A modern car is equipped with numerous sensors that monitor its performance. If something goes wrong, the first indication is usually a warning light on the dashboard, this is your car’s way of communicating with you.
There are countless warning lights and indicators, and ignoring an important one could compromise your safety or lead to costly repairs.
Certain dashboard lights are common across all cars, while others are specific to particular makes and models. In this guide, we’ll explain the dashboard lights and indicators found in our manual diesel Ford Fiesta and petrol Ford Puma. However, always refer to your owner’s manual, as there may be some variations.
When you start the car, you'll notice some warning lights come on. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. It's just a routine check to ensure all the lights are functioning correctly.
However, if certain warning lights remain on for more than 5 seconds after starting the car, that’s a sign something might be wrong.
Warning lights & indicators on a Ford Fiesta (most cars are similar).
Red lights
Generally, red lights indicate a serious problem, and you should stop your car as soon as it's safe to do so. If the light is flashing, it could be even more critical. Once you've pulled over in a safe spot, check your car's manual to see if it's safe to continue driving.
Amber or yellow lights
Amber or yellow lights typically mean that something needs attention soon or requires servicing.
Green or blue lights
Green and blue lights indicate that something is activated, such as when your main beam headlights are on.
Information display
In this Ford Fiesta, additional information is sometimes shown on the screen above.
Anti-lock Braking System Warning Light
If this one illuminates, then it means that you have a malfunction with your anti-lock braking system. The normal braking system will operate unless the brake system warning light is also illuminated. It's important to get it checked as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
When your ignition or engine is on and you're stationary, this light indicates that the parking brake (handbrake) is engaged. If you see this light while driving, first check that the parking brake is off. If it is, the light may signal low brake fluid or a brake system malfunction. In either case, get your car checked immediately. Driving with this warning light on is dangerous.
Cruise Control Indicator
This light will illuminate when cruise control is activated.
Direction Indicators
These are your left or right direction indicators or the hazard warning lights. They will flash when turned on. If they stay on or flash faster than usual, check for any faulty bulbs.
Door Ajar
This light will appear if the bonnet, boot, or any door hasn't been properly closed.
Engine Coolant Warning Light
If this light stays on after starting the engine or while driving, it indicates a malfunction. Stop your car as soon as it's safe, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool for around 20 minutes. Check the coolant level. If the level is correct and the light remains on, turn off the engine and do not continue your journey. Have your car checked by an authorised Ford dealer.
Engine Oil Warning Light
If this light comes on while the engine is running or during driving, it indicates a malfunction. Pull over safely and turn off the engine. Check the oil level, but if it's correct and the light remains on, do not continue driving. Have your car checked by an authorised Ford dealer.
Engine Warning Lights
If either of these lights comes on while the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction. Your car will still run, but it may have limited power.
If the light flashes while you're driving, slow down as soon as it’s safe. If it continues to flash, avoid heavy acceleration or deceleration. Have your car checked immediately.
If both lights come on together, stop your car as soon as it's safe. Turn off the engine and ignition, then try restarting the engine. If it doesn't restart, have your car checked immediately by an authorised Ford dealer.
Front Airbag Warning Light
If this light stays on or flashes after starting your car, have it checked immediately.
Front Fog lights Indicator
This light indicates that the front fog lights are on.
Frost Warning Light
This light will appear when the outside temperature is 4°C or lower.
Glow Plug Indicator
Wait for the glow plug indicator to turn off before starting the car.
Headlamp Indicator
This light illuminates when the dipped beam headlights or the side and tail lights are on.
Main Beam Indicator
This blue light will appear when you switch on the main beam headlights. It will flash when you use the headlight flasher.
Ignition Warning Light
If this light appears while driving, it indicates a malfunction. Turn off any unnecessary electrical equipment and have your car checked immediately by an authorised Ford dealer.
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
This light warns you that your fuel level is low, and you should refuel as soon as possible.
Rear Fog Lights Indicators
This light appears when your rear fog lights are on.
Safety Belt Minder Warning Light
If your seat belt isn’t fastened, this light will appear along with a sound to remind you.
Shift Indicator
This light suggests that shifting to a higher gear could help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Stability Control Indicator
This light flashes when the stability control system is active. If it stays on while driving, there’s a malfunction. In that case, the stability control system will be disabled, and you should have your car checked as soon as possible.
Stability Control System Off Indicator
This light illuminates when the stability control system is turned off.
Start-Stop Indicator
The Start-Stop indicator light will illuminate when the engine has automatically stopped. It will flash when the engine needs to restart, often due to conditions like low battery charge or other system issues that may prevent the restart.
One Or More Tyres Are Under-Inflated
This light indicates that one or more tyres are significantly under-inflated. It's important to stop your car as soon as it's safe to do so, check the tyre pressures, and inflate them to the correct levels. Driving with under-inflated tyres can affect your safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear.
