Nissan Micra Dashboard Warning Lights

This section covers the dashboard warning lights and engine management symbols of the Japanese manufacturer Nissan with their popular Micra.

The vast majority of cars use warning lights to display active utilities or issues detected by on board computers. Many symbols are universal, though some may vary slightly on your Nissan Micra depending on the location of manufacture.

As with almost all vehicles, the colour of the symbol is relative. Blue and green symbols illuminate to illustrate a utility if running. Amber, orange or yellow dashboard lights symbolise something requires attention. This could be for example a service is due.

Red lights will generally symbolise something needs needs attention much sooner and red flashing lights or lights accompanied by an audible sound will require urgent attention where safety may become an issue or potential damage to the vehicle engine.

The Nissan Micra dashboard lights and symbols are detailed below with use of a symbol pictures, information and description, plus an explanation of what action should be taken.

Nissan Micra anti-lock brake system (ABS) dashboard warning light

ABS

ANTI-LOCK BRAKing SYSTEM

When the ignition is turned to the ON position on the Nissan Micra, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light illuminates and shortly turns off. This informs you the system is operational. If light comes on whilst driving or stays on after engine start, this indicates a malfunction in the ABS where a Nissan technician will need to check system. A fault with the ABS does not affect normal braking. ABS is used primarily to prevent wheels from locking under harsh braking. For an understanding of ABS and what it does see, ABS.

Nissan Micra (exclamation mark) brake dashboard warning light

Brake Warning

BRAKING Warning Dashboard Light

The red exclamation mark contained in a red circle provide information for the parking brake (handbrake) and foot brakes. With ignition on, the brake warning light will illuminate when the parking brake is applied. Ensure parking brake is fully released. If parking brake is fully released and light comes on, this informs the driver of a low level of brake fluid. Brake fluid levels must be checked within the engine compartment urgently as braking may become inefficient. If brake fluid levels are correct, this may indicate air in the system and vehicle must be checked by a Nissan technician.

Battery Charge

Battery Charge WARNING LIGHT

Light will illuminate for a short period after ignition. If light comes on or stays on, this indicates the battery is not receiving sufficient charge. This may be due to faulty alternator or generator belt. Check belt is not loose or broken. If light remains on, do not continue to drive vehicle and seek assistance from Nissan technician. See Why is the battery warning light on for further help.

Oil Pressure

Low Oil Pressure WARNING LIGHT

This light illuminates on the Nissan Micra to inform of low oil pressure and not low engine oil levels. If the low oil pressure light flickers or illuminates whilst driving, find a safe area to stop and turn off the engine immediately. Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause irreparable damage to the engine. Do not restart engine and seek the assistance of Nissan technician.

Engine Temperature

High Engine Temperature WARNING LIGHT

Light illuminates with ignition temporarily to indicates sensors are operational. If light illuminates whilst driving, this indicates engine temperature is extremely high. Find a safe place to pull over and turn engine off immediately. Allow to cool down for around 20 minutes. Check engine coolant levels when engine has cooled. If light continues to illuminate, do not run engine as serious damage may occur. Seek assistance from authorised technician to have the problem resolved.

Power Steering

Power Steering Failure WARNING LIGHT

The power steering ‘PS’ warning light illuminates temporarily after engine ignition. If the symbol remains on or illuminates when driving, this suggests a failure with the power steering. Normal steering will remain unaffected though steering assistance will be inactive. You will likely notice the steering wheel difficult to turn especially whilst turning and traveling slowly. Assistance is required from Nissan technician.

Air Bag

Passenger Air Bag

Supplemental Air Bag WARNING LIGHT

When ignition is turned to ON, system self-checks where symbol remains lit on the Nissan Micra for 7 seconds to inform system SRS air bags are operational. If, the light remains on after 7 seconds, light flashes, or light fails to illuminate at all, there is a fault in the supplemental front air bags and/or pretensioner systems and fault should be diagnosed by Nissan technician. The front passenger air bag light will be illuminated and the passenger front air bag will be OFF depending on how the front passenger seat is being used. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?

Nissan Micra malfunction dashboard warning light

Malfunction Light

Malfunction Indicator WARNING LIGHT (MIL)

If the MIL symbol is lit constantly or blinks whilst engine is running, it may indicate an emission control malfunction. Symbol may remain lit if fuel cap is lose or missing. If symbols is lit for 20 seconds and flashes for 10 seconds when engine is not running, it indicates the vehicle is ready emission control system
inspection / maintenance test. If the symbol constantly flashes, an engine misfire has been detected and can damage the emissions control system.

To avoid damage, do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h), avoid hard acceleration or deceleration, avoid steep uphill gradients and try and avoid the amount of weight in vehicle. If light continues to flash or remains on steady, seek assistance from a Nissan technician.

Slip Indicator

Slip INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT

This indicator light will flash when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system or the Traction Control System (TCS) is operating. If the Slip Indicator Warning light flashes, it if informing you that the vehicle is running at its limits and that the vehicle is moving too fast for the conditions. The road surface may be slippery.

Vehicle Dynamic Control

Vehicle Dynamic Control OFF WARNING LIGHT

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) offers stability to the vehicle, most particularly in adverse road, weather and driving conditions. The VDC light should come on for around 2 seconds when ignition is switched on and go out. If light comes on whilst driving, it suggests a fault with the VDC system. If after a restart the light remains permanently on, seek assistance from a Nissan dealership.

Security

Security Indicator LIGHT

The ‘Key’ in a car symbol indicates the Nissan Micra Security System is working. The symbol light flashes whenever the ignition switch is placed in the LOCK, OFF or ACC position. This flashing indicates the security system equipped on the vehicle is operational.