Ford Dashboard Indicator Light Guide

Your dashboard contains a variety of symbols that will illuminate under various circumstances. They’re your vehicle’s way of keeping you informed about its condition. While they can seem perplexing at first, each one serves a purpose. By paying attention to these indicators, you can keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently and prevent small problems from turning into serious, expensive ones. Read on for our guide to some common warning lights on a Ford dashboard, what they mean, and what you should do when you see them.

Common Ford Warning Lights and Their Meanings

Not every dashboard indicator is reason for concern. For instance, green or blue lights typically suggest a feature is functioning or activated. However, orange or amber signals indicate potential issues that need your attention, red indicators highlight significant problems that could put you or your vehicle at risk, and flashing indicators often require immediate action. Below are some of the warnings you should be most familiar with.

Check Engine

The check engine light is an amber signal that points to various issues. It could be as simple as a loose gas cap or as complex as trouble with the engine. If it’s steadily illuminated, it’s advisable to schedule a service check soon, while a flashing light means the engine needs immediate attention.

Charging System

This red indicator looks like a small battery and points to issues with your vehicle’s electrical system. The problem could be a dying battery, a faulty alternator, or just loose or rusty cables. If this light comes on, it’s a good idea to turn off any nonessential features to save power and get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible to check your battery and alternator.

Air Bag

Hopefully, your air bags will never have to deploy, but if this red symbol lights up, the air bag system may be malfunctioning. This is an issue that needs to be looked at promptly.

Power Steering

If you see this indicator, your power steering level may be low, or there could be other issues with the power steering system. The light may disappear if you restart the vehicle. In the event the warning persists, take the vehicle in for a checkup as soon as possible.

Oil Pressure

The oil pressure warning light is red and shaped like an oil can. It could indicate low oil levels or low oil pressure, either of which needs immediate attention. You should stop and turn off your engine if you see this warning light. Continuing to drive with insufficient oil can cause serious damage to your vehicle.

Coolant Temperature

When your vehicle is overheating, you’ll see a red light that looks like a thermometer in liquid. Other signs of overheating are steam rising from under the hood, the smell of something burning, a loss of power, or unusual thumping noises. In any case, find a safe place to pull over immediately. Low coolant and leaky hoses could be the problem. Always wait for the engine to cool on its own before checking anything to avoid getting burned or injured by parts under pressure.

Tire Pressure

Your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system triggers an amber indicator to let you know that the air pressure in one or more tires might be low. Maintaining the proper air pressure does more than save gas. It also keeps you safe on the road.

Brake System

You’ll notice the red brake light when you engage the parking brake and try to drive without releasing it. If that’s not the issue, though, the indicator could be pointing to other possible brake system problems that make it dangerous to drive. Have your vehicle checked out immediately.

ABS

The ABS feature keeps your vehicle from losing control when braking hard. If this amber warning light comes on while you’re driving, there may be a problem with the system. Your vehicle will still be able to brake normally without ABS, but you should get a professional to look at your braking system right away to ensure it’s working correctly.

Safety and Assistance Indicators

Navigating the roads in Waco, Texas, becomes a high-tech adventure with Ford’s advanced driver-assistance systems, each equipped with its own set of informative indicators. The following are some indicators you may see light up when they’re active:

• Blind-spot information system: This system uses radar to watch your vehicle’s blind spots. An orange light will illuminate in your side mirror when the system spots an automobile you can’t see.
• Rear cross-traffic alert: With this alert, you’ll get a heads-up about approaching vehicles when you’re backing up.
• Lane departure warning: If you’re unintentionally drifting out of your lane, your vehicle uses this alert to let you know.
• Adaptive cruise control: This feature not only maintains your speed but also keeps a set distance between you and the car in front. The speed of your vehicle will adjust according to the speed of the vehicle you’re following.

Schedule Your Ford Service at Bird Kultgen Ford

When dashboard lights illuminate, we know how important it is to address them promptly. Don’t let minor issues turn into significant troubles. Bring your vehicle to us, and our expert mechanics will happily assist you. For your convenience, you can schedule an appointment using our online booking page or call us at 254-294-3479. We also offer loaner cars if you need to get around while we service your vehicle. Trust Bird Kultgen Ford in Waco, Texas, to keep your vehicle running at its best.

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