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Knowing the instrument panel

Warning lights and messages

In this manual: Knowing the instrument panel
Getting to know the vehicle — 41Knowing the instrument panel — 8Safety — 30Starting and driving — 16In an emergency — 9Maintenance and care — 13Technical data — 13Multimedia — 19
~21min read

Warning lights on the instrument cluster

Red warning lights

Warning light Meaning
UNFASTENED SEAT BELTS (where provided, depending on version/market) The light comes on steadily when the vehicle is stationary and the driver's seat belt or the front passenger's seat belt (when a passenger is present) is not fastened. The light will flash, together with an audible buzzer, when the vehicle is moving and the front seat belts are not correctly fastened.

To permanently deactivate the audible buzzer of the S.B.R. (Seat Belt Reminder) system, contact the Fiat Service Network. The system can be reactivated via the Setup menu. EBD FAULT If the red and amber warning lights come on at the same time while the engine is running, this indicates a fault in the EBD system or that the system is not available. In this case, during hard braking, the rear wheels may lock early, with the possibility of the vehicle skidding.

On some versions, the display shows a dedicated message.

Drive with extreme caution and go immediately to the nearest Fiat Service Network to have the system checked. AIRBAG FAULT When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the light comes on but must go off after a few seconds.

A steady warning light indicates a fault in the airbag system. On some versions, the display shows a dedicated message. WARNING 37) If the warning light does not come on when the key is turned to the RUN position, or stays on while driving, there may be a fault in the restraint systems; in this case the airbags or pretensioners may not deploy in the event of a crash or, in a more limited number of cases, may deploy incorrectly. Before continuing, contact the Fiat Service Network for an immediate check of the system. 38) The fault warning lightis signalled by the warning light flashing. In this case, any faults in the airbag system may not be signalled. Before continuing, contact the Fiat Service Network for an immediate check of the system.
Warning light Meaning
LOW BRAKE FLUID / HANDBRAKE ENGAGED When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the light comes on but must go off after a few seconds.

Low brake fluid The light comes on when the brake fluid level in the reservoir drops below the minimum level, due to a possible fluid leak from the circuit. On some versions, the display shows a dedicated message. Parking brake engaged The warning light comes on when the parking brake is engaged. If the vehicle is moving, an audible warning also sounds.

WARNING If the warning light comes on while driving, check that the parking brake is not engaged. INSUFFICIENT BATTERY CHARGING (for versions/markets where provided) When the ignition key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on and must go out as soon as the engine starts (a brief delay in switching off is permitted with the engine at idle).

If the warning light stays on steadily or flashes, on some versions together with a dedicated message on the display, contact the Fiat Service Network. DOORS/ENGINE HOOD/TAILGATE OPEN The warning light comes on, and on some versions a dedicated message is shown on the display, when one or more doors, the engine hood or the tailgate are not fully closed. If a door is open and the vehicle is moving, an audible warning sounds. WARNING 39) If the warning light comes on while driving, stop immediately and contact the Fiat Service Network
Warning light Meaning
INSUFFICIENT ENGINE OIL PRESSURE When the ignition key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on and must go out as soon as the engine starts.
Insufficient engine oil pressure The warning light comes on steadily, and on some versions a dedicated message is shown on the display, when the system detects insufficient engine oil pressure.
WARNING 40) If the warning light comes on while driving (on some versions together with the message shown on the display), stop the engine immediately and contact the Fiat Service Network.
Warning light Meaning

Degraded engine oil (Diesel versions with DPF) The warning light flashes, and on some versions a dedicated message is shown on the display. The light flashes in cycles of 3 minutes, with 5-second off intervals, until the oil is replaced.

After the first warning, each time the engine is started the warning light will continue to flash as described above until the oil is replaced. On some versions the display shows a dedicated message.

The flashing of this warning light is not a vehicle fault; it informs the customer that normal use of the vehicle has made it necessary to replace the oil.

Please note that engine oil degradation is accelerated by:

  • predominantly city use of the vehicle, which makes the DPF regeneration process more frequent;
  • use of the vehicle for short trips, which prevents the engine from reaching its operating temperature;
  • repeated interruptions of the regeneration process, indicated by the DPF warning light coming on.
WARNING 41) If the warning light comes on, have the degraded engine oil replaced as soon as possible and never later than 500 km after the warning light first came on. Failure to observe the above information may cause serious engine damage and void the warranty. Please note that this warning light is not related to the amount of oil in the engine, so if the light is flashing do NOT add any oil to the engine.
Warning light Meaning
Engine coolant temperature too high When the key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on and must go out after a few seconds.

