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Tachometer
The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Notice:If the engine is operated with the tachometer
in the shaded warning area, the vehicle could be
damaged, and the damages would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not operate the engine with
the tachometer in the shaded warning area.The CTS-V tachometer has tracer lights that follow the
movement of the tachometer indicator. The tracer lights
can be turned off in the DIC Vehicle Customization.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-72for more
information.
For the CTS-V, the tracer lights also ash when it is
time to up-shift to avoid the engine speed limit.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-36
orManual Transmission Operation on page 2-40
for more information.
Engine Speed Limiter
This feature prevents the engine speed from reaching
an unsafe level. If the level is too high, the throttle closes
or limits the fuel supply until the engine speed returns
to a safe level. Throttle operation and fuel supply returns
to normal when engine speed is lowered.
For the CTS-V, the tachometer tracer lights ashes prior
to reaching engine speed limit. The tracer lights also
ash on automatic transmission vehicles while in
the DSC or Tap Shift modes. United States and
Canada Automatic,
V-Series Similar
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Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light comes
on and stays on for
several seconds, then
ashes for several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s
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. This only occurs
if the passenger airbag is enabled. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-67for more information.
The passenger safety belt light, located on the instrument
panel, comes on and stays on for several seconds and
then ashes 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, or grocery bag. To turn off the
warning light and/or chime, remove the object from the
seat or buckle the safety belt.
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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, seeAirbag System on page 1-58.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have it
xed immediately.{CAUTION:
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
in ate in a crash, or they could even in ate
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. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58
for more information.
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