Instrument Cluster Guide: 2010 Cadillac STS Dashboard Explained
The dashboard in the 2010 Cadillac STS is a high-tech device that gives the driver important information. This dashboard is made to keep you safe and informed on the road. It has warning lights and driving information displays. To keep an eye on your car’s performance, you need to know what the dashboard lights and signs mean. The Driver Information Center Display and Head-Up Display also show information about your car that is easy to see, which makes driving more enjoyable. Whether you want to learn about the electrical checks for the airbag system or how to use the IntelliBeam® feature, the Cadillac STS panel has everything you need for a smooth ride.
2023 Cadillac CT4 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
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 is being used, and many of the other things needed to drive safely and economically.
Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the speed in both kilometers per hour (km/h) and miles per hour (mph). See DIC Operation and Displays on page 4‑70 for more information.
The odometer mileage can be checked without the vehicle running. The vehicle’s odometer works together with the driver information center. The odometer can be set for a Trip A and a Trip B. See “Trip Information” under DIC Operation and Displays on pages 4‑70 for more information.
If the vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed, the new one will be set to the correct mileage total of the old odometer.
Tachometer
This gauge indicates 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 on pages 2‑52.
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 on page 4‑76 for more information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system.
Your overhead console has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When you start the vehicle, 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 to start your vehicle from a distance, if your vehicle has this feature, 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’s
frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the right front
passenger’s frontal airbag is enabled (may inflate).
WARNING:
If the on indicator comes on when you have a rear-facing child restraint installed in the right front passenger’s seat, it means that the passenger sensing system has not turned off the passenger’s frontal airbag. A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger’s airbag inflates. This is because the back of the rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the inflating airbag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in the right front passenger’s seat if the airbag is turned on.
WARNING:
Even though the passenger sensing system is designed to turn off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag if the system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee that an airbag will not deploy under some unusual circumstance, even though it is turned off. We recommend that rear-facing child restraints be secured in the rear seat, even if the airbag is off.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the right front passenger’s frontal airbag. See Passenger Sensing System on pages 2‑61 for more on this, including important safety information.
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 in the instrument panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that something may be wrong with the airbag system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in the right front passenger’s seat may not have the protection of the airbag(s). See Airbag Readiness Light on pages 4‑54 for more on this, 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 on page 4‑76 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 comes on briefly when the engine is turned on. 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 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. 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 Your Vehicle on pages 5‑29.
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.
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 on pages 4‑58.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see DIC Warnings and Messages on pages 4‑76 for all brake-related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
The TCS warning light comes on briefly when the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
If the Traction Control System (TCS) warning light comes on and stays on, there may be a problem with the TCS.
The light also comes on if the TCS is turned off using the traction control on/off button located on the console. If this light stays on or comes on while driving, pull off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Turn the engine off and then restart it. If the light still stays on or comes back on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. Have the TCS inspected as soon as possible. See Traction Control System (TCS) on pages 5‑9 and StabiliTrak® System on pages 5‑6 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.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the indicator light then goes 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
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on when the engine is very hot.
This light also comes on briefly when the vehicle is started.
If the light does not go out or comes on and stays on while driving, there may be a problem with the cooling system. Driving with the engine coolant temperature light on could cause the vehicle to overheat, see Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on pages 6‑34. See Engine Overheating on pages 6‑32 and DIC Warnings and Messages on pages 4‑76 for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature.
It can be used to see when the engine has warmed up and to make sure the cooling system is operating properly. If the gage pointer moves into the shaded area, the engine coolant is too hot and the engine coolant temperature warning light comes on. See Engine Overheating on pages 6‑32 for more information.
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) on page 4‑69 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 on pages 6‑60 for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then is On a 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 on pages 6‑64 for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors the operation of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner environment.
This comes on briefly while starting the engine. If it does not come on, 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 fail to pass a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See Accessories and Modifications on pages 6‑4.
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.
