Meaning
A fault was detected in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system. Airbags may not deploy in a crash.
What to do
Get scanned at a workshop. Avoid front seats with aftermarket covers that interfere with sensors if relevant. Do not ignore.
Tools
Car signs meaning
Check dashboard lights and EV warning signs. Signs are grouped by system. Filter by colour or powertrain, then see what it means and what to do.
Safety / SRS
3 signs
Meaning
A occupied seat belt is unbuckled (driver and sometimes passenger).
What to do
Buckle up. If it stays on while buckled, the buckle sensor or wiring may need attention.
Meaning
If child presence detection (CPD) is turned off, the indicator stays on and an OFF reminder lasts about five seconds (tap ON or Delay to enable CPD and turn the indicator off). If a CPD fault reminder lasts about five seconds and the indicator stays on, the CPD system has failed.
What to do
Turn CPD on unless you have a reason to delay it. If the fault reminder stays, have the system inspected. Always check the rear seats yourself.
Brakes & stability
7 signs
Meaning
Brake fluid may be low, the parking brake is on, or there is a brake hydraulic fault.
What to do
Confirm parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, drive very carefully or stop and get brakes checked before further use.
Meaning
Anti-lock braking is unavailable. Normal brakes usually still work, but wheels may lock under hard braking.
What to do
Drive more carefully in wet or emergency stops. Have ABS scanned; wheel-speed sensors and wiring are common causes.
Meaning
Stability or traction control is off, intervening, or has a fault. A flashing light usually means it is active on a slippery surface.
What to do
If steady with a fault message, get it checked. If you turned ESC off, turn it back on for normal roads.
Meaning
Parking brake is applied (or EPB has a fault if it flashes / shows a warning message).
What to do
Release fully before driving. If it will not release or flashes, do not force; check EPB / brake system.
Meaning
A pad-wear sensor reports that brake pads are near the end of their service life.
What to do
Plan a brake inspection soon. Do not wait until grinding metal-on-metal noise appears.
Meaning
Auto Hold is keeping the vehicle stationary after you release the brake (common on EPB cars).
What to do
Informational. Press the accelerator to move off, or switch Auto Hold off if you prefer conventional braking.
Meaning
The instrument cluster includes an HDC indicator. The handbook lists Hill Descent Control among the driving-safety systems that work with ABS/ESC (the abbreviation table also lists HHC as Hill Descent Control).
What to do
Status light for that system. It is assistance only. If it stays on with a fault message, have the vehicle inspected.
Engine / powertrain (ICE)
12 signs
Meaning
Engine oil pressure is too low. Continuing can destroy the engine quickly.
What to do
Pull over safely, switch off, check oil level if safe. Do not keep driving. Tow to a workshop if the light stays on.
Meaning
Coolant is too hot (ICE/hybrid) or a thermal system needs attention (also used on some EVs for battery/inverter cooling).
What to do
Reduce load, pull over safely, let it cool. Do not open a hot radiator cap. Check coolant when cold; seek help if it repeats.
Meaning
The engine or emissions control computer detected a fault (sensor, misfire, catalyst, EVAP, etc.).
What to do
If flashing, reduce speed and stop driving soon (misfire risk). If steady, book a scan. Note any loss of power or odd smells.
Meaning
The DPF needs regeneration or is clogged (short-trip diesel driving is a common cause).
What to do
Follow the handbook: often a sustained highway run helps active regen. If the light persists or power drops, visit a diesel specialist.
Meaning
Wait light: glow plugs are heating. If it stays on while driving, a glow-plug or related fault is likely.
What to do
At start, wait until it goes out before cranking (per handbook). If it stays on, get diesel starting system checked.
Meaning
Gearbox temperature is high or a transmission control fault was detected (auto / CVT / some EV reduction-gear warnings).
What to do
Ease off, avoid towing/heavy load until cool. If a fault message remains, stop driving hard and get scanned.
Meaning
Fuel is near reserve. Running very low can stress the pump and leave you stranded.
What to do
Refuel soon. On hybrids, still treat low fuel seriously because the engine may need to run.
Meaning
Engine or thermal-system coolant is below the minimum mark (separate from the red overheat light on many cars).
What to do
Check the expansion tank when cold and top up with the correct coolant. Investigate leaks if it drops again; overheating can follow if ignored.
Meaning
Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue / DEF) is low. Many modern diesels will eventually refuse to restart if it runs empty.
What to do
Refill with ISO 22241 AdBlue / DEF soon. Do not put it in the fuel tank. Follow the handbook for the fill point.
Meaning
Water has collected in the diesel fuel filter / separator.
What to do
Drain the separator per the handbook or have a workshop drain it. Continuing can damage injectors and the pump.
Meaning
Engine oil quantity is low (level sensor). Different from the red oil-pressure light, which is more urgent.
What to do
Check the dipstick when the engine is cold/level and top up with the specified grade. Seek help if consumption is rapid.
Meaning
Start-stop is active, available, or switched off (amber/struck-through icons often mean unavailable or fault).
