Ford Transit Dashboard Warning Lights

The Ford Transit is a van frequently seen on the roads. This section contains the dashboard warning lights for the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect.

Almost all vehicles now use computers to keep the engine, the mechanics and electrical systems running at optimal levels and to also monitor system health. Dashboard warning lights and symbols are used to inform the driver that there’s a fault, or that something requires attention.

Different light colours are used to convey the importance of the message. Utility symbols such as for example external lights being activated or heating systems use a blue or green light.

Orange, amber or yellow lights are generally used to inform the driver that something requires attention. This could be for example that something needs replacing, checking or servicing. As the situation becomes more serious, red lights are typically used and this is to inform the driver that something requires immediate attention. A red light may also possibly flash and may use an audible sound to gain attention.

Below are the dashboard warning lights for the Ford Transit and the Ford Transit Connect. Pictures of the various symbols are used along with an explanation. Symbols may vary slightly depending on the manufacture location of the vehicle.

Ford Transit / Connect ABS Malfunction Warning Light

If the ABS yellow / amber (Anti-lock braking system) warning comes on whilst driving, this indicates a malfunction with the system. Normal brakes will continue to function as usual and will not be affected (unless the brake system warning light also illuminates). ABS is most beneficial in heavy braking conditions and can help to control a vehicle by preventing it from skidding. See ABS for further information.

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Brake System MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT

The Ford Transit / Connect red exclamation mark light has two possible meanings. This dashboard symbol comes on simply to inform the driver that the handbrake is engaged. Alternatively, if symbol illuminates whilst driving and the handbrake is fully released, this indicates a malfunction with the vehicle braking system. Use brakes with care and reduce speed. Avoid using vehicle if possible and seek assistance from a Ford technician.

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Ford Transit / Connect Worn Brake Pads WARNING LIGHT

This dashboard exclamation mark will typically illuminate in yellow / amber and is to inform the driver that brake pads have worn past a predetermined safe limit. Have brakes and pads checked as soon as possible. Continuous use of vehicle without replacing pads can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the brakes, increase stopping distances and damage brake discs.

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Airbag Malfunction WARNING LIGHT

The Ford Transit / Connect airbag light will illuminate in yellow / amber on the dashboard when ignition is switched on and should go out shortly after. If symbol remains illuminated or comes on whilst driving, this indicates a malfunction with the airbag system. Airbags may not be deployed in an accident. Seek the assistance of a Ford technician as soon as possible. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?

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Ford Transit / Connect Cruise Control LIGHT

The cruise control dashboard symbol is illuminated when cruise control has activated. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads, in heavy traffic or when roads are bendy. When you are going downhill, the vans speed may increase above the set limit speed. The system will not apply the brakes. Change down a gear and press the SET- switch to assist the system in maintaining the set speed.

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Powertrain Dashboard Warning LIGHT

This dashboard symbol may illuminate red or yellow / amber on the Ford Transit / Connect. A cog with an exclamation mark inside indicates a malfunction with the powertrain, a sensor or software fault. A malfunction with the powertrain may see the vehicle lose a certain amount of power, but will continue to run. If light flashes whilst driving, avoid heavy acceleration or deceleration and gently reduce speed. Symbol may illuminate with the engine warning light MIL -(see below). If both lights illuminate together, a continual reduction in power is likely, possibly followed by the turning off. Have vehicle checked by a Ford technician immediately.

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Ford Transit / Connect Malfunction Indicator WARNING LIGHT

The malfunction indicator light (MIL) or engine management light can signify many faults and can illuminate alongside another symbol or with a message displayed in the LCD information display. Symbol may display with the message ‘Check Engine’ inside the engine symbol. Typical issues result from an emissions fault, though faults can range significantly. Vehicle will need to be checked with diagnostic equipment.

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Ignition WARNING LIGHT

This symbol will illuminate on the Ford Transit / Connect to indicate an electrical fault with the ignition, or that the battery is no longer being charged possibly due to a faulty alternator. If this light comes on whilst driving, turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment within the Ford Transit to reduce electrical drain from the battery. System must be checked immediately else van may be unable to start.

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Ford Transit / Connect Low engine Oil Pressure WARNING LIGHT

This symbol will illuminate to indicate low oil pressure within the engine. If this symbol illuminates whilst driving, as soon as is safely possible, pull over and turn off the engine. check oil levels. If oil levels are correct, do not continue journey and contact a Ford technician.

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ENGINE Temperature WARNING LIGHT

This symbol will illuminate on the Ford Transit to inform the driver that the engine is overheating. Stop the van and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Allow the engine around 20 minutes to cool down and check coolant levels. Do not continue journey if engine overheats as this can cause engine components to seize, possibly resulting in a irreparable engine.

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Ford Transit / Connect Message Indicator Dashboard LIGHT

This symbol will illuminate when a new message is stored within the information display. When certain warning message appear in the display, you must press the ‘Set’ and
‘Reset’ button to acknowledge them. Warning messages may be used alongside a red or amber dashboard warning light.

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Service Required INDICATOR DASHBOARD LIGHT

The symbol of a spanner will illuminate in orange / yellow / amber to indicate that an engine service is required for the Ford Transit. Symbols may vary, for instance a spanner contained inside a vehicle may show. Symbol may illuminate in red to indicate contaminated oil that is in need of replacing. Lamp will be turned off after servicing.

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Exhaust Emission Fluid Warning LIGHT

Adblue is a solution that is used with the Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen from the exhaust of UK diesel vehicles. The symbol will illuminate when the diesel exhaust fluid is low. If diesel exhaust fluid is at a sufficient level and the light illuminates whilst driving, there is a malfunction. Your vehicle should be checked by a Ford technician immediately.

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Ford Transit / Connect Collision WARNING LIGHT

This dashboard symbol will illuminate when the collision system has been turned off. If light illuminate when system has not been deactivated, this may signify a malfunction.

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Stability Control Dashboard LIGHT

Symbol illuminate for a short period of time when the ignition is turned on. If it illuminates when you are driving, this indicates a malfunction.
During a malfunction, the system turns off. Have your vehicle checked by Ford technician. While driving, it flashes when the system is operating normally.

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Hill Start Assist DASHBOARD LIGHT

Whilst driving, if the hill start system activates, the symbol will illuminate on the dashboard. Symbol should illuminate when ignition is switched on. If light does not illuminate, it means the system has been disabled. A Ford dealer can re-enable the system.

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Water in Fuel DASHBOARD LIGHT

For the Ford Transit / Connect, the water in fuel is for diesel models only and will illuminate when there’s an excess of water in the fuel filter. Water must be drained immediately by use of the water tap. If symbol illuminate after water has been drained, this indicates that a fuel filter service is required.

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Tyre PRessure Monitoring System

Older versions of the Ford Transit may not be equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system. Those that are will receive a dashboard warning in yellow indicating that the pressure in one or more tyres has dropped below the threshold, usually around 25% or more deflation. For other faults, such as the warning light remaining on even if pressures are correct, see tyre pressure warning light keeps coming on. Also, how to reset Ford Transit tyre pressure light.

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