Ford Fiesta Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols: The Complete Guide (All Models 2001–2023)

Understanding the dashboard symbols of your Ford Fiesta is essential for maintaining safety, preventing mechanical damage, and responding correctly to system alerts. We have compiled the most comprehensive and detailed guide available—covering every generation from 2001 to 2023, including diesel, petrol, EcoBoost, ST, automatic, manual, and all trim variations.

Our goal is simple: provide a clear, accurate, and exhaustive reference so you always know what your Ford Fiesta is trying to tell you.

Dashboard Symbols Breakdown for All Ford Fiesta Models

Below are the essential categories of dashboard indicators you may encounter across the Ford Fiesta range.

Engine & Powertrain Warning Lights

Check Engine / Engine Malfunction Indicator

When the engine symbol illuminates, the car’s onboard diagnostics system has detected a fault. This may originate from:

• Air–fuel mixture irregularities
• Misfires or blocked injectors
• Faulty mass airflow, O2, or crankshaft sensors
• Loose fuel cap
• Transmission-related errors
• Overheating or engine vibration issues

If the light flashes or stays solid, the system requires immediate scanning. Continued driving may trigger reduced power mode.

Low Engine Oil Pressure

This symbol indicates dangerously low oil pressure caused by:

• Insufficient oil level
• Faulty oil pump
• Blocked oil passages
• Sudden oil leak

Stop the vehicle immediately to avoid engine seizure.

Coolant Temperature Warning (High Temperature)

An overheating engine is typically linked to:

• Insufficient coolant
• Radiator leaks
• Failed water pump
• Thermostat malfunction
• Blocked cooling system

Driving further risks head-gasket failure.

Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel Models Only)

Diesel glow plugs preheat the cylinders before ignition.

• Green: functioning normally
• Yellow: glow plug, wiring, or temperature sensor failure

Repeated yellow warnings require immediate inspection.

Electrical & Charging Indicators

Battery / Charging System Alert

This symbol appears when:

• The alternator is failing
• Battery voltage is low
• Wiring or grounding issues exist

A failing charging system may cause sudden engine shutdown.

Steering Lock Indicator

This flashing light appears when:

• Attempting to start the vehicle with a locked column
• The steering lock sensor malfunctions

Unlocking typically requires key cycling or pressing the start button with force applied to the wheel.

Braking System Indicators

Brake Warning Light / Handbrake Engaged

This symbol illuminates for two reasons:

• Handbrake is still engaged
• Brake system fault (low fluid or hydraulic failure)

If the light stays on after releasing the handbrake, stop driving immediately.

ABS Fault Warning

A fault in the Anti-lock Braking System can reduce steering control under heavy braking. Causes include:

• Faulty ABS sensors
• Corroded reluctor rings
• Module failure

ABS OFF does not affect standard braking, but safety is compromised.

Brake Fluid Level Warning

This indicates insufficient brake fluid caused by:

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• Worn brake pads
• System leak
• Master cylinder issue

Driving without inspection is unsafe.

Brake Pad Wear Warning

When this appears, brake pads are approaching or have reached minimum thickness.

Lighting & Visibility Symbols

Low Beam Headlights On

Standard driving lights are active.

High Beam Headlights On

High beams are engaged. They must not be used within 400 m (1,000 ft) of oncoming traffic.

Automatic Low/High Beam Activated

The system has detected low-light conditions or traffic surroundings.

Automatic Headlight Malfunction

Usually linked to a faulty ambient light sensor or wiring corrosion.

Front Fog Lights On / Rear Fog Lights On

Fog lamps are activated. Misuse in clear weather may be illegal in some regions.

Bulb Failure Warning

Indicates a blown headlight, brake light, indicator, or tail lamp.
May also be caused by:

• Faulty wiring
• Blown fuse
• LED failure (newer models)

Driver Assistance & Safety Systems

Airbag / SRS Fault

This means the Supplemental Restraint System has a malfunction.
Possible causes:

• Passenger occupancy sensor failure
• Clock spring failure
• Loose connections

Airbags may not deploy in a collision.

Lane Keeping Assist Active

The lane departure prevention system is operational, typically above 40 km/h (25 mph).

ESC / ESP (Electronic Stability Control) Engaged

Activated on slippery surfaces.
If constantly illuminated, a traction or yaw sensor fault exists.

Front Radar / Collision Warning System Active

Indicates front radar engagement used for:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control

A constant light may indicate sensor obstruction.

Cruise Control Available / Ready

Cruise control is armed but not actively maintaining speed.

Parking Sensors Active

Rear or front sensors detect obstacles.
Paired with an audible alert on proximity.

Eco Mode Engaged

Throttle response is reduced to prioritize fuel economy.

Doors, Windows & Body Warnings

Bonnet / Hood Open

Triggered by a faulty latch sensor or genuinely open bonnet.

Boot / Trunk Open

Indicates the rear latch hasn’t fully engaged.

Door Open Indicator

One or more doors are open or the sensor has failed.

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Heated Windscreen Active

The system is clearing frost or condensation.
It may switch off automatically.

Heated Seats Active

Vertical bars indicate the current heat level.

Wipers & Weather Systems

Automatic Windscreen Wipers On

Activated rain-sensing function.
No driver action required.

Suspension & Wheel System Indicators

Air Suspension Fault (Certain Variants)

Indicates:

• Airbag deflation
• Leaks in air lines
• Compressor malfunction

Though rare, some Fiesta special trims or modified vehicles may trigger this.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Fault

Triggered by:

• Low tyre pressure
• Faulty wheel sensor

Driving with underinflated tyres can damage sidewalls.

Wheel Alignment or Balance Warning

Indicates vibration, steering deviation, or faulty steering angle sensor.

Attention & General Alerts

Attention / Warning / General Fault Symbol

Ford uses this symbol to group minor to moderate alerts.
It can accompany:

• Handbrake engagement
• Transmission shift reminder
• Secondary fault messages

Always check your instrument cluster message or driver information display.

Service Due Indicator

Triggered by:

• Mileage threshold
• Time-based interval
• Manual countdown set by the technician

Dashboard Light Color Meanings

Green or Blue

Systems are functioning normally (lights, high beams, cruise control standby).

Yellow

Non-critical issue or active features like traction control.
Service recommended soon.

Orange or Red

Critical engine or safety fault requiring immediate stoppage.

What to Do When a Ford Fiesta Warning Light Appears

1. Identify the Color

Red or orange requires immediate action.
Yellow indicates caution.
Green or blue are informational.

2. Check the On-Screen Message

Many Fiesta models display a short description next to the warning symbol.

3. Safely Pull Over if Red

Especially for engine, oil, coolant, or brake warnings.

4. Scan the Vehicle with an OBD2 Tool

A modern handheld scanner will display fault codes identical to those used by workshops.

5. Visit a Mechanic

For airbag, ABS, engine, powertrain, brake fluid, or electrical warnings.

Final Thoughts

Every dashboard symbol in the Ford Fiesta is designed to protect the vehicle and its occupants. Recognising these alerts early reduces repair costs, prevents breakdowns, and keeps your Fiesta performing at its best. Our detailed reference ensures you’ll never second-guess what a warning light means again.

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