What to do
Informational when green/white. If persistently unavailable, check 12V battery health, bonnet/doors closed, and climate load.
EV / high-voltage
11 signs
Meaning
The vehicle is powered and ready to move even if the cabin is silent (no engine sound).
What to do
Confirm Ready before shifting to Drive. Always keep the car in Park and off when exiting.
Meaning
High-voltage battery state of charge is low. Range is limited; some cars enter power-saving modes.
What to do
Plan a charge stop. Avoid high-speed runs and heavy HVAC use if you are near empty.
Meaning
A fault in the high-voltage battery, inverter, or hybrid/EV control system. Power may be cut or limited.
What to do
Follow on-screen guidance. Pull over safely if power drops or warnings escalate. Do not attempt DIY HV repairs.
Meaning
Drive power is reduced to protect the battery, motor, or electronics (low charge, temperature, or a fault).
What to do
Drive gently to a charger or workshop. Check for related battery-temp or fault messages.
Meaning
The charge cable is connected and/or charging is in progress (icons and colours vary by brand).
What to do
Normal when plugged in. Do not drive away with the cable attached. Confirm charge schedule if it is not adding energy.
Meaning
AC/DC charging stopped or failed (cable, charger, inlet lock, or vehicle charge system).
What to do
Reseat the cable, try another charger if safe, check inlet for debris. Persistent faults need dealer/EV workshop diagnosis.
Meaning
Traction battery is too cold or too hot for full power or fast charging. Some cars show this during preconditioning.
What to do
Ease performance and DC fast charging until temperatures normalise. Precondition while plugged in before a fast-charge stop when possible.
Meaning
The car detected an insulation / isolation issue in the high-voltage system (moisture, cable damage, or component fault).
What to do
Stop safely, power down per handbook, and arrange professional EV service. Do not probe orange HV cables.
Meaning
Energy is being recovered under deceleration, or regen level/mode is indicated (brand-specific).
What to do
Informational. If braking feel changes suddenly with a warning, treat it as a brake/regen system check.
Meaning
The low-speed exterior warning sound system has a fault, or is indicating status.
What to do
Drive with extra care around pedestrians at low speed. Have the acoustic vehicle alerting system checked.
Meaning
Electric drive unit or power electronics reported a fault. The car may refuse to Ready or limit motion.
What to do
Do not keep forcing Drive modes. Record the message and seek EV-capable diagnosis.
Lighting
7 signs
Meaning
High-beam headlights are on.
What to do
Dip for oncoming traffic. No fault implied.
Meaning
Side lights or a lighting mode is active (symbol varies by brand).
What to do
Informational. Switch off when parked for long periods to protect the 12V battery.
Meaning
Front fog lights are on.
What to do
Use only in poor visibility. Switch off in clear weather (legal and courtesy).
Meaning
Rear fog light is on (very bright for following traffic).
What to do
Use only in dense fog. Turn off once visibility improves.
Meaning
The turn-signal indicator on the instrument cluster flashes with the left or right turn lamps. Push the stalk up for a right turn and pull it down for a left turn. The hazard switch flashes all turn lamps and both cluster indicators together.
What to do
Informational while signalling. Indicators normally keep flashing after you release the stalk and cancel after the turn. If they do not flash, flash too fast, or stay on, check the lamps.
Meaning
When this warning light is yellow, a headlight is faulty.
What to do
Have the lighting checked. Do not keep driving with reduced illumination if you cannot see or be seen clearly.
Meaning
Intelligent high beam control (IHBC / HMA) uses the multi-purpose camera to switch high beam on or off automatically above about 35 km/h. The cluster can show standby, activated, or HMA failure. It is an auxiliary light function and cannot fully replace the driver. HMA exits with fog lights or turn signals on, high-speed wipers, reverse, the light switch not on Auto, or very strong ambient light.
What to do
Keep switching beams yourself when needed. Enable or disable it in the infotainment light settings. If the failure icon stays on, have the camera/system checked. You remain responsible for lighting and safety.
Driver assistance (ADAS)
7 signs
Meaning
Cruise or adaptive cruise is available / set (icons vary; white/green common).
What to do
Informational. Cancel with brake or cancel switch. Adaptive cruise still needs driver attention.
Meaning
Lane assist is active, intervening, or unavailable (amber often means fault / camera blocked).
What to do
Keep hands on the wheel. Clean the windscreen camera area if assist drops out.
Meaning
The forward-collision or automatic emergency braking system is alerting, intervening, or has a sensor fault / blockage.
What to do
If flashing while driving, brake and increase following distance. Clean the front radar/camera area; book ADAS calibration if the fault stays on.
Meaning
A vehicle is in the blind spot, or the blind-spot system is unavailable / faulty (steady amber often = fault).
What to do
Check mirrors manually. Clear ice/dirt from rear-corner sensors. Persistent faults need workshop diagnosis.
Meaning
Driver attention warning (DAW) evaluates how tired the driver appears from how the vehicle is being driven, and alerts according to that result to help driving safety.
