Hyundai Kona Dashboard Warning Lights: The Complete Guide to Every Symbol and Meaning

Understanding the Hyundai Kona Dashboard Symbols

We explain every Hyundai Kona dashboard warning light in detail, covering the petrol models from 2017 onward. While specific cluster layouts vary, the meaning of each symbol remains consistent across the lineup. This guide breaks down every indicator, the exact cause, and the precise action you should take to protect your vehicle.

Airbag / SRS Warning Light

Meaning

This light briefly illuminates during ignition as the system performs diagnostics. If it stays on, the Safety Restraint System (SRS)—including airbags and seat-belt pretensioners—has detected a malfunction.

What You Should Do

• Avoid driving long distances until the system is inspected.
• A malfunctioning airbag system may fail to deploy during a collision.
• Schedule diagnosis with a Hyundai workshop as soon as possible.

Brake Warning Light

Why It Illuminates

This light can activate for two main reasons:

• The parking brake is engaged
• Brake fluid levels are low

Steps to Take

1. Confirm the parking brake is fully released.
2. Check the brake fluid reservoir: the level must sit between the MIN and MAX marks.
3. If the level is low, inspect for leaks and top up only after cleaning around the reservoir cap.
4. If the light stays on while driving, pull over safely and inspect the system.

Critical Warning

If a leak is found—or the light does not go out—do not continue driving. Braking performance may be severely compromised.

ABS Warning Light

Meaning

The Anti-Lock Braking System light turns on during ignition and should switch off after a few seconds. Remaining illuminated indicates an ABS failure.

Possible Causes

• Damaged or contaminated wheel-speed sensor
• Broken reluctor ring on the hub
• Blown ABS fuse
• Faulty ABS control module

Important Note

Normal braking remains functional, but wheel lockup may occur under harsh braking, increasing stopping distance.

ABS + Brake Light Together (EBD Fault)

Meaning

Simultaneous illumination signals a problem with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), the system that distributes brake pressure across all wheels.

Symptoms

• Longer braking distances
• Unpredictable brake response
• Speedometer or odometer may behave erratically
• Steering effort may change unexpectedly

Action Required

Avoid high speeds and sudden braking. Have the braking system inspected immediately.

EPS Warning Light (Electric Power Steering)

Meaning

This light indicates a malfunction in the electric power steering system.

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Common Triggers

• Overheating due to repeated full-lock turns
• Faults in the EPS motor or control unit

What Happens When It Activates

Steering effort increases, especially at low speeds.

Recommendation

If the light persists after the system cools, book professional service.

Check Engine / MIL Warning Light

Meaning

The engine management system has detected an issue affecting emissions, ignition, fuel delivery, or powertrain operation.

If the Light Is Steady

• Poor fuel economy
• Reduced performance

If the Light Flashes

• Possible engine misfire
• Risk of catalytic converter damage

What to Do

Reduce speed and avoid acceleration spikes. Seek diagnostic service promptly.

Battery Charge Warning Light

Meaning

The charging system has stopped working; the battery is no longer receiving voltage.

Immediate Actions

• Turn off air conditioning and nonessential accessories
• Avoid using power windows
• Keep the engine running if possible
• Head straight to a repair facility

Warning

The engine may stall once battery power depletes.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Reasons It Appears

• Low engine oil level
• Critically low oil pressure

Steps to Take

1. Pull over and switch off the engine.
2. Let oil drain back into the sump for about 5 minutes.
3. Check levels using the dipstick and top up if needed.
4. Restart only if oil has been added and levels read correctly.

Critical Warning

If the light remains illuminated after restart—or levels are normal without adding oil—stop immediately. Driving with low pressure can destroy the engine.

Master Warning Light

Meaning

The yellow triangle with an exclamation mark signals a general warning. Common triggers include:

• Low washer fluid
• Exterior bulb failure
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) malfunction
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alert

The message will appear on the driver information display for clarification.

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Icy Road Indicator

Meaning

A snowflake symbol appears when outside temperatures fall below 4°C (40°F). Roads may be icy.

System Behavior

• Temperature gauge and light flash once
• An audible warning will sound

This acts as a reminder to drive cautiously on potentially slippery surfaces.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) Warning

Function

The FCA system monitors vehicles ahead and can apply emergency braking in critical situations.

Reasons for Illumination

• Camera view obstructed by dirt, snow, or mud
• Radar sensor blocked by debris
• Windshield contamination
• Camera overheating after prolonged sun exposure

What to Do

Clean the windshield area around the camera, and the radar zone on the front grille. The system will resume operation once conditions normalize.

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) Indicator

Light Colors Explained

• White – Lane lines not detected or speed too low
• Green – Lane lines detected; system active
• Yellow – Fault detected

System Limitations

Heavy rain, fog, bright reflections, or dirt on the camera may disable the system.

Recommended Action

Restarting the vehicle often resets temporary faults.

AWD Lock Indicator

Purpose

Engages when AWD Lock mode is activated, distributing torque to the rear wheels for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.

Warning

Do not use AWD Lock on dry pavement—it may cause:

• Abnormal noise
• Vibrations
• Premature drivetrain damage

Transmission Temperature Warning Light

Meaning

The transmission is overheating, often due to:

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• Repeated hill starts
• Stop-start driving on steep gradients
• Aggressive acceleration

Typical Messages

• “Transmission temp. is high! Stop safely.”
• “Transmission Hot! Park with engine on.”
• “Trans cooled. Resume driving.”

What You Should Do

• Pull over safely
• Keep the engine idling to cool the transmission
• Resume driving only when the system confirms it is safe

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive Hyundai Kona dashboard warning lights guide ensures you understand every symbol, its meaning, and the correct action to take. By mastering your Kona’s warning indicators, you safeguard performance, reliability, and long-term durability.

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