The following can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
- Reduce vehicle speed.
- Avoid hard accelerations.
- Avoid steep uphill grades.
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 off the ignition, 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 on pages 6‑9. 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 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 occur, 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 on pages 6‑7.
If none of the above has 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. To perform a check engine light bulb check with the keyless ignition, make sure the transmitter fob is in the passenger compartment. See Ignition Positions on page 3‑26. Press the bottom of the Acc. button on the instrument panel and hold the button down for five seconds. The instrument panel, including the check engine light, will light up and the ignition will be on, but the engine will not start — press the bottom of the ACC. button only briefly, less than five seconds, and the accessory power mode will be turned on, but not the ignition. After the bulb check, press and release the Acc. button again to turn the ignition off and avoid draining the vehicle’s battery.
- 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
For vehicles with an oil pressure light, if there is a problem with the oil, the light may stay on after the engine is started, or come on while driving.
This light indicates that oil is not going through the engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could be low on oil or could have some other oil problem. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/ retailer.
The oil light could also come on in the following situations:
- The light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on to show that it is working properly. If it does not come on with the ignition on, there may be a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
- Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, a chime sounds and the light may blink on and off. This is normal.
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.
Security Light
For information regarding this light and the vehicle’s security system, see Theft-Deterrent System on pages 3‑22.
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 on pages 4‑33 for more information.
Lights On Reminder
This light comes on whenever the parking lamps are on.
See Headlamps on Reminder on pages 4‑31 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 on pages 4‑12 and Adaptive Cruise Control on pages 4‑15 for more information.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
See Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on pages 4‑5 for more information.
Fuel Gage
The fuel gauge shows approximately how much fuel is in the fuel tank.
It works only when the engine is on.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates the side of the vehicle the fuel door is on.
If the fuel supply gets low, the “FUEL LEVEL LOW” message appears on the Driver Information Center (DIC), and a single chime sounds. See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4‑76 for more information. All of the following situations are normal and do not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage:
- At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads full.
- The gauge may change when you turn, stop quickly, or accelerate quickly.
- It takes a little more or less fuel to fill the tank than the gauge indicated. For example, the gauge may have indicated that the tank was half full, but it took a little more or less than half the tank’s capacity to fill the tank.
FAQs
The instrument cluster of a 2010 Cadillac STS typically displays vital information such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, fuel level, and engine temperature.
The instrument cluster in the 2010 Cadillac STS often includes driver assistance features like navigation directions, warning indicators for low tire pressure, and alerts for potential system malfunctions.
Yes, the instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS usually offers customization options, allowing drivers to personalize the information displayed, such as trip data, audio settings, or vehicle diagnostics.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS typically utilizes a combination of analog gauges and a digital display screen, providing a blend of traditional and modern features.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS enhances driving comfort and convenience by presenting essential information clearly and intuitively, minimizing distractions for the driver.
Yes, the instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS may include advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control status indicators, lane departure warnings, and collision alerts.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS may include fuel efficiency indicators, such as instant and average fuel economy readings, helping drivers monitor their driving habits and optimize fuel consumption.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS often displays maintenance reminders, such as oil change alerts, tire rotation reminders, and scheduled service notifications.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS enhances driver awareness and vehicle monitoring by presenting real-time data on various vehicle parameters, including engine performance and system status.
Yes, the instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS may include eco-driving features such as eco-driving tips, fuel-efficient driving mode indicators, and feedback on driving habits to promote environmentally friendly driving practices.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS enhances the overall driving experience by providing essential information in a clear and organized manner, contributing to a safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable driving experience.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS may display diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and warning messages to alert drivers to potential issues with various vehicle systems, facilitating prompt diagnosis and resolution of problems.
The instrument cluster in a 2010 Cadillac STS often features a sleek and modern design with high-quality materials and sophisticated graphics, reflecting the luxury and sophistication characteristic of Cadillac vehicles.
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2023 Cadillac CT4 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
