Instrument cluster

Warning lights and indicators

~6min read
The warning lights and indicators listed below will inform the driver of a vehicle condition that could become serious. Some warning lights come on when the ignition is switched on to check that they are working. If some warning lights remain on after starting the vehicle, refer to the individual warning light for the system concerned to obtain more information.

Note: Some warning lights come on in the information display and act as warnings even though they are not displayed when the vehicle is started.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light

If it comes on while driving, there is a malfunction. The braking system will continue to work normally (without ABS), unless the related warning light also comes on. Have the vehicle checked by an authorised dealer.

Battery Warning Light

If the warning light comes on while driving, a fault has occurred. Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment. Have the vehicle checked by an authorised dealer immediately.

Brake System Warning Light

Comes on when the parking brake is applied, with the ignition switched on.

If it comes on while driving, check that the parking brake is not applied. If the parking brake is not applied, there is a malfunction. Have the vehicle checked by an authorised dealer immediately.

DANGER

Driving the vehicle with the warning light on is dangerous. Braking performance may be significantly reduced. The vehicle will take longer to stop. Have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. Driving for a long time with the parking brake applied can damage the brakes and cause personal injury.

Turn indicators

Comes on when the right or left turn signal or the hazard warning lights are switched on. If the indicators remain on or flash faster, check whether one of the bulbs has burned out. See Replacing a Bulb.

Door Open Warning Light

Comes on when the ignition is switched on and remains on if any of the doors, the hood or the tailgate are not properly closed.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

DANGER

If it comes on while driving, do not continue your journey, even if the oil level is correct. Have the vehicle checked.

If the warning light remains on after starting, or comes on while driving, a fault has occurred. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. Check the coolant level. See Checking the Engine Coolant.

Engine Oil Warning Light

DANGER

If it comes on while driving, do not continue your journey, even if the oil level is correct. Have the vehicle checked.

If it comes on with the engine running or while driving, it indicates a malfunction. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level. See Checking the Engine Oil.

Engine Warning Lights

Engine/Transmission Fault Warning Light

All vehicles

If a warning light comes on while the engine is running, it indicates a malfunction. The engine will continue to run, but its power may be limited. If it flashes while driving, reduce the vehicle speed immediately. If it keeps flashing, avoid hard acceleration or deceleration. Have the vehicle checked by an authorised dealer immediately.

If both warning lights come on together, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so (if you continue driving, power may be reduced). Switch off the ignition and try restarting the engine. If the engine restarts, have the vehicle checked by an authorised dealer immediately. If the engine does not restart, have the vehicle checked before continuing your journey.

Front fog lamp indicator

If it does not come on when the vehicle is started, or if it keeps flashing or stays on steadily, there is a fault. Have the vehicle checked by an authorised dealer.

Front fog lamp indicator

Comes on when the front fog lights are switched on.

Headlamp indicator

Comes on when the low beam headlights or the side or rear lights are switched on.

High beam indicator

Comes on when the high beam headlights are switched on. It flashes when the hazard warning lights are used.

Hill Start Assist

If it comes on while driving, there is a malfunction.

Fuel reserve indicator

If it comes on, refuel as soon as possible.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

The engine malfunction warning light comes on when the ignition is switched on, before the engine is started, to check that the bulb is working.

If it stays on after starting the engine, the on-board diagnostic system has detected a fault in the emissions control system.

If the light flashes, the engine is misfiring and the catalytic converter may be damaged. Drive moderately (avoid hard acceleration and deceleration) and have the vehicle repaired immediately.

Note: If the engine misfires, high exhaust temperatures may damage the catalytic converter or other vehicle components.

Power Steering

If it comes on while driving, there is a malfunction in the power steering system. Steering remains fully functional, but more force will be needed on the steering wheel. Have the system checked by an authorised dealer as soon as possible.

Rear Fog Light

Comes on when the rear fog lamps are switched on.

Scheduled Maintenance Warning Light

Comes on when the vehicle has reached the mileage or time interval (whichever occurs first) for servicing.

Unfastened Seat Belt Indicator

See Seat Belt Reminder Indicator.

Gear Indicator

Comes on to inform the driver that shifting up or down can improve performance, save fuel or reduce emissions. The light does not come on during hard acceleration, braking or when the clutch pedal is pressed.

Low Tyre Pressure Warning

Comes on when tyre pressure is low. If the light stays on with the engine running or while driving, check tyre pressure as soon as possible.

Also comes on briefly when the ignition is switched on to confirm that the warning light is working correctly. If it does not come on when the ignition is switched on, or if it starts flashing at any time, have the system checked by an authorised dealer.

Cruise Control

Comes on when this function is switched on.

Stability and Traction Control indicator

While driving, it flashes when the system is operating. After switching on the ignition, if it does not come on, or stays on while driving, this indicates a malfunction. In the event of a fault, the system switches off. Have the vehicle checked by an authorised dealer as soon as possible.

Stability and Traction Control OFF indicator

Comes on when the system is switched off. It goes off when the system is re-enabled or when the ignition is switched off.

Test yourself

A quick Ford Ka quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.