What Every Ford Dashboard Symbol And Warning Light Means
Knowing the Ford dashboard symbols and meanings can be an advantage in helping you understand your vehicle and its mechanics better. After all, what if a system malfunctions, a light flashes on the dashboard, and you're unsure whether you need to stop or can continue with your journey? The team at Freedom Ford has compiled this guide to help you understand these symbols, their meanings, and when it's time to reach out for help.
Before scheduling an appointment with us, let's review Ford dashboard symbols and what they mean for your drive.
Colors of Ford Dash Symbols: What Do They Mean?
- Red: This color indicates the most dangerous warnings, which can range from an open door to an engine malfunction. Stop driving and fix the issue immediately, or call a towing team to prevent further engine problems.
- Amber: An amber warning means that while the issue should be addressed as soon as you're able to, it likely will not fully obstruct your drive. However, please schedule a maintenance appointment before it turns red.
- Green/Blue: This means that the system is functioning properly. You can switch many of these symbols on or off through menus or tactile buttons.
- Gray: Gray indicates that a system has been turned off. If a wrench appears, the powertrain is experiencing an issue that requires immediate action.
Red Ford Warning Lights: Stop Driving and Call for Service
If you see red Ford dashboard lights on, there is an urgent issue with your model that could cause permanent damage or dangerous situations on the road if not resolved quickly. Some of these warnings won't affect your driving directly, but in the case of an incident, your car won't be able to protect you properly. Try to pull over to resolve the issue, or schedule a tow to an official Ford dealership and schedule Ford service for your model.
| Warning Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | (Red) Brake Light There is a problem with the brakes. Check the parking brake, then please pull over and slow to a stop whenever possible. |
 | Oil Lamp There's a significant issue with the oil systems, such as a leak or sensor malfunction. |
 | Engine Oil Temperature If this stays illuminated, the oil's temperature is outside of standard range. |
 | Engine / Motor Coolant Temperature This means the engine is overheating as its coolant becomes more and more red. |
 | Steering System Fault The steering wheel may not function correctly, causing drifting or sudden turning. Call a tow truck if possible. |
 | Lane Keeping Aid (Red) The Lane Keeping Aid has issued a significant warning. |
 | Seatbelt A seatbelt is not fastened. |
 | Airbag If this symbol flashes or a five-tone sound plays, the airbag systems are faulty. |
 | Tire Pressure (Flashing) The system may be malfunctioning or a spare is being used. |
 | Door(s) Ajar A door is still open, or not fully closed. |
 | Swing Gate Release / Trunk Ajar The trunk or swing gate is open. |
 | Loose Gas Cap The gas cap appears to be open or loose. |
 | Hood Open The hood is open. |
 | Battery The battery is either low on charge, melting, or another failure. |
 | Hybrid / Electric System Failure The hybrid components may be malfunctioning. |
Amber Ford Warning Lights: Service Soon
Amber Ford warning lights need attention as soon as you can, but they are not necessarily dangerous for driving or immediately cause lasting damage. In many cases, these mean an issue with a driver assistance feature or engine aid that can reduce safety or performance but isn't an immediate threat to your vehicle. For example, if you see an amber oil light, you should schedule an oil change service with us when you can, but there is still time before it becomes a larger issue for your systems.
| Warning Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | (Amber) ABS The anti-lock braking system is not working. This can lead to issues with properly stopping. |
 | Electric Parking Brake The electric parking brake has malfunctioned, reducing stability when stopping. |
 | Auto Hold Failure The vehicle cannot bring itself to a standstill at the moment. |
 | Wipers and Washers The vehicle is low on windshield washing fluid. |
 | Malfunction Indicator When solid, there is an emission problem. When flashing, the vehicle may be in danger of an engine misfire. Come to a slow and steady stop (not too fast). |
 | Oil Lamp (Warning) The vehicle is low on engine oil and needs a refill. |
 | Auto Start/Stop (Warning) The engine's auto start/stop is malfunctioning and action may need to be taken. Look to the driver information display. |
 | Fuel (Warning) The vehicle is low on gas. If you recently refilled, there may be a leak. |
 | Electronic Locking Differential Indicator The locks have activated, providing additional traction. If it turns gray, you may be driving too fast. |
 | Lane Keeping Aid (Warning) The Lane Keeping Aid has just protected you from swerving out of lane. |
 | Lane Centering (Warning) The system has turned itself off automatically. |
 | Tire Pressure (Solid) A tire is underinflated, or rotation was performed without deactivating the warning lamp. |
 | Blind Spot Indicator A vehicle is detected in your blindspot. |
 | Blind Spot Indicator (Off) The Blind Spot indicator is off, either intentionally or through a malfunction. |
 | Diesel Pre-Heat Please wait for this symbol to turn off before starting the diesel engine. |
 | Water / Moisture in the Fuel Tank Please drain the water or moisture using the water trap. |
 | Low Beam Light The low beam headlight is not working properly. |
 | Message Indicator Refer to your Driver Information Center for additional information. |
The Ford Wrench Light and How It Differs From Check Engine
One symbol that still indicates a clear warning but does not turn red or amber is the Ford wrench light, or the Non-Emission Powertrain Fault warning. But what does the wrench light mean on a Ford? Typically this means that there's an issue with the powertrain or four-wheel drive and it requires your attention as soon as possible.
If the wrench begins flashing, the car's drivetrain is faulty to the point of emergency. Please gradually decelerate to a stop and have your vehicle towed.
