Fiat 500 Dashboard Warning Lights
Detailed within this section are the dashboard warning light symbols of the Fiat 500. Symbols have their associated meanings, often with an explanation of action to take,
Failure light symbols are displayed are divided into two categories: very serious and less serious failures. Very serious mechanical or electrical failures are indicated by a repeated and prolonged warning cycle, often signified by a red light that may perhaps be flashing. Less serious failures are indicated by a shorter warning cycle, and are typically associated with amber / yellow / orange symbols.
Warning light symbols may vary depending on the year and country of manufacture.
Low battery charge
Battery Electrical Charge is Low
In normal conditions the battery light will come on when the ignition is switched on to MAR. The light should go out shortly. If light remains on or comes on whilst driving, the battery charge is failing and could signify a faulty battery or alternator. Starting issues are likely to occur. Contact a Fiat technician. See Why is the battery warning light on for further help.
Low engine oil pressure
LOW Engine Oil Pressure
Symbol should illuminate with ignition turned to MAR but will soon go out once engine has started. If symbol lights constantly with an applicable message, this signifies oil pressure is low. Do not continue journey. Engine may be damaged, contact a Fiat technician. Alternatively the symbol may flash on the Fiat 500. This is to signify engine oil needs changing. Journey can be continued as normal, though have engine serviced soon.
Low brake fluid / Parking brake
Low brake fluid / Parking brake
LOW Brake Fluid / Parking Brake
Either the exclamation mark symbol or the ‘BRAKE’ dashboard symbol may be used on various models of the Fiat 500. Light should illuminate until engine has started. If light remains on, it signifies the parking / hand brake is on, or that their is insufficient brake fluid in the reservoir. If light illuminates and the handbrake is not applied, braking may become defective. Seek assistance from a Fiat technician immediately.
EBD Failure
ABS Failure
ESC Warning
EBD Failure
When the red exclamation mark symbol illuminates simultaneously with the ABS and ESC lights, this signifies an EBD failure. Vehicle rear wheels may suddenly lock and vehicle may swerve when braking harshly. Drive carefully to a Fiat technician.
ABS Failure
ABS FAILURE Warning Light
Switching the ignition to the MAR position will see the ABS (anti-lock brake system) light come on and go out shortly after the engine has started. If the light illuminates whilst driving, the ABS system has failed. ABS is a separate braking aid to the normal brakes and works independently, Normal brakes will continue to work as usual, though contact a Fiat Dealer soon. See ABS for further information.
Engine Overheating
Engine Overheating
Engine Overheating WARNING LIGHT
Ether the thermostat or red dot dashboard symbol will illuminate (depending on Fiat 500 model) on the dashboard when ignition is turned to MAR and shortly go out when engine starts. If symbol illuminates whilst driving, it signifies the engine is running too hot. Do not continue journey, pull over when safe to do so and switch off engine. Continued driving may cause the engine to seize and become irreparable. Allow engine to cool and check engine coolant levels. If low, replenish supplies and continue journey. Low coolant levels may indicate a leak, seek assistance from Fiat dealership. See what is engine coolant.
Transmission Fault
Transmission Fault WARNING LIGHT
This symbol will illuminate if there is a fault detected with the automatic transmission. If symbol remains illuminated on the dashboard, seek assistance from a Fiat specialist.
Power Steering Fault
Power Steering FAULT WARNING LIGHT
This warning light signifies a fault with the ‘DualDrive’ power steering. When the ignition is turned to MAR-ON, the warning light switches activates, but it should go off shortly. If the warning light stays on, turn the ignition key to STOP position and start the engine again. If the warning light still remains on, physical effort to operate the steering wheel could be increased. Steering is still possible however, contact a Fiat specialist soon. If dashboard symbol comes on whilst driving, steering may become harder as no assistance is possible.
Airbag Fault
Passenger Airbag
Airbag FAULT WARNING LIGHT
The red driver airbag and the amber passenger airbag lights should illuminate when ignition is turned on and go out shortly after. If lights do not illuminate when ignition is turned to MAR, this may signify an issue with the airbags or pretensioners and may not be deployed in an accident. If one or both symbols illuminate whilst driving, this also signifies a fault. In either circumstance, seek assistance from a Fiat specialist soon. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?
Generic Fault
GENERIC FAULT WARNING LIGHT
The generic fault warning light illuminates on the Fiat 500 due to a variety of faults. For further information on the various fault possibilities that can occur when this symbol is illuminated, see: Fiat 500 generic warning light.
Injection Failure
EOBD Injection System Failure WARNING LIGHT
Symbol should come on with the ignition turned to MAR and go out shortly after. If the symbol remains on or comes on whilst driving this signifies a fault with the supply/ignition system that could cause excessive exhaust emissions, possible loss of performance, poor vehicle driveability and high fuel consumption. Vehicle can still be driven the system remedy is required soon. Constant use of vehicle with warning light on may cause damage.
Low Fuel
Fault Warning
Low Fuel / Failure WARNING LIGHT
The low fuel light will illuminate as usual when around 6 to 8 litres of fuel are remaining in the vehicle fuel tank. Estimated range is around 50 km. Light may flash or be accompanied by a flashing fault light (depending on models) to indicate that the system has malfunctioned.
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