computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the vehicle to ensure emissions are at acceptable levels, to produce a cleaner environment. This light comes on when the vehicle is placed in ON/RUN, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. See Ignition Positions for more information.
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 is 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 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 result in a failure to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications .
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, stop and 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 emission system malfunction:
► Check that the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling the Tank . 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.
► few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
► Check that good quality fuel is used. Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed and may 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 occurs, 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 .
If none of the above have 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 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 OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been replaced or run down. The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate 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 for lack of OBD II system readiness, your dealer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
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.
This light should come on briefly when the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
This light may also come on due to low brake fluid. See Brakes for more information.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will also come on when the parking brake is set.
The light will stay on if the parking brake does not release fully. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully released, it means there is a brake problem.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully.
Make sure the parking brake is fully released. The pedal may be harder to push or, the pedal may go closer to the floor.
It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing the Vehicle .
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.
The brake message remains on until any DIC button is pressed.
The brake light remains on until the problem is fixed. See Brake System Messages for more information.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
The ABS warning light comes on briefly when the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the ignition off.
Then start the engine again to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system warning light is not on, there are still brakes, but no antilock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, there are no antilock brakes and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See Brake System Warning Light
Tow/Haul Mode Light
This light comes on when the Tow/Haul mode has been activated.
For more information, see Tow/Haul Mode .
StabiliTrak® Indicator 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 goes off.
If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the StabiliTrak system and the vehicle might need service. When this warning light is on, the system is off and will not limit wheel spin.
This light flashes when the StabiliTrak system is active.
See StabiliTrak® System for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on briefly when the vehicle 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, the vehicle may have a problem with the cooling system. Stop and turn off the vehicle to avoid damage to the engine. A warning chime sounds when this light is on.
See Engine Overheating 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.
► Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also display. See Vehicle Messages 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 for more information.
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. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation for more information.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
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.
The oil pressure 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.
Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started.
If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
This light is also used to indicate the status of the anti-theft alarm system when the ignition is turned off.
The light will flash rapidly if the alarm system is arming and one or more of the monitored entry points is not closed. The light will stay on if the alarm is arming and all entry points are closed.
For information regarding this light and the vehicle's security system, see Anti-theft Alarm System .
High-Beam On Light
The high-beam on light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer for more information.
Front Fog Lamp Light
The 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 for more information.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on whenever the cruise control is set.
The light goes out when the cruise control is turned off. See Cruise Control for more information.
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