Green, White, and Blue Ford Indicator Lights
If you see green, white, or blue lamps on your dashboard, your car is working properly. There isn't normally a problem with these Ford dash lights, meaning a system is working right, or you've deactivated a system willingly. These lights are only a problem if you cannot reactivate a system or if a green light, such as a blinker or headlamp, won't deactivate.
| Warning Light | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | (Green) Headlamps The front lights are on. |
 | Headlamps High Beam The highbeams are on, which can be dangerous for drivers going the other way. |
 | Auto High Beams The highbeams will switch on when they need to. |
 | Front / Rear Fog Lamps The fog lights are working properly. |
 | Turn Signals The blinkers are on, or you've activated the SOS mode if both are pressed. |
 | Auto Hold Your vehicle will be able to bring itself to a standstill. |
 | Auto Start/Stop Your vehicle saves gasoline whenever you stop for a medium amount of time. |
 | Selectable Drive Mode Your vehicle is currently on one of several drive modes. |
 | 4x2, 4x4 auto, 4x4 high, 4x4 low Your vehicle is utilizing a specific drivetrain style to improve traction with good fuel economy. |
 | Cruise Control The Cruise Control system is working properly and is following the model in front at the set speed and distance. |
 | Adaptive Cruise Control The Adaptive Cruise Control system is keeping you behind the vehicle in front of you. |
 | Hill Descent Control Your model is fighting against a hill. |
 | Trail Control Indicator Your vehicle is properly balancing on trails. |
 | One Pedal Drive Depress the pedal to accelerate, lift to deccelerate. |
 | Lane Keeping Assist The system is working properly. |
 | Lane Centering Your car is guiding you toward the center of the road. |
 | Ford BlueCruise If the symbol is blue and without hands, you can use Ford BlueCruise technology safely. |
 | Stability and Traction Control Indicator This symbol should briefly light during startup to confirm that it's working. You can turn it off. |
 | Pre-Collision Assist The Pre-Collision Assist system is properly checking out for danger. If crossed out, it is temporarily or purposefully deactivated. If you're in a stable environment and it's still off, you may need to check with a dealership. |
 | Reverse Brake Assist Your vehicle is checking as you reverse. |
 | Forward Collision Warning System A forward collision may be imminent. |
 | Exhaust Brake / Automatic Exhaust Brake The diesel exhaust brake is active. |
 | Trailer Distance to Empty An estimation of how far you can drive before your model runs out of fuel. |
Ford Driver-Assistance Symbols
Ford driver-assistance programs range from simple lane guidance to Ford BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance software. In many cases, such as with Cruise Control or Ford BlueCruise, these systems appear green or blue when active and gray when deactivated. You can activate or deactivate these systems through the tactile buttons on your steering wheel or through the central console.
However, some driver assistance programs make use of amber and red warnings to get your attention and keep you safe. For instance, if the Blind Spot Warning detects a vehicle in your blind spot and you try to change lanes, you'll see a brief amber symbol. If the Lane Keep Assist or Blind Spot Warning continuously shows the amber system, even as you stay centered in your lane, you may want to schedule a check-up for the safety sensors at an official Ford dealership.
Ford F-150 and Super Duty Truck Symbols
Thankfully, many of the Ford F-150 dashboard symbols and meanings match those for Ford SUVs and cars. The Ford check engine light, for example, looks the same for a Ford Explorer and Ford Maverick. Major differences include slightly different symbols for an open tailgate compared to a Ford SUV trunk. Several dash lights, such as most drive mode options, won't appear on non-truck Ford cars or SUVs.
Ford F-250 dashboard symbols and meanings change slightly compared to the standard array – there are more diesel-based warning lamps, for example. It also has a "Trailer Distance to Empty" gauge that estimates how far you can drive on your fuel tank based on the size of the trailer you're pulling.
What to Do When a Ford Dashboard Light Comes On
If a Ford dashboard light illuminates, follow these basic steps:
- Check the Color: If it's blue, green, or white, but not a wrench, you're all set. Amber, red, or wrenches require additional steps.
- If It's Amber, Plan Ahead: You can keep driving with an amber symbol, but consider making an appointment at a service center as soon as you can.
- If It's Red, Resolve Immediately: Check our Ford dashboard symbols and meanings to see if you can solve the problem yourself, such as by latching the tailgate closed or buckling a seatbelt. If it's an engine malfunction or another serious issue, pull over and let your model rest before trying again. If the lights persist, consider towing to keep you and your vehicle safe.
Learn About Ford Dashboard Warning Lights With Freedom Ford
Now you know your Ford warning lights, meaning it might be time for a service appointment. Contact us for licensed Ford brake service, oil changes, and tire rotations, and use our current service offers to get a great deal on repairs or maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most serious warning light on a Ford?
The most serious warning light on a Ford is any red light. These warnings only turn on if there is immediate danger to your car or to your safety in the case of an accident, such as the Check Engine light or Seatbelt light, respectively. You should stop your vehicle and resolve these lights safely to avoid permanent damage to yourself or the model.
Can I drive my Ford with the wrench light on?
If your Ford wrench light is solid, you can drive with it on, but we recommend getting maintenance as soon as possible. This light represents an issue with your powertrain or 4x4 system, so you may experience poor handling, acceleration, and reduced performance. If the wrench blinks, stop as soon as possible and have your model towed to a dealership.
How can I reset an oil change light on my Ford?
To reset your Intelligent Oil Life Monitor:
- Press "Menu" on your steering wheel.
- Choose Vehicle Maintenance.
- Choose Oil Life.
- Press and hold "OK" until the confirmation message appears.