Warning lights and chimes
Standard instrument cluster shown; metric cluster similar
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause extensive repairs. A warning light may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulbs work. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, refer to the respective system warning light for additional information.
Note: Some warning lights are reconfigurable telltale (RTT) indicator lights and will illuminate in the message center. These lights function the same as the other warning lights.
Service engine soon: The service engine soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to the on position to check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing. See the Readiness for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
Solid illumination after the engine is started indicates the on-board diagnostics system (OBD-II) has detected a malfunction. Refer to On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter. If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING: Under engine misfire conditions, excessive exhaust temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, the fuel system, interior floor coverings or other vehicle components, possibly causing a fire.
Brake system warning light: To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the on position when the engine is not running, or in a position between on and start, or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the on position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this time, seek service immediately from your authorized dealer. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system should be inspected immediately by your authorized dealer.
WARNING: Driving a vehicle with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. A significant decrease in braking
performance may occur. It will take you longer to stop the vehicle.
Have the vehicle checked by your authorized dealer. Driving extended
distances with the parking brake engaged can cause brake failure and
the risk of personal injury.
Anti-lock brake system: If the ABS light stays illuminated or continues to flash, a malfunction has been detected, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. Normal braking is still functional unless the brake warning light also is illuminated.
Airbag readiness: If this light fails to illuminate when the ignition is turned on, continues to flash or remains on, have the system serviced immediately by your authorized dealer. A chime will sound if there is a malfunction in the indicator light.
Safety belt: Reminds you to fasten your safety belt. A Belt-Minder chime will also sound to remind you to fasten your safety belt. Refer to the Seating and Safety Restraints chapter to activate/deactivate the Belt-Minder chime feature.
Charging system (RTT):
Illuminates when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a problem with the electrical system or a related component.
Engine oil pressure (RTT):
Illuminates in the message center display when the oil pressure falls below the normal range, refer to Engine oil in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
Engine coolant temperature (RTT): Displays when the engine coolant temperature is high. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible, switch off the engine and let it cool. Refer to Engine coolant in the Maintenance and Specifications chapter.
WARNING: Never remove the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is running or hot.
Low fuel (RTT): Illuminates in the message center when the fuel level in the fuel tank is at or near empty.
Refer to Fuel gauge in this chapter.
AdvanceTrac /traction control:
Illuminates when the AdvanceTrac /traction control is active. If the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately, refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
AdvanceTrac /traction control off light: Illuminates when the AdvanceTrac /traction control has been disabled by the driver. Refer to the Driving chapter for more information.
Low tire pressure warning:
Illuminates when your tire pressure is low. If the light remains on at start up or while driving, the tire pressure should be checked. Refer to Inflating your tires in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter. When the ignition is first turned on, the light will illuminate for three seconds to ensure the bulb is working. If the light does not turn on or begins to flash, have the system inspected by your authorized dealer. For more information on this system, refer to Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in the Tires, Wheels and Loading chapter.
Speed control: Illuminates when the speed control is engaged. Turns off when the speed control system is disengaged.
Anti-theft system: Flashes when the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system has been activated.
Throttle control/transmission (RTT): Illuminates in the message center display when a powertrain or a AWD fault has been detected.
Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Door ajar (RTT): Illuminates in the message center display when the ignition is in the run position and any door is not completely closed.
Trunk ajar (RTT): Illuminates in the message center display when the ignition is in the run position and the trunk is open.
Turn signal: Illuminates when the left or right turn signal or the hazard lights are turned on. If the indicators flash faster, check for a burned out bulb.
High beams: Illuminates when the high beam headlamps are turned on.
Key-in-ignition warning chime: Sounds when the key is left in the ignition in the off, lock or accessory position and the driver’s door is opened.
Headlamps on warning chime: Sounds when the headlamps or parking lamps are on, the ignition is off (the key is not in the ignition) and the driver’s door is opened.
Parking brake on warning chime: Sounds when the parking brake is engaged and the vehicle is driven. If the warning remains after the parking brake is disengaged, contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Message center activation chime: Sounds when some messages appear in the message center display for the first time.
Turn signal on warning chime: Sounds when the turn signal has been left on for an extended period of time.
Memory seat feedback chime: Sounds when saving/deleting memory positions for seats, mirrors, etc.
Perimeter alarm warning chime: Sounds when using a key to unlock the driver’s doors and the perimeter alarm is armed.
See also:
Guarding against exhaust fumes
WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, have
your dealer inspect your vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
Carbon monoxide is present in exhaust fumes. T ...
Smart unlocks
The smart unlock feature is intended to prevent you from unintentionally
locking your IA key inside your vehicle’s passenger compartment or rear
cargo area.
When you lock your vehicle using the ...
Choosing the right fuel
Use only UNLEADED fuel or UNLEADED fuel blended with a maximum
of 10% ethanol. Do not use fuel ethanol (E85), diesel, methanol, leaded
fuel or any other fuel. The use of leaded fuel is prohibited ...