MG HS Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols Explained (2018–2025)

Introduction

We present the most comprehensive MG HS dashboard warning lights guide, crafted to help you identify, interpret, and resolve every symbol that might appear on your dashboard—from basic alerts to critical system faults. Covering all MG HS models from 2018 to 2025, including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and plug-in variants, this guide ensures that you never overlook an important signal again.

Understanding MG HS Dashboard Colors

Before decoding individual icons, it’s vital to understand the color-coded severity system used across MG models:

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MG HS Engine and Powertrain Warning Lights

1. Check Engine Light (CEL)

• Symbol: Engine outline (often amber)
• Meaning: Detected fault within the emission, fuel, or ignition system.
• Common Causes:
  • Loose or faulty fuel cap
  • Misfiring cylinder
  • Faulty O₂ sensor or spark plugs
  • Blocked EGR valve
• Action: Continue driving only if light is steady. If flashing, stop immediately.

2. Engine Oil Pressure Light

• Symbol: Oil can
• Meaning: Critically low oil pressure or oil loss.
• Action: Stop immediately. Check oil level; do not restart if oil is empty.

3. High Coolant Temperature

• Symbol: Thermometer in waves
• Meaning: Engine overheating due to low coolant or radiator malfunction.
• Action: Pull over, let engine cool, and check coolant level. Avoid further driving until inspected.

4. Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel Only)

• Symbol: Coil shape
• Meaning: System warming up or fault in glow plug circuit.
• Action: Wait until light turns off before starting engine; persistent yellow indicates service required.

MG HS Transmission and Drivetrain Indicators

5. Transmission Fault Light

• Meaning: Automatic gearbox malfunction or fluid pressure issue.
• Action: Drive cautiously to a workshop; transmission may enter limp mode.

6. ESP / ESC Light

• Meaning: Electronic Stability Control active or fault detected.
• Action: If flashing during slippery conditions—normal. If steady, inspect system.

7. Steering Lock Indicator

• Meaning: Steering wheel locked as an anti-theft feature.
• Action: Wiggle steering while turning ignition to unlock.

MG HS Brake System Alerts

8. Handbrake Engaged

• Meaning: Parking brake applied.
• Action: Disengage before driving.

9. Brake Fluid Level Warning

• Meaning: Low or leaking brake fluid.
• Action: Refill with DOT 4 fluid and inspect for leaks.

10. Brake Pads Wear Indicator

• Meaning: Pads below safe thickness.
• Action: Replace immediately to prevent rotor damage.

11. ABS Fault Light

• Meaning: Anti-lock braking system disabled.
• Action: Normal braking works, but ABS won’t engage in emergencies.

MG HS Battery and Electrical System

12. Battery Charge Warning

• Meaning: Alternator not charging or low voltage.
• Possible Causes:
  • Loose serpentine belt
  • Bad alternator or battery
• Action: Avoid long trips; replace battery or inspect charging system.

13. Airbag / SRS Warning

• Meaning: Fault in airbags or seatbelt pretensioners.
• Action: Do not ignore; visit a technician. Airbags may not deploy on impact.

MG HS Lighting and Visibility Symbols

14. Low Beam Indicator

• Color: Green
• Meaning: Normal driving lights active.
• Action: None required.

15. High Beam Indicator

• Color: Blue
• Meaning: High beams active.
• Action: Turn off within 400m of oncoming vehicles.

16. Automatic Headlight Fault

• Meaning: Sensor failure preventing auto lights from engaging.
• Action: Use manual switch until sensor replaced.

17. Fog Lights Indicator

• Color: Green (front) / Amber (rear)
• Meaning: Fog lights engaged.
• Action: Use only in foggy conditions to avoid fines.

18. Heated Windscreen / Rear Window

• Meaning: Defrosting function active.
• Action: No action required; turns off automatically.

MG HS Safety and Driver Assistance Lights

19. Lane Keep Assist

• Meaning: Lane centering system engaged or faulted.
• Action: If fault persists, clean camera sensors near windshield.

20. Front Collision Radar

• Meaning: Adaptive cruise or autonomous braking radar active.
• Action: Keep radar sensors clean; avoid blocking with snow or dirt.

21. Parking Sensors

• Meaning: Obstacle detected by ultrasonic sensors.
• Action: Proceed slowly; listen for frequency of beeps.

22. Cruise Control Indicator

• Meaning: System ready but not active.
• Action: Press “SET” on steering control to engage.

MG HS Suspension and Chassis Warnings

23. Air Suspension Fault

• Meaning: Airbag leak or compressor issue detected.
• Action: Avoid uneven terrain; visit a service center immediately.

24. Check Wheel / Alignment Fault

• Meaning: Suspension geometry misaligned or wheel damage.
• Action: Schedule wheel alignment and balancing.

MG HS Tyre-Related Symbols

25. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Meaning: One or more tyres under-inflated or sensor failure.
• Action:
  • Check all four tyres when cold.
  • Inflate to recommended PSI (typically 36–38 PSI front, 34–36 PSI rear).
  • Reset TPMS if light persists.

MG HS Maintenance and Information Lights

26. Service Reminder

• Meaning: Scheduled maintenance due soon.
• Action: Book a service at your MG dealership.

27. ECO Mode

• Meaning: Economy mode active, reducing throttle response for efficiency.
• Action: Ideal for city driving; switch off for highway performance.

28. Bonnet / Boot Open

• Meaning: One or both not fully latched.
• Action: Secure firmly before driving.

29. Attention / Fault Detected

• Meaning: System detected a fault requiring review.
• Action: Check for additional warning lights for details.

MG HS Automatic System Indicators

30. Press Brake Pedal

• Meaning: Press foot brake before shifting from “P”.
• Action: Standard start-up reminder.

31. Vehicle in Park

• Meaning: Gear lever locked in “P” position.
• Action: No action needed.

32. Automatic Wipers

• Meaning: Rain sensor active.
• Action: No user input needed.

Quick Reference Table

Final Advice

Every warning light on your MG HS dashboard is a direct communication from your car’s control systems. Never ignore persistent red or flashing lights. Regular servicing, correct tyre inflation, and monitoring oil and coolant levels can prevent most dashboard alerts from escalating into costly repairs.

FAQs

1. Can I reset warning lights manually on my MG HS?
Some systems can reset after fixing the issue (like TPMS or oil service), while others require diagnostic tools.

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2. What should I do if multiple lights appear simultaneously?
Stop immediately; this could indicate a major electrical or ECU fault.

3. Are warning lights different between petrol and plug-in hybrid MG HS models?
Yes. PHEV models include additional symbols for battery and EV systems.

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4. Can a flat battery cause multiple warning lights?
Absolutely. A weak battery can trigger false alerts across safety systems.

5. How often should I check my dashboard lights?
During every start-up sequence—watch for persistent lights that don’t fade after a few seconds.

If you want to know other articles similar to MG HS Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols Explained (2018–2025) you can visit the category Service and Parts.