Dashboard Warning Lights | Complete Guide with Images
Your car is packed with sensors and safety mechanisms to ensure that your vehicle is working at its optimum performance whilst keeping you and your passengers safe. We know that when a warning light appears on your dashboard, it can be daunting – especially if you are unsure what to do. We have created this simple guide to help you understand what each warning light on your newor usedcar means and what steps you need to take. It is important that you know how to respond to each warning light to reduce any additional damage to your vehicle and to ensure that your vehicle is safe. If you are unsure how to carry out an action or repair on your vehicle our car trained experts know your car better than anyone.
Red warning lights mean you should stop the car as soon as it is safe.
Yellow warning lights mean that action is required.
Green warning lights are for information only.
To book a car service, contact your local dealer today.
Brake System
Check if the handbrake is applied. If so, release the handbrake. If the light disappears you can continue to drive as normal.
If the light stays on check your brake fluid level and fill up accordingly.*
If the light disappears this is a normal function. If the light remains on contact Roadside Assistance.
Engine Cooling System
Switch off the engine immediately. Do not drive any further.
Check your coolant level.* If the coolant level is ok contact Roadside Assistance. The overheating may be a cooling system malfunction.
If the coolant level is low, add more coolant.*
Caution - the cooling system is a pressurised system. Allow the car to cool down before adding coolant to prevent injury. We advise having the coolant topped up by a professional at an authorised repairer.
If the light remains on contact Roadside Assistance.
Engine Oil Pressure
Switch off the engine immediately. Do not restart.
Check the oil level. If the oil level is ok contact Roadside Assistance.
If the oil level is low fill up accordingly* Start the engine, and let it run for five seconds, then switch off engine.
If light is still on contact Roadside Assistance.
Power Steering System
Remove the ignition key for 30-seconds. Restart the engine.
If the light disappears the problem is rectified.
Only if possible, drive safely to an authorised repairer. Take extra care whilst driving.
If not possible contact Roadside Assistance.
Airbag and Seatbelt System
There is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt system.
Only if possible, drive carefully to an authorised repairer immediately.
If you do not get the problem rectified the system may fail to trigger in an accident.
Vehicle Charging System
There is an alternator or electrical system fault in the vehicle.
If you can start the engine drive to an authorised repairer immediately.
Avoid using electrical equipment that is not necessary as it could drain the battery.
If you cannot start the engine contact Roadside Assistance
Steering Lock
Red lamp: Do not drive the vehicle. Contact an authorised repairer immediately.
Yellow lamp: There is an electronic steering lock malfunction. Drive without delay to an authorised repairer.
Ignition Switch
Red lamp: Do not switch off the ignition as you may be unable to switch it on again. Drive to an authorised repairer immediately.
Yellow lamp: There is a malfunction in the ignition switch. Drive to an authorised repairer without delay.
Seatbelt Buckles
Check that the driver and front passenger has their seatbelt fastened properly. If the light disappears, this is a normal function.
If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.
Doors
Check all doors are closed properly. If the light disappears this is a normal function.
If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.
Bonnet
Check that the bonnet is closed properly. If the light disappears this is a normal function.
If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.
Boot Lid
Check the boot lid is closed properly. If the light disappears this is a normal function.
If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.
Recharge AdBlue (Red)
Stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so.
The red warning light appears when there is no AdBlue range left; once this happens the car will not restart once the ignition is turned off.
The system will need a full top-up before the car can be restarted.*
Emissions Control Light
Permanent light: Remove the key for 30 seconds then reinsert and start the engine. If the light disappears, the problem is rectified. Visit an authorised repairer for a check.
If the light does return and the power is down contact Roadside Assistance. If the light returns and the power is not down, take extra care and drive to an authorised repairer.
Flashing light: If the vehicle power is down and the vehicle is vibrating contact Roadside Assistance. If the vehicle power is not down and is not vibrating take caution and drive to an authorised repairer. If this is not possible call Roadside Assistance.
Diesel Particulate Filter
If there is more than one warning light on, contact Roadside Assistance.
If just one warning lamp is on, drive at least 60km/hour at engine speed between 1500-1800 rpm for at least 15-minutes. Check the light 30-minutes later.
If the light disappears, the filter has been successful regenerated. If not, drive safely to your nearest authorised repairer. If this is not possible contact Roadside Assistance.
Engine Management Warning Light (Petrol Engines Only)
Drive slowly and carefully to an authorised repairer immediately.
Engine Management Warning Light (Diesel Engines Only)
If the light appears when the ignition is switched on, this is a normal function (to appear for a few seconds).
If the light appears whilst the engine is running drive slowly and carefully to an authorised repairer immediately due to engine management fault.
Engine Oil Level
Permanent light: Top up the engine oil accordingly as soon as possible.*
Flashing light: The sensor has identified that the oil level could be incorrect. Check your oil level and top up if necessary.*
Anti-Lock Brake System
This is your Anti-Lock Braking System light.
