Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
Warning lights and gages 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 gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there might be or there is a problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there might be or there is a problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages 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 gages shows there could 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 Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to show how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is going, how much fuel has been used, and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.
The vehicle has this cluster or one very similar to it. It includes indicator warning lights and gages that are explained on the following pages. Be sure to read about them.
United States Super Model Shown, Canada and Base Similar
Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the vehicle speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). The odometer shows how far the vehicle has been driven, in either miles or kilometers.
This vehicle has a tamper resistant odometer.
If the vehicle needs a new odometer installed, the new one can be set to the mileage total of the old odometer.
If this is not possible, it is set to zero and a label must be put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading when the new odometer was installed.
Trip Odometer
A trip odometer show how far the vehicle has been driven since the odometer was last set to zero.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) for information on resetting the trip odometer.
Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind a driver to fasten the safety belt, unless the driver safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes on and stays on for several seconds, then flashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime sounds for several seconds to remind the front passenger to buckle their safety belt. The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and then flashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the passenger remains unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt warning 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 warning light and or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates there is an electrical problem. The system check includes the airbag sensor, 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 flashes for a few seconds when the engine 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, an airbag Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come on. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger sensing system.
See Passenger Sensing System for important safety information. The overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator.
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 are using remote start to start the vehicle from a distance, if equipped, 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 right front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side impact airbags.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the right front passenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impact airbag are enabled (may 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 right front passenger frontal and seat-mounted side impact 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/retailer 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. See Airbag Readiness Light for more information, including important safety information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when the ignition key is turned to START, but the engine is not running, as a check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the charging system. A charging system message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear. See DIC Warnings and Messages for more information. This light could indicate that there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can still work and stop the vehicle. For good braking both parts 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 engine is started. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light also comes on when the parking brake is set. The light will stay on if the parking brake does not fully release. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully released, it means 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.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The pedal can be harder to push, or the pedal could go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. Try turning off and restarting the vehicle one or two times, if the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. See Towing Your Vehicle.
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake System (ABS), this light comes on briefly when the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely possible and turn the ignition off. 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.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See Brake System Warning Light.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see DIC Warnings and Messages for all brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
For vehicles with a Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak® warning light, this light comes on briefly when the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light then goes off.
When the system is active, the light flashes while the system is limiting wheel spin or assisting with controlling the vehicle.
If it stays on or comes on while driving a SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message appears in the Driver Information Center (DIC). This indicates that there could be a problem with the traction control system and the vehicle may need service. When this warning light is on and the SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message appears on the DIC, the system does not limit wheel spin.
If the traction control system is manually turned off, this light comes on and the TRACTION CONTROL OFF message appears on the DIC.
See Traction Control System (TCS) and DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
StabiliTrak® Indicator Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light will then go off.
This light may come on while the vehicle is first driven and the STABILITRAK NOT READY message will appear in the Driver Information Center (DIC). See StabiliTrak® System for more information.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving a SERVICE STABILITRAK message will appear in the DIC. This indicates that there may be a problem with the StabiliTrak® system and the vehicle may need service.
When this warning light is on and the SERVICE STABILITRAK message appears on the DIC, the system will not assist with controlling the vehicle.
When the system is active, the light will flash while the system is assisting with controlling the vehicle.
See StabiliTrak® System and DIC Warnings and Messages for more information.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light
For vehicles with the lane departure warning system, this light briefly comes on green, while starting the vehicle, to indicate that it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light will then go off.
This light also comes on green if the system detects a left or right lane marking. It flashes, changes to amber and three beeps sound if a detected lane marking is crossed without using a turn signal. For more information, see the Index in the Navigation Manual.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by the dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off.
Notice: Driving with the engine coolant temperature warning light on could cause the vehicle to overheat.
See Engine Overheating. The vehicle’s engine could be damaged, and it might not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive with the engine coolant temperature warning light on.
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. See Engine Overheating for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the pointer moves towards the H (United States) or shaded in thermostat symbol area (Canada), the engine is too hot.
A temperature indicator light will turn on and a chime will sound.
If the vehicle has been operating under normal driving conditions, and the temperature indicator light comes on, pull off the road, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire pressure monitoring system, this light comes on briefly when the engine is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information Center (DIC), can accompany the light. See Driver Information Center (DIC) for more information.
Stop and check the tires as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinflated, inflate to the proper pressure. See Inflation - Tire Pressure for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is On Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light flashes for about a minute and stays on steady for the remainder of the ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
This light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show it is working. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light 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, after a while, the emission controls might not work as well, the vehicle’s 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, when it is safe to do so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous steps and see your dealer/retailer 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.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by doing the following:
• Make sure 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. A few driving trips with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.
• If the vehicle has been driven through a deep puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
• Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently as designed and can 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 Gasoline Octane.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer 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 state/provincial and local governments have or might begin programs to inspect the emission control equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass an inspection:
• The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check engine light is on with the engine running, or if the key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
• The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical emission control systems have not been completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be considered not ready for inspection.
This can happen if the battery has recently been replaced or if the battery has 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/retailer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
WARNING:
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 in this manual for changing engine oil.
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light then goes off.
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 it might have some other system problem.
Security Light
For information regarding this light and the vehicle’s security system, see Content Theft-Deterrent.
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
The cruise control 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.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer for more information.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gage shows about how much fuel is in the tank.
An arrow on the fuel gage indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
The gage works only when the ignition is on. When the indicator moves to the edge of the low fuel warning band, the low fuel warning light comes on and a chime sounds. The vehicle still has a little fuel left, but the vehicles fuel tank should be filled soon.
Here are some things that some owners ask about.
None of these show a problem with the fuel gage:
• At the service station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
• It takes more (or less) fuel to fill up than the gage indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated half full, but it took more (or less) than half the tank’s capacity to fill it.
• The gage moves up a little while turning a corner, speeding up or making a hard stop.
• The gage does not go back to empty when the ignition is turned off.
Download Manual