Ford Focus Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols

This section covers many of the dashboard warning lights / symbols with pictures and their meanings found within the Ford Focus range.

Dashboard warning lights may illuminate red, orange, green or blue, red indicating a more serious malfunction where the vehicle should be checked immediately. Orange lights indicate less serious issues such as the vehicle needing a service. Flashing red warning lights indicate an urgent malfunction. Green or blue dashboard light symbols provide the driver with information only.

Light symbols may vary slightly depending on when your car was manufactured and in which country it was made.

Certain Ford Focus dashboard warning lights will illuminate when the engine ignition is switched on, such as:

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• Airbag
• ABS
• Stability control (ESP)
• Low fuel
• Brake system
• Frost
• ESP off

If a warning light or information indicator light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on, it indicates a malfunction. Have the system checked by properly trained technician. Listed below are Ford Focus dashboard warning light / symbols that cover many versions of the Focus.

Grade Assist

Ford Grade Assist helps to maintain vehicle speed when going downhill. Grade assist can be activated either by a button located on the dashboard or on the gear shifter. Activating grade assist helps to prevent too much stress being put on the transmission or the brakes.

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ABS warning light

If the Ford Focus ABS dashboard warning light illuminates whilst driving, it indicates there is a malfunction within the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Normal braking will continue without the use of ABS. System should be checked by a qualified technician immediately. For further information on how Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABSs) work, the Anti-Lock Braking System guide explains what they do, how they work and how they benefit drivers in controlling their vehicle.

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Ignition warning light

If the ignition warning light illuminates whilst driving, it is indicating a malfunction. Immediately switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment and have the vehicle assessed by a trained technician immediately. See Why is the battery warning light on for further help.

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Airbag dashboard light

Symbol should extinguish when engine is turned on. If light illuminates whilst driving, it indicates a malfunction with at least one of the air bags. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?

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Oil pressure warning light

If the oil pressure light stays on after starting the vehicle or illuminates whilst driving, this indicates a malfunction. As soon as it’s safe to do so, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. check engine oil levels – see how to check engine oil, but do not resume the journey even if oil levels are correct.

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Engine warning light

The engine warning light should extinguish when the engine is running. If it illuminate when the engine is running it indicates a malfunction. If it flashes whilst driving, reduce speed immediately. If it continues to flash, avoid excessive acceleration or deceleration and seek professional assistance.

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Blind spot monitor light

The blind spot monitor light will illuminate when the feature is deactivated or in conjunction with a message. See car blind spot for further information on what a blind spot is and the correct methods that should be used to avoid a collision.

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Forward alert warning

The forward alert warning light will illuminate when the feature is deactivated or in conjunction with a message. This system warns you by visual and audible messages of a potential collision in front. Collision alerts will only occur is the system is activated although brake support remains constantly activated.

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Frost / ice warning light

This snowflake symbol warns the driver that frost or ice is present. Sensors detect outside air temperature. The warning light symbol will illuminate amber in colour when the air temperature outside the vehicle is between +4°C (39°F) and 0°C (32°F). As temperatures fall below 0°C (32°F) It will glow red.

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Traction control light

During normal driving, the traction control dashboard light flashes after activation of the system. If it does not illuminate after turning on the ignition, if the symbol illuminate continuously during driving, it indicates a malfunction. Whilst the system is malfunctioning, it is deactivated. The second light it also traction control that’s displayed on older versions of the Focus.

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Traction control off light

If traction control is manually switched off, the dashboard warning light will illuminate. The light will extinguish once the traction control system has been reactivated.

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Cruise control indicator

The cruise control indicator dashboard light will illuminate on the Ford Focus when a speed has been set and cruise control has been activated.

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Front fog light symbol

This dashboard symbol will illuminate once the front fog lights are activated. The symbol is reversed when rear fog lights are activated.

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Lane departure warning

The lane departure warning light will illuminate when the system is deactivated or in conjunction with a message. The system monitors lane discipline and warns of lane drifting.

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Gear change indicator

The gear shift / change indicator light will illuminate on the dashboard to inform you that changing to a higher gear will offer better fuel economy. Periods of high acceleration, braking or when the clutch pedal s pressed does not illuminate the light.

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Message indicator light

Dashboard light illuminates when a new message is stored in the information display. Message indicator may be red or amber depending on the severity of the message.

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Engine start/stop light

This symbol illuminates when the engine turns off in conjunction with start/stop technology. This technology reduces fuel consumption and reduces CO2 emissions.

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Powertrain warning light

The red cog with a red exclamation mark warning light signifies a fault with the powertrain. Typically, the usual reason is a fault with the faulty glow plug relay or a fault with the glow plugs. Diagnostics will specify the exact fault. Vehicle is safe to drive.

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ESP/BAS warning light

The ESP/BAS Ford Focus warning light is related to ABS. If this light illuminates, it suggests a problem with the Electronic Stability Program. The ESP/BAS light will often illuminate alongside the ABS warning symbol.

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Tyre Pressure warning light

The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not be available on earlier verions of the Ford Focus. The tyre pressure warning light will illuminate on the dashboard to inform the driver that air pressure has fallen to or below the 25% threshold limit. If you have checked tyre pressures and all are correct, see tyre pressure warning light keeps coming on for help. IF you have corrected pressures and need to turn the light off, see how to reset Ford Focus tyre pressure light.

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Other vehicle warning lights

• Dashboard warning lights

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