Kia Picanto Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols: Complete Guide (2003–2024 Models)

Understanding the Kia Picanto Dashboard Symbols

We have compiled the most complete, highly structured guide to every dashboard symbol, warning light, alert, and indicator found on all Kia Picanto generations from 2003 to 2024, including petrol, diesel, automatic, and GT-Line variants.
This reference helps Picanto owners quickly identify a light, understand what it means, and determine the urgency of action required.

To support clarity, we group every symbol by category and explain the meaning, severity level, common causes, and recommended actions.

Engine & Powertrain Warning Lights

Engine Management / Check Engine Light

A critical warning related to the powertrain.
Common causes include:

• Faulty oxygen sensor
• Loose or missing fuel cap
• Misfire or bad spark plug
• Catalytic converter issues
• Fuel mixture problems
• Overheating or excessive engine vibration
• Automatic transmission malfunction

Action: Stop driving if the engine runs poorly. A diagnostic scan is required urgently.

Low Engine Oil Pressure

Indicates dangerously low oil pressure or severe loss of lubrication.
Possible causes include:

• Critically low oil level
• Oil pump failure
• Blocked oil pickup
• Major oil leak

Action: Switch the engine off immediately. Do not continue driving.

High Engine Coolant Temperature

A severe overheating alert.
Likely reasons:

• Insufficient coolant
• Radiator leak
• Thermostat failure
• Cooling fan malfunction
• Blocked coolant passages

Action: Pull over, stop the engine, and arrange professional inspection immediately.

Glow Plug Warning (Diesel Models)

For diesel Picanto variants only.

• Green: System is heating properly.
• Amber/Yellow: Fault detected (sensor or glow plug failure).

Battery & Charging System Indicators

Battery Charging System Fault

Means the vehicle is not charging correctly.
Typical causes:

• Alternator failure
• Worn alternator belt
• Bad battery
• Poor grounding or wiring fault

Risk: Engine may stall from electrical depletion.

Braking System Alerts

Brake System Warning

Triggers when:

• Handbrake is engaged
• Brake fluid is low
• ABS system fault
• Hydraulic pressure imbalance

ABS System Fault

Indicates that the anti-lock features will not engage under emergency braking.
Common causes:

• ABS sensor failure
• Damaged reluctor ring
• Faulty ABS control module

Brake Pads Wear Indicator

Alerts that the pads have reached minimum safe thickness.
Worn pads reduce braking efficiency and can damage brake discs.

Press Brake Pedal (Auto Models)

A reminder that you must press the brake pedal before shifting out of Park.

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Safety & Airbag System Warnings

Airbag / SRS Fault

A fault in the Supplemental Restraint System.
Likely causes:

• Seat occupancy sensor failure
• Airbag module issue
• Faulty wiring under seats

Action: Inspection recommended immediately, as airbags may not deploy.

Steering Wheel Lock Indicator

Shows the steering wheel is locked as part of the anti-theft system.
Unlock by rotating the steering wheel gently while turning the ignition.

Exterior Lighting Indicators

Low Beam Headlights On

Normal nighttime driving lights.

High Beam Headlights On

Bright main-beam headlights.
Avoid using within 400 metres of oncoming traffic.

Automatic Low Beam Active

Headlights automatically turned on due to low ambient light (tunnels, dusk, etc.).

Automatic High Beam Active

High beams operate automatically but may not detect all surrounding vehicles.

Automatic Lights Malfunction

Often caused by a defective ambient light sensor.

Front / Rear Fog Lights Active

Use only in fog or heavy visibility reduction.
Illegal misuse can result in fines.

Bulb Failure Indicator

Triggered when any exterior light stops working.
May also indicate a fuse issue.

Driver Assistance & ADAS Features

Front Parking Sensors Active

Alerts you during low-speed manoeuvres using audible proximity beeps.

Rear Parking Sensors Active

Triggered when reversing near obstacles.

Front Radar Sensor Active (AEB & Adaptive Cruise)

Indicates the front radar is monitoring distance for autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Lane Keep Assist Active

Triggered when lane-keeping support is engaged.
Typically operational above 40 km/h (25 mph).

ESC / ESP / Traction Control Engaged

The vehicle stabilisation system intervenes to maintain traction.
Activates on:

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• Wet roads
• Gravel
• Snow
• Sudden steering inputs

Transmission & Driveline Indicators

Vehicle in Park (Automatic)

Confirms the gear lever is in the Park position.

Check Wheel / Alignment Alert

A warning regarding:

• Wheel imbalance
• Steering geometry fault
• Alignment drift
• Suspension anomalies

Doors, Boot & Bonnet Indicators

Bonnet / Hood Open

Triggered by a hood latch sensor.

Boot / Trunk Open

Indicates the rear hatch is not fully closed.

Comfort & Convenience Symbols

Heated Seats Active

Bars indicate heat intensity.

Heated Windscreen Active

Heats the glass to melt frost and ice.

Cruise Control Ready

The system is active but not yet set to maintain speed.

Eco Mode Active

Optimises throttle response and engine mapping for fuel efficiency.

Air Suspension Fault (Models Equipped)

Possible causes:

• Rear airbag leak
• Compressor fault
• Failed ride height sensor

Tyre & Suspension Indicators

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Fault

Indicates:

• Low tyre pressure
• Puncture
• Sensor fault

Intermediate Wiper Setting Active

Acknowledges that auto wipers are running at variable speed.

Dashboard Warning Light Colours & Their Meaning

Green / Blue

Feature is active or functioning normally.

Yellow / Amber

Non-critical issue, minor fault, or system intervention.
Inspection recommended soon.

Orange / Red

Severe fault requiring urgent action.
Stop driving and contact a qualified mechanic immediately.

Kia Picanto Dashboard Warning Lights: Full Symbol List

Engine & Cooling

• Check engine light
• Engine oil pressure
• Coolant overheating
• Glow plug (diesel only)

Electrical System

• Battery charge fault
• Automatic lights malfunction

Braking

• Brake system warning
• ABS fault
• Brake pads worn
• Brake fluid low
• Press brake to shift

Safety

• Airbag / SRS
• Steering lock

Driver Assistance

• ESC / ESP
• Front radar
• Lane assist
• Parking sensors

Lighting

• Low beam
• High beam
• Automatic lights
• Fog lights
• Bulb failure

Doors & Body

• Hood open
• Boot open

Comfort

• Heated seats
• Heated windscreen
• Cruise control ready
• Eco mode

Tyres / Suspension

• TPMS warning
• Wheel alignment alert
• Air suspension fault

Wipers

• Auto wipers active

Final Notes

While these symbols help identify issues quickly, modern vehicles contain complex electronic systems.
For all red or orange alerts, we strongly recommend immediate inspection by a qualified mechanic.

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