Dashboard warning lights
Complete reference guide to dashboard indicator lights: colour meanings, system descriptions, and what to do when a warning light illuminates.
What the colours mean
Active systems & information
Green system active indicator
The system is operating normally — no action required.
This is an information indicator — the system is working normally. No action needed.
Blue information indicator
The system is operating normally — no action required.
Informational message. Pay attention to driving conditions (ice, low temperature).
Auto high beam indicator
Automatic high-beam assist is active — the system switches between low and high beams automatically.
This is an information indicator — the system is working normally. No action needed.
Exterior lights on
Exterior lights are on — sidelights or low-beam headlights are active.
This is an information indicator — the system is working normally. No action needed.
Front fog lights
Front fog lights are on — use only in poor visibility conditions.
This is an information indicator — the system is working normally. No action needed.
High beam indicator
High-beam headlights are on — ensure oncoming drivers are not dazzled.
This is an information indicator — the system is working normally. No action needed.
Low outside temp
Outside temperature is near freezing — be alert for black ice on the road.
Informational message. Pay attention to driving conditions (ice, low temperature).
Rear fog lights
Rear fog lights are on — switch them off when visibility improves.
This is an information indicator — the system is working normally. No action needed.
Faults & warnings
Red serious fault warning
Fault detected — read DTC codes with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Learn more about OBD-II diagnostics
Amber/Yellow caution warning
Fault detected — read DTC codes with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Learn more about OBD-II diagnostics
ABS warning light
The anti-lock braking system is not operating correctly. Standard braking is still active.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
ABS symbol large
ABS is temporarily inactive. Normal braking works but anti-lock protection is not available.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Learn more about OBD-II diagnostics
Airbag/SRS warning
The airbags or SRS system may not deploy in a collision. Have the system diagnosed.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
ASR/Traction control off
Traction control (ASR) is disabled — take extra care on slippery surfaces.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
Brake light warning
A brake lamp (stop-light) has failed — check the bulbs and fuses.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
Brake pad wear warning
Brake pad thickness has reached the minimum limit — replace pads soon.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
Brake symbol large
General brake system fault — check fluid level and brake components.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
DPF filter warning
The diesel particulate filter is blocked — power may be reduced. Regeneration or replacement needed.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
EBD warning
Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) is not working — braking stability is reduced.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
Check Engine warning
The engine has a stored DTC fault code — read it with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
ESC stability control
Electronic stability control (ESC/ESP) has detected a deviation or is temporarily switched off.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
Oil temperature warning
Engine oil temperature is above normal — reduce load and allow the engine to cool.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
Engine overheat
Coolant temperature is critical — stop the vehicle and let the engine cool.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
Battery charge red
Charging system failure — check the alternator, drive belt, and battery terminals.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
Brake system red
Serious brake system fault — check fluid level and pad condition immediately.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
Reduced power mode
The ECU has limited engine output (limp mode) — read DTC codes for the root cause.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
Seat belt reminder
Driver or passenger is not buckled up — fasten the seat belt.
Stop as soon as it is safe. Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels. If the light stays on, call a tow truck.
Detailed guide →
Traction control active
Traction control (TC/TCS) has detected wheel spin or is reporting a system fault.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
Tyre pressure warning
Pressure in one or more tyres is below the recommended level — inflate and inspect.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →
Battery amber warning
Battery or charging system alert — have the battery and alternator checked soon.
You may continue driving, but check the system soon. Read the DTC code with an OBD-II adapter for accurate diagnosis.
Detailed guide →