Cadillac XT5 Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Airbag Readiness Light

If it stays on after starting or comes on while driving, the airbag system may not work properly; airbags might not inflate in a crash.
What to do: Have the vehicle serviced right away. PDF page 100

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

The engine has overheated. Driving with it on can damage the engine, and the damage may not be covered by warranty.
What to do: Pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. PDF page 106

Amber: check soon

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

Shows green when a vehicle is detected ahead, and amber when you are following much too closely. PDF page 105

Pedestrian Ahead Indicator

A nearby pedestrian is detected in front of the vehicle. PDF page 105

Other warnings and indicators

Traction Control System (TCS)/Electronic Stability Control Light

Steady on means TCS and possibly StabiliTrak/ESC are not fully operational. Flashing means the system is actively working.
What to do: Adjust driving accordingly; if the condition persists, see your dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 105

Charging System Light

Comes on briefly with ignition on as a bulb check and should go out when the engine starts. PDF page 100

Low Fuel Warning Light

Comes on when the fuel gauge nears empty. It turns off when fuel is added.
What to do: If it stays on after refueling, have the vehicle serviced. PDF page 108

Security Light

If it stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.
What to do: If it does not come on briefly at start, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. PDF page 108

Traction Off Light

Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. Wheel slip during acceleration is not limited unless needed to protect the driveline.
What to do: Adjust driving accordingly. PDF page 105

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Off Light

StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off, and TCS is also off, so the systems do not assist in controlling the vehicle.
What to do: Adjust driving accordingly. PDF page 106

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

ON means the front passenger airbag may inflate; OFF means the sensing system turned it off. Both lit or none lit suggests a problem.
What to do: If both or no lights stay on after several seconds, see your dealer for service. PDF page 100

High-Beam On Light

The high-beam headlamps are in use. PDF page 108

IntelliBeam Light

The IntelliBeam system is enabled. PDF page 108

Lamps On Reminder

Exterior lamps are in use, except when only the Daytime Running Lamps are active. PDF page 108

Driver Mode Control Light

Comes on when Sport Mode or Snow/Ice Mode is selected. PDF page 106

Summarized in our own words from the 2026 Cadillac XT5 owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.