Drive carefully to an authorised repairer.
Electronic Stability Programme
Permanent light: Switch off the ignition and then restart. If the light is still on, drive carefully to an authorised repairer.
Flashing light: This is a normal operating feature. No action is required.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
This is your tyre pressure monitoring light.
Check and adjust your tyre pressure accordingly.* Take vehicle to an authorised repairer to be checked.
If the tyre pressures are ok and the light is still on, drive carefully to an authorised repairer to have the system examined.
Power Steering System
If your battery has been disconnected or discharged or if your vehicle has been jump started - turn your steering wheel fully to the left, then fully to the right and drive a short distance at 20-30km/hour. If the light disappears visit an authorised repairer at your convenience for a check. If the light does not disappear, drive carefully to an authorised repairer if safe to do so.
If this is not possible contact Roadside Assistance.
Brake Pad Monitoring
This is your brake pad warning light.
Your brake pads are worn. Contact an authorised repairer to check the condition of your brake pads.
Airbag and Seatbelt System
Drive carefully to an authorised repairer immediately as there is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt system.
The system may fail to trigger in an accident if you do not get the fault rectified.
Automatic Gearbox
This is your gearbox malfunction light. A message may appear – follow the instructions and drive to an authorised repairerimmediately as long as it is safe to do so. If this is not possible contact Roadside Assistance.
If the message asks you to stop the vehicle and select P, contact Roadside Assistance.
Air Suspension
There is a fault with the vehicle’s handling and stability. Ground clearance may be affected.
Drive carefully and slowly to an authorised repairer.
Adaptive Suspension Dampers
Contact an authorised repairer.
Rear Spoiler
There is a fault in the rear spoiler system.
Do not exceed 120km/hour. Contact an authorised repairer.
Bulb Monitoring
Check the operation of all exterior bulbs.
Replace any defective bulbs without delay.
Brake Lights
Check operation of all exterior brake bulbs.
Replace any defective bulbs without delay.
Rain and Light Sensor
The wipers and lights will not function automatically but will still operate manually.
Contact an authorised repairer.
Headlight Range Control
There is a headlight range control system fault.
Contact an authorised repairer.
Adaptive Light System
The headlights will not dip automatically but will still operate manually.
Contact an authorised repairer.
Towing Hitch
Check the towing hitch.
The towing hitch has not been engaged correctly. Extend or retract it again.
If the light remains on do not connect a trailer.
Contact an authorised repairer.
Convertible Roof
This light will appear when the roof is opening or closing.
If the light is lit continuously when the roof is not fully opened or closed there is a fault.
Contact an authorised repairer.
Key not in vehicle
This light will appear when the key is not in the vehicle. This only applies to vehicles equipped with keyless entry.
This light will appear if the key has been removed from the vehicle whilst it is running.
Ensure the key is located inside the vehicle. It is not possible to restart the engine if the key is not inside the vehicle.
Lane Assist
This light will appear when lane assist is switched on and road markings cannot be detected.
If this light is accompanied with a “system fault” message, contact an authorised repairer.
Press Clutch Pedal
The clutch pedal needs to be pressed and held whilst the engine starts.
Refer to the owner’s manual.
Windscreen Washer Fluid Level
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir needs filling.
Top up the fluid for the windscreen washer.
Refer to the owner’s manual.
Rear Fog Lights
This warning light will appear when the rear fog lights are switched on.
Only operate the rear fog lights in foggy conditions to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Low Fuel Level
The fuel in the fuel tank has reached the reserve level.
Drive to a filling station without delay and refill with the correct fuel type.
Recharge AdBlue (Yellow)
The yellow warning light will appear when the remaining range of AdBlue is approximately 1,000 miles. This warning is repeated every 31 miles and is accompanied by an audible tone.
If these warnings are not acted upon, the warning turns red; once this happens the car will not restart once the ignition is turned off and the system will need a full top-up before the car can be restarted.*
Recharge AdBlue (White)
The white warning light will appear when the remaining range of AdBlue is approximately 1,500 miles, and is repeated every 62 miles.*
Cruise Control
The cruise control light will appear when the cruise control system is activated.
This is a normal operating feature of the system.
Refer to the owner’s manual or contact your nearest authorised repairer for an explanation of the operation of the system.
Press Brake Pedal
This light only applies to automatic transmission vehicles.
The brake pedal needs to be pressed and held while the gear lever is moved out of park position.
Refer to the owner’s manual.
Lane Assist
This indicator light appears when the lane assist system is switched on and road markings can be detected.
Adaptive Cruise Control
The adaptive cruise control operating light will appear when cruise control is activated.
This is a normal operating feature of the system.
Refer to the owner’s manual or contact an authorised repairer for an explanation of the operation of the system.
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Book a car service at your local dealership today.
BOOK A SERVICE*Refer to owner’s manual or seek professional assistance.
The information on warning lights on this page does not apply to electric cars. Please consult your owner's manual.