Ford Dashboard Warning Light Meanings

Blog Nov 15th, 2025

A man on his laptop inside his Ford truck

An active warning light on your dashboard can be alarming when you’re out and about in your Ford vehicle. But if you see one of these indicators activate on your Ford’s dashboard, there’s no need to panic! Below, the team here at Bourgeois Motors Ford has broken down everything drivers need to know about the dashboard warning lights.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

This light will turn on when the vehicle detects a problem with the anti-lock braking system. However, your vehicle’s normal braking functionality will not be affected.

Battery

This light points to a problem with the vehicle’s battery or electrical system. When active, switch off all unneeded electrical equipment powered by your vehicle and have your system checked by a Ford dealer immediately.

Brake System Warning Lamp

When this light activates while you are in motion, it is likely because the parking brake is applied. If you have confirmed the light is still active even while the parking brake is off, your vehicle has encountered a brake fault or has detected a low level of brake fluid. Driving your vehicle with this warning light active is dangerous, as driving with the parking brake active can cause damage to your brakes, and if your vehicle is experiencing a brake fault, you will likely experience a significant decrease in braking performance.

Electric Park Brake

This dashboard warning light flashes when the electric parking brake has experienced a system error.

Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature

This signal will activate when your vehicle’s coolant runs too high. Stop the vehicle as soon as you’re able to do so safely, turn off the ignition, and allow your vehicle to cool down.

Engine Oil

This light is your signal to check the engine oil level when it’s active.

Front Airbag

If this light does not illuminate when you switch the vehicle on or continues to flash after doing so, this indicates the front airbag is malfunctioning. Have your vehicle brought into a service centre as soon as possible, as this is a major safety concern.

High Voltage Electric System Failure

This light is exclusive to hybrid electric vehicles. If an electrical component fails and causes your vehicle to either shut down or enter a limited operational mode, this light will activate.

Low Tire Pressure Warning

This light indicates your tire pressure is low. If it remains active even after filling the tires, check with a Ford service team to see what issue could be impacting your tires or the diagnostics system.

Powertrain Fault

This light suggests that a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive system fault is occurring. It is not recommended that you drive the vehicle while this light is active, and your local Ford dealer should be contacted for assistance as soon as possible.

Check Engine

This can have several meanings. If it illuminates when the engine is on, it means the vehicle has detected an issue with the emission control system, and your Ford service centre should be contacted. If it continuously flashes, your engine is likely misfiring.

Image Shown Without Description

Stability Control

This icon will flash when the stability control system is active. If it remains active when the ignition is turned on (or doesn’t turn on with the other symbols when the ignition is turned on), then the system is encountering an error and should be checked by a Ford service technician.

Book a Service Appointment at Bourgeois Motors Ford

Need assistance with Ford service? Drivers can trust the friendly and knowledgeable team of technicians here at Bourgeois Motors Ford with all their vehicle maintenance needs. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment right here on our website!