Chris Auffenberg

What do the dashboard warning lights in my Ford vehicle mean?

Have you ever been in a situation when you have been driving and a light on your dashboard came on? Did you know what that light meant? This can be scary because you are not sure if you should go home or stop into an auto body shop. Eliminate that fear with the following information. What do the dashboard warning lights in my Ford vehicle mean? Keep reading to find out!

If one of the following lights turns on, it is serious and your vehicle needs to get checked right away!

Engine Oil

If this light turns on while the vehicle is running, pullover, let the engine cool off a few minutes, and check the engine’s oil level. If you do not have oil to add and the light does not go away, have your vehicle towed to your trusted Ford service center.

Service Engine Soon

Contact your trusted Ford service center if this light remains on after starting the vehicle

Battery

If this light comes on while driving, shut off everything electrical that you can and take your vehicle to your trusted Ford service center right away.

Stability Control

Have your vehicle serviced immediately if this light remains on or does not light up when starting your vehicle.

Engine Coolant Temperature

If this light comes on, pull over as soon as possible, turn off the vehicle, and let it cool off.

Brake System

This light turns on if the parking brake is engaged. However, if it comes on when driving, see your trusted Ford service center immediately.

Low Fuel Level

If you are driving on a nearly empty gas tank, you will see this light! Get to a gas station as soon as possible!

Front Airbag

If this light does not light up when you start your vehicle, continues to flash, or stays on, have your vehicle serviced by your trusted Ford service center.

Powertrain Fault

This light turns on when a powertrain issue has been detected. Contact your trusted Ford service center immediately.

Brake Inspection at the Chris Auffenberg Family of Dealerships

If one of the following lights is on, it is not an emergency, but should be addressed as soon as possible.

Low Tire Pressure Warning

If this light remains on after starting your vehicle, check the tire pressure. If the light does not turn on or it flashes, have it looked at by your trusted Ford service center.

Anti-Lock Braking System

This light will turn on if the system is not working. Do not fret, your normal brakes will still work. You should still take your vehicle into your trusted Ford service center.

Electric Park Brake

You will see this light if the electric parking brake has an issue.

The following lights turn on when a system is on, engaged, or turning off.

Cruise Control

You will see this light when Cruise Control is on.

Door Ajar

This means that a door is open.

Stability Control

This light will come on when the system is off.

Blind Spot Monitor

When this system is off, you will see this light.

Fasten Safety Belt

You will see this light if you have yet to put on your seatbelt.

Heads Up Display

When starting the vehicle, this light will momentarily show up.

Hood Ajar

If the hood of your vehicle is not completely shut, you will see this light.

Parking Lamp

This light turns on when parking lamps are switched on.

Auto Start-Stop

This light lets you know when the engine is shutting down.

Front Fog Lights

You will see this light when front fog lamps are on.

Direction Indicator

You will see this light with the left and right blinkers along with your hazards. If this light stays on or clicks really fast look for a burnt-out bulb.

High Beam

When you use your high beam headlamps, you will see this light.

Lane-Keeping Aid

When the system is engaged, you will see this light.

Adaptive Cruise Control

This light changes color based on the mode.

White means the system is on.

Green means the system is engaged.

Trunk Ajar

If the trunk is not completely closed, you will see this light.

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