What to do
Treat the alert as a cue to rest and stay in control. It is assistance only. You remain responsible for driving.
Meaning
The cluster lists a reversing radar fault prompt. Parking assist uses sensors to detect nearby obstacles and can alert with an infotainment image and a beep. A persistent image or beep may be a real obstacle or sensor interference.
What to do
Check around the sensors for dirt or objects. Do not wash the sensor area with water or steam. If the fault prompt remains, have parking assist inspected. Do not rely on it alone when reversing.
Meaning
When this indicator lights up, the system has recognised the speed-limit value for the current road section. TSR reads speed-limit signs with the multi-purpose camera and map (where fitted), shows them on the cluster, and can warn if you exceed the detected limit. Other cluster icons can mean the limit may not apply to your lane, reduced performance, a malfunction, TSR switched off, or no speed-limit value available. TSR identifies speed-limit signs only.
What to do
Obey real signs and the legal limit. You stay in control of the vehicle. Dirty, blocked, or misaligned cameras can cause missed or wrong readings. Have the sensor calibrated after a collision or camera refit.
Drive modes
4 signs
Meaning
The economic mode indicator shows ECO is selected. Roll the scroll button to cycle ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT. The handbook prefers economic mode for the first 2,000 km break-in, with steady driving rather than high speed.
What to do
Informational. ECO is a selectable drive mode, not a fault.
Meaning
The sport mode indicator shows SPORT is selected. Roll the scroll button to cycle ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT.
What to do
Informational. Sport is a selectable dynamic mode, not a fault.
Meaning
The normal mode indicator shows NORMAL is selected. Roll the scroll button to cycle ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT.
What to do
Informational. Normal is a selectable drive mode, not a fault.
Meaning
Snow mode is designed for slippery surfaces such as grass, snow, ice, or gravel. It optimises traction, driving, and handling. Even with it on, control your speed and press the accelerator gently. ESC may limit torque; if the vehicle is stuck in soft snow, temporarily switching ESC off may help, then turn ESC back on when conditions are normal.
What to do
Use on slippery surfaces. Stay alert. It is assistance, not a guarantee of grip.
Tyres / chassis
4 signs
Meaning
One or more tyres are under-inflated, or a TPMS sensor/system fault exists.
What to do
Check all tyre pressures cold (including spare if monitored). Inspect for punctures. Reset/relearn only after pressures are correct.
Meaning
Electric or hydraulic steering assist has a fault. Steering may feel heavy.
What to do
Drive carefully at lower speed. Stop if steering becomes unsafe. Common on 12V weak battery / EPS module faults.
Meaning
All-wheel or four-wheel drive is engaged, locked, or reporting a driveline fault (amber usually means fault / overheating).
What to do
Use locked 4WD only on loose surfaces as the handbook allows. If amber with a message, ease off and have the driveline scanned.
Meaning
If the vehicle lost power through abnormal operations such as connecting or disconnecting the low-voltage battery or fuses, this indicator lights when power is restored. The steering-wheel angle needs a zero self-learn.
What to do
Turn the steering wheel slowly fully left and fully right, then release it for two to five seconds. Switch the vehicle off and wait more than 10 seconds. Restart; the indicator should go out when self-learning is complete.
Status / info
2 signs
Meaning
A door, boot, or bonnet is not fully latched.
What to do
Stop if needed and close securely. Do not drive with the bonnet unlatched.
Meaning
Windscreen washer reservoir is low.
What to do
Top up with washer fluid. Not urgent for drivability, but important for visibility.
Other
4 signs
Meaning
The 12V system is not charging properly (alternator / DC-DC converter / 12V battery issue). Lights and electronics can die soon.
What to do
Reduce electrical load and get to a workshop soon. On EVs this often points to the 12V battery or DC-DC converter, not the main traction pack.
Meaning
Scheduled service is due, or a general maintenance reminder was triggered.
What to do
Book service per the handbook. Not usually an immediate roadside emergency unless paired with another warning.
Meaning
A catch-all alert: the instrument cluster or central display has a message that needs attention (often paired with text).
What to do
Read the dashboard / centre-screen message immediately. Treat the specific text (brake, tyre, ADAS, etc.) as the real instruction.
Meaning
The key fob is not detected, the immobilizer sees a fault, or the fob battery is weak (symbols vary by brand).
What to do
Hold the fob closer to the start button / backup reader. Replace the fob battery if warned. Persistent immobilizer faults need dealer coding checks.
No lights matched that search. Try a simpler word like “brake”, “battery”, or “charge”.
How to read colours
A quick rule of thumb for most ICE, hybrid, and EV dashboards worldwide (ISO-style symbols).
Red
Serious. Stop safely when you can, or confirm a simple cause (handbrake / door). Do not ignore oil, brakes, coolant, or HV faults.
Amber / yellow
Needs attention soon: ABS, TPMS, check engine, limited EV power, battery temperature. Drive carefully and plan a check.
Green / blue
Usually status: Ready, lights on, cruise, charging connected. Blue is commonly high beam. Not a fault by itself.
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