Ford Dashboard warning lights image

What do the Ford Dashboard Warning Lights Indicate?

Most Common Ford Dashboard Lights and What They Mean

Did you know that your Ford vehicle can talk to you? It might not be with words and voices, but your model is made up of many sensors that can tell you if anything is going awry on board. There are plenty of ways to know when your Ford car is acting up a bit, so much so that it can be hard to pinpoint an actual issue. We’re here to help, so join our Sherwood Ford service team as we show you the most common Ford dashboard lights and what they mean for you – with this, it’ll be much easier to understand what your vehicle is trying to say and remedy any problem that might arise!



Ford Adaptive Cruise Control dashboard light

Adaptive Cruise Control

When you’ve got your cruise control system on, you’ll see this light come in in white. If it’s fully engaged, it’ll be green.

Ford Anti-lock Braking System dashboard light

Anti-Lock Braking System

If you see this light come on, your ABS system is no longer functional – you’ll still be able to brake normally, but be sure to get this looked at immediately.

Ford Auto Start-Stop dashboard light

Auto Start-Stop

If outfitted with this technology, the Auto Start-Stop light will illuminate when your Ford vehicle is about to shut down at a halt.


Ford battery dashboard warning light

Battery

Seeing the battery light come on usually means that something in your electrical system is faulty. In this case, see a certified professional (like us) as soon as you can.

Ford Blind Spot Monitor dashboard warning light

Blind Spot Monitor

If your Blind Spot Monitor has turned off for some reason, you’ll be notified (along with a corresponding display alert) on your dash.

Ford dashboard warning light for brake system

Brake System

If your vehicle is on and you’ve engaged your parking brake, you’ll see this light appear. If you haven’t engaged the brake, you might be low on fluid level.


Ford dashboard warning light for cruise control

Cruise Control

Much like Adaptive Cruise Control, if you have your normal cruise control light on, you’ll see this shining on your dash.

Ford dashboard warning light for direction indicator

Direction Indicator

You’ll see this when you’re signaling a turn or have your hazard lights illuminated. Keep note if it’s blinking faster than normal, however; that could be a sign of a dim bulb.

Ford dashboard warning light for door ajar

Door Ajar

If one or more of your vehicle’s doors are open, you’ll be notified. This can be especially hazardous when you’re driving, so be sure that all hatches are accounted for.


Ford dashboard warning light for electric park brake

Electric Park Brake

Should your Ford vehicle be outfitted with an electric parking brake, you’ll see this light come on when it has encountered a malfunction.

Ford dashboard warning light for engine coolant temperature

Engine Coolant Temperature

When your engine is running too hot for normal circumstances, this light will notify you. Turn off the engine and let it cool down as soon as possible.

Ford dashboard warning light for engine oil

Engine Oil

This light will start flashing if it detects an issue with your oil level or lubrication system. In this case, stop your Ford when it’s safe and come see a professional.


Ford dashboard warning light for fasten safety belt

Fasten Safety Belt

Your Ford vehicle wants to make sure you’re safe – you’ll see this light come on if you haven’t fastened your seat belt yet. Be sure to do so!

Ford dashboard warning light for front airbag

Front Airbag

This light should illuminate when you turn your Ford vehicle on, but if it doesn’t, there might be an issue with your airbag system. If that’s the case, you’ll want to get it looked at soon.

Ford dashboard warning light for front fog lamps

Front Fog Lamps

If you need a little bit more visibility and turn on your vehicle’s fog lamps, you’ll be notified about you doing so by this light.


Ford dashboard warning light for heads up display

Heads Up Display

This line of red lights will come on your dashboard if you’re operating with Adaptive Cruise Control or Collision Warning System engaged.

Ford dashboard warning light for high beam light

High Beam

If you need to see greater distances at night and switch on your vehicle’s high beams, this light will come on your dash to let you know.

Ford dashboard warning light for hood ajar

Hood Ajar

You probably won’t encounter this too often, but if you haven’t closed your hood all the way and your ignition is on, you’ll see this light appear.


Ford dashboard warning light for lane keeping aid

Lane Keeping Aid

Ford models of today have Lane Keep Assist systems to help you stay secure on the highway. Once activated, this light will shine.

Ford dashboard warning light for low fuel level

Low Fuel Level

If your fuel level is registering under a gallon (or around 4 litres) this light will let you know. In this case, find a gas station and fill back up!

Ford dashboard warning light for low tire pressure warning

Low Tire Pressure Warning

When your Ford vehicle has a Tire Pressure Warning System installed, you’ll see this light start to shine when it detects that your inflation levels are getting to an unsafe level.


Ford dashboard warning light for parking lamps

Parking Lamps

If you don’t need the full scope of low-beam headlamps, and only switch on your parking lamps for the drive, this light will let you know.

Ford dashboard warning light for powertrain fault

Powertrain Fault

There may be something wrong with your powertrain or All-Wheel Drive system if you see this light show up on your dashboard.

Ford dashboard warning light for service engine soon

Service Engine Soon

A problem with the emissions or exhaust system of your Ford vehicle will prompt the “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine” light to appear.


Ford dashboard warning light for stability control

Stability Control

Usually found more during winter driving, this light will come on to let you know that stability control has been activated.

Ford dashboard warning light for stability control

Stability Control Off

If you don’t need stability control right now and turn it off, you’ll see this light notifying you that it has been deactivated.

Ford dashboard warning light for trunk ajar

Trunk Ajar

If your Ford vehicle is on but your trunk (or rear liftgate) is not closed all the way, this light will come on to let you know.


More Ford Vehicle Safety Info: What does your Ford check engine light mean?