The warning light comes on, and on some versions a dedicated message is shown on the display, when the engine is overheating.

During normal driving: stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check that the coolant level in the reservoir is not below the MIN mark. If it is, wait for the engine to cool, then slowly and carefully open the cap and top up with coolant, making sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir.

Also visually check for any coolant leaks. If the warning light comes on again at the next start-up, contact the Fiat Service Network.

During demanding use of the vehicle (for example towing trailers uphill, or with the vehicle fully loaded): reduce speed and, if the warning light stays on, stop the vehicle. Wait 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and slightly revved to promote more active coolant circulation, then switch off the engine. Check the coolant level as described above.

WARNING On very demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the engine running and slightly revved for a few minutes before switching it off. "DUALDRIVE" electric power steering fault When the key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on and must go out after a few seconds.

If the warning light stays on, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, the power steering assistance may not be available and the steering effort on the wheel may increase noticeably, although the vehicle can still be steered.

In this case, contact the Fiat Service Network.

WARNING In some circumstances, factors unrelated to the electric power steering may cause the warning light on the instrument panel to come on. In this case, stop the vehicle immediately (if moving), switch off the engine for about 20 seconds, then restart the engine. If the warning light, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, remains on, contact the Fiat Service Network.

WARNING After disconnecting the battery, the steering requires an initialisation, which is indicated by the warning light coming on. To carry out this procedure, simply turn the steering wheel from one end to the other, or continue driving straight ahead for about one hundred metres. "DUALOGIC" gearbox fault When the ignition key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on and must go out after a few seconds.

The light comes on flashing, together with a dedicated message on the display and an audible signal, when a gearbox fault is detected. WARNING 25) In case of a gearbox fault, contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible to have the system checked.

Yellow warning lights

Warning light Meaning
ABS fault When the key is turned to the MAR position, the warning light comes on and must go out after a few seconds.

The warning light comes on, and on some versions a dedicated message is shown on the display, when the system is faulty. In this case the braking system keeps its full effectiveness, but without the benefits offered by the ABS system.

Proceed with caution and contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. PASSENGER AIRBAG/SIDE AIRBAGS DEACTIVATED The warning light, located in the centre of the dashboard, comes on when the front passenger airbag and the side airbag are deactivated. With the front passenger airbags activated, turn the key to MAR. The light comes on steadily for a few seconds, then it must go out. WARNING 42) A fault in the system is indicated by the illumination of the warning light. In addition, the airbag system automatically deactivates the passenger-side airbags (front and side where fitted). Before continuing, contact the Fiat Service Network to have the system checked immediately.
Warning light Meaning
CITY BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM DEACTIVATED (for versions/markets where provided) The light comes on when the City Brake Control system is deactivated via the Setup Menu.
EOBD/INJECTION SYSTEM FAULT Under normal conditions, the light comes on when the key is turned to MAR. It must go out as soon as the engine starts.

If the light stays on or comes on while driving, the injection system is not working correctly. In particular, a steady light indicates a fault in the fuel supply/ignition system, which may cause high exhaust emissions, possible loss of performance, poor drivability and high fuel consumption.

In these conditions you may continue driving, but avoid placing heavy demands on the engine or driving at high speeds. Prolonged use of the vehicle with the steady warning light on may cause damage. Contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible.

The light goes out if the fault disappears, but the system still stores the fault message.

NOTE For petrol engines, if the light comes on flashing, the catalytic converter may be damaged. In this case, release the accelerator pedal and reduce engine speed until the light stops flashing; continue driving at moderate speed, avoiding driving conditions that may cause further flashing, and contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. WARNING 26) If the light does not come on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position, or if it comes on steadily or flashing while driving (on some versions together with a message and a symbol on the display), contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. The operation of the warning light can be checked with suitable equipment by traffic control officers. Observe the regulations in force in the country where you are driving.
Warning light Meaning
ESC SYSTEM (for versions/markets where provided) When the key is turned to MAR, the light comes on. It must go out after a few seconds.

If the light does not go out, or if it stays on while driving, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, contact the Fiat Service Network. A flashing light while driving indicates that the ESC system is intervening. Hill Holder Fault The light comes on, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, in case of a fault in the Hill Holder system.

In this case, contact the Fiat Service Network. ELD System Fault (for versions/markets where provided) The light comes on, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, in case of a fault in the ELD system.

In this case, contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. FIAT CODE SYSTEM FAULT The light (or the symbol on the display) comes on, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, to indicate a fault in the Fiat CODE system.

