Ford Fiesta Dashboard Warning Lights

This section details many of the dashboard warning lights and symbols with pictures and their meanings found within the Ford Fiesta range.



The following dashboard warning lamps and symbol indicators are to inform the driver that a condition of the vehicle may be serious. The most serious warning lights often illuminate in red and if critical, they may also flash. Some warning lights illuminate when you first start the vehicle and the various systems initiate, this is perfectly normal and they should go out after a few seconds.

Less serious warning lights on the Ford Fiesta may illuminate if orange / amber. This is to inform the driver that there’s an issue that needs remedial action taken soon. Vehicle utilities such as external lights and indicators illuminate in greens and blues and are simply to inform the driver that a particular system is active.

This section covers many models of the Ford Fiesta and may vary slightly depending on the country that your particular Fiesta was made.

Ford Fiesta Message Indicator Symbol

The message indicator symbol illuminates in red or amber depending on the severity and urgency of the issue. Other dashboard symbols may also illuminate such as those below and have a message in the message display. For a list of available messages, see Ford Fiesta warning messages.

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Brake WARNING LIGHT

The exclamation warning symbol will illuminate when the parking brake has been applied and the ignition is on. If the light illuminates on the dashboard whilst driving, check parking brake is not applied. If parking brake is released, this signals a low brake fluid level or a malfunction with the braking system and should be diagnosed by a vehicle technician immediately. See why is the brake warning light on for further help.

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Powertrain Malfunction WARNING LIGHT

The exclamation warning symbol contained within a cog or the spanner / wrench (if constantly on while driving) symbol indicates a powertrain malfunction. The powertrain malfunction light can illuminate due to various issues including various sensors; throttle position sensor, temperature sensor, MAP sensor, mass airflow sensor, ECU issues and traction control/ABS, transmission to name a few. Diagnostic equipment is required to read fault codes. Engine will often enter limp mode to limit power output and reduce potential damage. Switch engine ignition off and attempt restart. You can continue to drive but have vehicle checked as soon as possible.

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ABS WARNING LIGHT

The ABS, or anti-lock braking system warning light should go out after then engine has started. If symbol illuminates whilst driving or stays on after vehicle has started, it indicates a malfunction with your ABS system. ABS is a separate system from the normal vehicle braking system so normal brakes will remain unaffected. Braking in adverse weather conditions may be affected however and system should be checked by an authorised Ford technician. See Anti-Lock Braking System for further information on how ABS works and why is the ABS light on for further diagnosis.

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Engine Temperature WARNING LIGHT

This symbol will illuminate on the dashboard when the engine initially starts and should shortly go out. If light remains on or illuminates whilst driving, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as safe to do so. This symbol indicates the engine is overheating. Allow engine to cool down for at least 20 minutes and check coolant levels. See what is engine coolant for further information. If coolant levels are low, replenish levels. If coolant levels are correct, this indicates a malfunction. An overheated engine can cause irreparable damage to engine components. Do not start the engine and arrange for vehicle to be taken to an authorised technician.

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Low ENGINE Oil WARNING LIGHT

This symbol will illuminate on the dashboard when the engine initially starts and should shortly go out. If light remains on or illuminates whilst driving, stop the vehicle as soon as safe to do so and turn off the engine. Engine oil levels should be checked and replenished if necessary. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause the engine to overheat and potentially seize if levels fall too low. See how to check engine oil levels. This may also be a symptom of low oil pressure.

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ENGINE Malfunction WARNING LIGHTs

Your Ford Fiesta may have one of these warning lights. Lights should go out shortly after then engine has started. If lights illuminate whilst driving, or stay on after it has started, it indicates a malfunction in the engine. The malfunction light and powertrain light (spanner) may illuminate due to many reasons and may include engine, exhaust system, transmission, drive shaft, suspension, wheels, glow plugs (if diesel) and catalytic converter. Vehicle is safe to drive though diagnostic equipment is required from a technician to correctly diagnose and fix the issue.

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STABILITY Control WARNING LIGHT

Symbol should illuminate when ignition is switched on and should go out shortly. If light does not illuminate, it indicates a malfunction. If light continuously illuminates whilst driving, it also indicates a malfunction. Light should flash whilst driving to inform the driver that stability control system is working. If system malfunctions, vehicle is safe to drive, though more care must be taken. Take vehicle to Ford technician for remedial action.

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Battery WARNING LIGHT

Light should illuminate when engine is switched on and go out shortly after. If light illuminate whilst driving or stays on after engine ignition, it indicates that the battery is not being charged or that the battery has a malfunction and has insufficient power. Turn off any electrical equipment in your vehicle that isn’t necessary and take vehicle to a technician as soon as possible. See Why is the battery warning light on for further help.

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Front Airbag WARNING LIGHT

Light should illuminate when engine is switched on and go out shortly after. If symbol doesn’t light on start-up, it signifies a malfunction. If symbol flashes or continuously illuminates, it also signifies a malfunction. Vehicle will need to be taken to a Ford technician else airbags may not deploy in the event of an accident. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?

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Eco-System Indicator LIGHT

The eco-system indicator light is to inform the driver to shift up a gear to help save fuel and reduce carbon emissions. System will not activate during periods of high acceleration.

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Low Tyre Pressure Warning LIGHT

This symbol will illuminate in yellow on newer models of the Ford Fiesta. Symbol will light up when one or more tyres is under-inflated by around 25% or more. If you have a tyre pressure light that will not go out, see tyre pressure monitor light keeps coming on. If you have made recent changes to your tyres or wheels and need to reset the tyre pressure monitor system (TPMS), see How to reset Ford Fiesta tyre pressure light.

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Cold External TEMPERATURE Warning INDICATOR LIGHT

This symbol illuminates when the temperature outside of the car reaches 39°F (4°C) or below. this is to inform the driver that road conditions may become slippery. Even if the temperature rises to over 39°F (4°C), roads may still be hazardous.

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