Mazda CX-5 Warning Lights: The Complete Dashboard Symbol Guide (2013–2025)

Understanding your Mazda CX-5’s dashboard warning lights is essential for keeping your SUV in perfect condition and ensuring your safety on the road. Whether you drive a first-generation (2013–2016), second-generation (2017–2022), or the latest 2023–2025 facelift, this comprehensive guide explains every dashboard symbol, its meaning, and what actions you should take.

Every Mazda CX-5—from the base SE-L trim to the range-topping Takumi or Signature—features an array of dashboard symbols designed to communicate the SUV’s status. These warning lights can indicate normal operations (like headlights or ECO mode) or urgent issues (like engine overheating or brake failure).

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Recognising and interpreting these lights quickly can save you from costly repairs and potential safety hazards.

Dashboard Light Colors and Their Meanings

Much like traffic signals, the color of a warning light determines its urgency. A red or flashing amber light typically requires immediate action.

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Engine and Powertrain Warning Lights

Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator)

• Symbol: Engine outline
• Meaning: Indicates a problem with emissions, sensors, or engine operation.
• Common Causes: Loose fuel cap, faulty oxygen sensor, bad spark plug, or catalytic converter issues.
• Action: Check fuel cap first. If light persists, visit a technician for diagnostic scanning (OBD-II).

Transmission Fault

• Symbol: Gear with exclamation mark
• Meaning: Transmission control issue or overheating.
• Action: Avoid heavy loads; seek professional diagnosis immediately.

Oil and Fluid Warning Lights

Engine Oil Pressure

• Symbol: Oil can
• Meaning: Low or no oil pressure detected.
• Action: Stop the vehicle immediately, check oil level, and top up if needed. Driving further can cause engine damage.

Low Brake Fluid

• Symbol: Circle with exclamation or “BRAKE”
• Meaning: Brake fluid level is low.
• Action: Top up with DOT 4 fluid and inspect for leaks.

Washer Fluid Low

• Symbol: Windscreen with dotted spray
• Meaning: Refill washer fluid reservoir.

Brake System and ABS Indicators

Handbrake Engaged

• Symbol: “P” or exclamation in a circle
• Meaning: Parking brake applied.
• Action: Release before driving.

ABS Fault

• Symbol: “ABS”
• Meaning: Anti-lock braking system malfunction.
• Action: Normal braking works, but ABS won’t activate on slippery roads. Have it checked soon.

Battery, Charging, and Electrical Warnings

Battery Charge Warning

• Symbol: Battery icon
• Meaning: Alternator not charging battery or voltage drop.
• Action: Stop engine and check belt or connections. Replace battery if needed.

Airbag Fault

• Symbol: Person with circle (airbag)
• Meaning: Possible fault in airbag or sensor.
• Action: Service required immediately—airbags may not deploy in a crash.

Tire Pressure and Wheel-Related Warnings

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Symbol: Exclamation mark inside a flat tire
• Meaning: One or more tires underinflated or faulty sensor.
• Action: Check all tire pressures (typically 33–36 psi front/rear).

Check Wheel Alignment

• Symbol: Steering wheel icon
• Meaning: Alignment or wheel balance problem.
• Action: Visit a wheel specialist for inspection.

Temperature and Cooling System Warnings

Engine Coolant Temperature High

• Symbol: Thermometer in waves
• Meaning: Engine overheating due to low coolant or fan failure.
• Action: Stop safely, allow engine to cool, check coolant level.

Lighting System and Visibility Indicators

High Beam Indicator

• Symbol: Blue light beam
• Meaning: High beams active.
• Action: Turn off when approaching oncoming traffic.

Automatic Lights Fault

• Symbol: Headlamp with “A”
• Meaning: Light sensor malfunction.
• Action: Use manual lighting until repaired.

Fog Lights (Front/Rear)

• Symbol: Headlamp with wavy lines
• Meaning: Fog lamps on.
• Note: Use only in poor visibility conditions.

Safety and Airbag Alerts

Airbag System Fault

• Symbol: Person with a circle
• Meaning: Fault detected in airbag or seatbelt pretensioner.
• Action: Service required—system may not activate during a collision.

Driving Assistance and Stability Control

ESP / ESC Engaged

• Symbol: Car with wavy lines
• Meaning: Electronic Stability Program active.
• Action: Normal operation; disengages automatically when stability restored.

Lane-Keeping Assist

• Symbol: Two lane lines
• Meaning: Lane assist active.
• Action: Keep hands on steering wheel; the system assists only above 40 km/h.

Radar Cruise Control / Front Radar

• Symbol: Car with radar waves
• Meaning: Adaptive cruise system engaged.
• Action: Maintain safe distance.

Transmission and Gear Position Indicators

Press Brake Pedal

• Symbol: Foot on brake
• Meaning: Must press brake to start engine or shift from “P”.
• Action: Apply foot brake and start.

“P” – Park Mode

• Symbol: Letter “P”
• Meaning: Vehicle securely parked.

Doors, Bonnet, and Tailgate Warnings

• Hood / Bonnet Open: Front latch not fully closed.
• Trunk / Boot Open: Rear tailgate sensor detects open status.
• Door Ajar: Check all doors properly shut.

Comfort and Convenience Indicators

Heated Seats

• Symbol: Seat with wavy lines
• Meaning: Seat heater on; multiple bars show heat intensity.

Heated Windscreen

• Symbol: Windscreen with wavy arrows
• Meaning: Defrosting function active.

Maintenance and Service Reminders

Service Due Soon

• Symbol: Wrench or message
• Meaning: Routine maintenance interval reached.
• Action: Schedule service; reset indicator after servicing.

Diesel-Specific Symbols (Glow Plug, DPF)

Glow Plug Indicator

• Symbol: Yellow coil
• Meaning: Diesel engine preheating system active.
• Action: Wait until light turns off before starting engine.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

• Symbol: Exhaust with dots
• Meaning: Filter needs regeneration.
• Action: Drive at steady speed for 15–20 minutes to complete cleaning cycle.

What to Do When a Warning Light Appears

1. Check Color – Red = stop; Amber = caution.
2. Consult Manual – Match symbol to description.
3. Inspect Systems – Oil, coolant, or brake fluids.
4. Avoid Panic – Some lights are temporary or self-resetting.
5. Use OBD-II Scanner – Read fault codes for precise cause.

When to Visit a Mechanic or Dealer

• Persistent Check Engine light
• Flashing Red or Amber light
• Signs of overheating, smoke, or loss of power
• Brake, airbag, or steering warnings
• DPF regeneration failure or emission faults

Professional diagnosis ensures accurate repair and prevents major component damage.

Conclusion

Your Mazda CX-5’s dashboard warning lights are your vehicle’s first language of communication. By understanding what each symbol means—from a simple ECO indicator to a severe engine warning—you can react quickly, prevent expensive damage, and keep your SUV running at peak performance. Always refer to your owner’s manual and consult a qualified Mazda technician when in doubt.

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