In this case, contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. GLOW PLUG PREHEATING/GLOW PLUG PREHEATING FAULT (Diesel versions) Glow plug preheating: when the key is turned to MAR, the light comes on and must go out when the glow plugs have reached the set temperature. You can start the engine immediately after the light goes out.

WARNING In mild or high ambient temperatures, the light comes on for an almost imperceptible time. Glow plug preheating fault A flashing light, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, indicates a fault in the glow plug preheating system.

Contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible to have the fault rectified. FUEL RESERVE - LIMITED RANGE The light comes on when 5 to 7 litres of fuel remain in the tank. When the range is less than approximately 50 km (or equivalent value in miles), on some versions the display shows a dedicated message.

WARNING If the light flashes while driving, there is a fault in the system. In this case, contact the Fiat Service Network to have the system checked. REAR FOG LIGHT The light comes on when the rear fog light is switched on. DPF (PARTICULATE FILTER) CLEANING IN PROGRESS (Diesel versions with DPF) When the key is turned to MAR, the light comes on. It must go out after a few seconds.

The light comes on steadily, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, to indicate that the DPF system needs to remove trapped pollutants (particulate matter) through the regeneration process.

The light does not come on every time the DPF is regenerating, but only when driving conditions require the customer to be alerted. To turn the light off, keep the vehicle moving until regeneration is complete. The process takes approximately 15 minutes on average. Optimal conditions for completing the process are reached by keeping the vehicle moving at 60 km/h with engine speed above 2000 rpm.

The illumination of this warning light does not indicate a vehicle defect, so it is not necessary to take the vehicle to a workshop. WARNING 43) Driving speed must always be suited to traffic conditions and weather, and must comply with the road traffic laws in force. Please also note that the engine can be switched off while the DPF warning light is on; however, repeated interruptions of the regeneration process may cause premature degradation of the engine oil. For this reason, it is always recommended to wait for the warning light to go off before switching off the engine, following the instructions above. It is not advisable to complete DPF regeneration with the vehicle stationary.
Warning light Meaning
GENERIC FAULT WARNING (for versions/markets where provided) The light comes on in the following circumstances.
Speed limit exceeded (for versions/markets where provided) The light comes on when the speed limit value set via the Setup Menu is exceeded.
When the vehicle exceeds this value, an audible signal is emitted and, on some versions, a dedicated message is shown on the display. Fuel block system intervention/fault The light comes on, on some versions together with a dedicated message shown on the display, in case of intervention or a fault in the fuel block system. Start&Stop System Fault (for versions/markets where provided) The light comes on when a fault is detected in the Start&Stop system. In case of a Start&Stop system fault, contact the Fiat Service Network. Temporary or permanent fault in the City Brake Control system (depending on version/market, where provided). The warning light comes on, and on some versions a dedicated message appears on the display, when a temporary or permanent fault is detected in the City Brake Control system. If the fault is permanent, contact the Fiat Service Network to have the system checked. Airbag fault If this warning light flashes, on versions or markets where this is provided, it indicates a fault in the airbag warning light. In this case the airbag warning light may not indicate any airbag system malfunctions. Contact the Fiat Service Network immediately. Parking sensors fault (depending on version/market, where provided). The warning light comes on, and on some versions a dedicated message appears on the display, when a fault is detected in the parking sensors. Exterior lights fault (depending on version/market, where provided). The warning light comes on when a fault is detected in one of the following lights: position lights, number plate lights, rear fog lights, turn indicators, daytime running lights (DRL). Engine oil pressure sensor fault (depending on version/market, where provided). A fault in the engine oil pressure sensor is indicated by the warning light coming on in the instrument cluster. ELD system fault (depending on version/market, where provided). The warning light comes on, together with a dedicated message on the display, when a fault is present in the 4x4 full-time four-wheel drive system. Contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. Water in the diesel fuel filter (Diesel versions) (depending on version/market, where provided). When the key is turned to the ON position, the warning light comes on and must go off after a few seconds. The warning light comes on when water is detected in the diesel fuel filter. On some versions the display shows a dedicated message. WARNING 27) If the light comes on (on some versions together with the message shown on the display), contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible to have the water drained. If the same warning appears immediately after refuelling, water may have entered the fuel tank: in this case, switch off the engine immediately and contact the Fiat Service Network.
Warning light Meaning
iTPMS SYSTEM (depending on version/market, where provided) Insufficient tyre pressure The warning light comes on steadily to indicate that the tyre pressure is lower than the recommended value, which is needed to ensure the best tyre life and optimum fuel consumption, or to indicate a slow pressure loss.

