What the Lights On Your Dash Mean and When To Schedule A Service.

Your Ford dashboard is vital to your driving experience as it provides essential information regarding your vehicle’s performance and condition. Lamps and indicators will illuminate on your dashboard once you start the car but turn off shortly after. If an issue is detected, that specific indicator will stay illuminated.

It is wise to become familiar with your vehicle’s indicators and lamps, not only because they keep you updated on your vehicle’s vital information but because not all issues require immediate servicing.

Here at Fury Ford Waconia, we can clear up some possible confusion. All lamps and indicators are defined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, but let’s cover some of the more frequently seen symbols.

Lamps/ Indicators and Their Meanings

• This lamp indicates a fault in the battery and/or charging system; if it illuminates while moving the vehicle is in motion, shut off all unnecessary electrical systems and have it checked at your nearest Ford Dealer.

Brake System Warning Lamp

• Check if the parking brake is applied if the light comes on while driving. If the light remains on after the release of the parking brake, have the system checked at a dealer.
• These lights can signify a significant reduction in your vehicle’s braking capabilities, possibly even brake failure, meaning the vehicle may be unsafe to drive.

Electric Park Brake

• You may see this light if there is a fault in the electric parking brake system. See your local Ford dealer for a diagnosis and repair of your electric parking brake system.

Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature

• This lamp illuminates when the coolant temperature is high. When it is safe to do so, stop your vehicle and turn it off to allow the engine to cool. This issue can be caused by excessive engine load, faulty cooling system components, and low coolant levels. However, never open the radiator cap to add more coolant when the engine/coolant are hot, as the system is pressurized.

Engine Oil

• Your engine oil plays a vital role in the longevity of your engine. If this light shows while the engine is running, a fault has been detected in the oil system and the vehicle should be stopped and shut off as soon as it is safe to do so. Check the oil level, and if the light persists with the correct level of oil, have the system checked by your local Ford dealer. You should not drive the vehicle in this condition.

Front Airbag

• Your airbags are an integral safety feature of your Ford, and this light helps to let you know if they are functioning properly. If this light does not illuminate when the vehicle turns on, flashes, or remains on when the engine is running, there is a malfunction. See a Ford Dealer immediately.

High Voltage Electric System Failure

• This hybrid-vehicle-specific lamp will illuminate if there is a component fault or failure in the high-voltage electrical system of your vehicle, causing shutdowns or entering restricted operating mode. The vehicle will not drive normally and should be checked by your local Ford dealer.

Low Beam Warning

• This light illuminates when the system detects an error, such as a low beam lamp being burnt out, a fuse being blown, or other issues relating to the low beams.

Low Tire Pressure Warning

• The lamp will illuminate when tire pressure is low. Low tire pressure can happen naturally over time, but can also be an indicator of a leak caused by a puncture. Driving on a tire with low pressure can eventually cause a blowout, so be sure to check the air pressure as soon as it is safe to do so.
• This light should also come on briefly during vehicle startup (if equipped with a TPMS system). If it does not illuminate in the ignition “on” position, or if the light flashes, have it checked by your local Ford dealer.

Powertrain Fault

• The lamp will illuminate when the system detects a malfunction in the powertrain. Stay away from driving with this lamp on; contact a dealer as soon as possible.

Service Engine Soon

• This lamp will illuminate before the engine starts so you can verify the bulb works, and will turn off if no issues are detected. If the lamp illuminates while operating, a malfunction has been detected in the emission control system.
• If the lamp flashes while operating, it may indicate an engine misfire which would reduce engine power or cause failure. See the dealer immediately.

We hope this article has clarified the lamps and indicators found on your vehicle’s dashboard. With this knowledge, you can now drive with the utmost confidence and respond appropriately to your Ford’s condition. For further information about the lights on your dash or for assistance making the necessary repairs, visit the Fury Ford Waconia service center soon!