In this way the iTPMS system warns the driver that one or more tyres may be underinflated, indicating a probable puncture. In this case it is recommended to restore the correct pressure value. Once normal driving conditions are restored, carry out the tyre reset procedure.

WARNING Do not continue driving with one or more underinflated tyres, as the vehicle's handling may be impaired. Stop the vehicle, avoiding harsh braking and steering. iTPMS system fault / iTPMS system temporarily disabled The warning light flashes for about 75 seconds and then stays on steadily, together with a dedicated message on the display, to indicate that the system is temporarily disabled or faulty. The system returns to normal operation when the operating conditions allow it; if this does not happen, carry out the tyre reset procedure after restoring normal driving conditions.

If the malfunction warning persists, contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. LPG FUEL RESERVE (depending on version/market, where provided) The warning light comes on when the remaining LPG quantity in the tank falls below 1/5. On some versions the display shows a dedicated message. METHANE FUEL RESERVE (Natural Power versions) The warning light comes on when the remaining methane quantity in the tank falls below 1/5.

On some versions, the display shows a dedicated message. ELD SYSTEM (depending on version/market, where provided) The warning light flashing indicates that the differential lock function (ELD) has intervened. GRAVITY CONTROL SYSTEM (Panda Cross 4x4 versions) The warning light on steadily, together with a dedicated message on the display, indicates that the Gravity Control function is active. Deactivation of the function is indicated by the warning light flashing, an audible signal and a dedicated message on the display. PETROL/LPG SWITCHING (depending on version/market, where provided) Warning light on steadily: petrol operation.

Warning light off: LPG operation. PETROL/METHANE SWITCHING (depending on version/market, where provided) Warning light on steadily: petrol operation.

Light off: operating on methane (CNG). FOG LIGHTS The warning light comes on when the fog lights are switched on. POSITION AND LOW BEAM LIGHTS / FOLLOW ME HOME Position and low beam lights. The warning light comes on when the position lights or low beam headlights are switched on. Follow me home. The warning light comes on, and on some versions a dedicated message appears on the display, when the "Follow me home" function is used. LEFT TURN INDICATOR The warning light comes on when the turn indicator lever is moved downwards, or together with the right turn indicator when the hazard warning light button is pressed. RIGHT TURN INDICATOR The warning light comes on when the turn indicator lever is moved upwards, or together with the left turn indicator when the hazard warning light button is pressed.

Blue indicator lights

Warning light Meaning
HIGH BEAM The indicator light comes on when the high beams are activated.

Symbols and messages shown on the display

Symbol or message Meaning
This symbol is shown in case of a fault in the LPG system, together with a dedicated message.

In this case, contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible and continue driving in petrol mode. This symbol is shown in case of a fault in the CNG (methane) fuel system, together with a dedicated message.

In this case, contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible and continue driving in petrol mode. FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAULT The symbol comes on, and all the fuel level bars turn off, in case of a fuel level sensor fault. Contact the Fiat Service Network as soon as possible. START&STOP (For versions/markets where provided) The message on the display appears when the Start&Stop system is activated/deactivated by pressing the button located in the centre of the dashboard.

With the Start&Stop system active, the LED on the button is off. When the system is deactivated, the LED comes on. GRAVITY CONTROL (Panda Cross 4x4 versions) The display shows the messages for Gravity Control engagement, engagement not permitted, and disengagement. SERVICE When scheduled maintenance ("service") is approaching its due date, the display will show the word "Service" followed by the number of kilometres/miles remaining until the vehicle's maintenance. This indication appears automatically, with the ignition key in the ON position, when 2,000 km (or equivalent value in miles) or, where provided, 30 days remain until maintenance is due, and it is shown again each time the key is turned to the ON position or, for versions/markets where provided, every 200 km (or equivalent value in miles).

Contact the Fiat Service Network, which will carry out the maintenance operations set out in the "Scheduled Maintenance Plan" and reset this display indication. DUALOGIC GEARBOX

For versions equipped with the "Dualogic" gearbox, the following messages may be shown on the display:

  • Reduce gear changes
  • Manual mode not available
  • Automatic mode not available
  • Clutch overheating
  • Press brake pedal
  • Press the brake pedal - delayed start
  • Gear not available
  • Manoeuvre not permitted
  • Press the brake pedal and repeat the manoeuvre
  • Move the gear lever to N (neutral).
WARNING 28) If the messages remain shown on the display, contact the Fiat Service Network.

29) To preserve clutch efficiency, do not use the accelerator to hold the vehicle stationary (for example, when stopped on a hill). Clutch overheating could damage it. Instead, use the brake pedal and operate the accelerator pedal only when you decide to move off.

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