Ford Transit – Dashboard Warning Lights Guide – Indie Campers Help Center

Models where it applies: Atlas / Atlas 5 / Atlas 5 Auto / Etrusco / Etrusco Auto

It’s important to know what car dashboard warning lights mean because you might be able to avoid a car breakdown or full-on failure.

This guide will give you the know how you need to understand what the different yellow and red warning lights on your dashboard mean, why they come on, how urgent the problem is and what you should do when you see them.

The car warning lights on your dashboard follow a traffic light color system:

Green: The system is functioning properly or is actively in use.
Yellow / Amber: There’s a malfunction - exercise caution and have it checked promptly.
Red: A serious and potentially dangerous issue - stop driving as soon as it’s safe to do so

Warning light	Name	*Description*
	Airbag Warning Lamp	Also known as the supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light. When this light goes red it means that at least one element of the airbag safety system is not working correctly: Airbag module fault. Airbag crash sensors damaged often due to a collusion or water damage. Problems with seat belt / buckle. Airbag clock spring. Wiring under the seats dislodged. Can I still drive with my Airbag Warning Lamp ON? If this light comes on please get in touch with roadside assistance.
	ABS Warning Lamp	Also know as ABS (Anti-lock Braking system) is an add-on safety system to the van’s regular brakes. ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking when under hard braking. If ABS fails, normal brakes are unaffected, though they operate without ABS. The most common cause for ABS warning light is a damaged wheel speed sensor. Diagnostics and fault code scanning should determine the malfunction. Can I still drive with my ABS Warning Lamp ON? If the ABS light comes on by itself you should still have normal, unassisted braking, so it's safe to continue your journey – but keep your distance, take extra care, and get it checked as soon as possible. If it comes on with the brake warning light , it could indicate that the brake system is failing and you should stop straight away and get in touch with roadside assistance.
	Blind Spot Information System Cross Traffic Alert Warning Lamp	Blind Spot Information System If the blind spot warning light is on, it generally does not indicate a serious issue with the car itself, but rather an external safety condition. When the system detects a vehicle, the indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror on the side the approaching vehicle is coming from. If you turn the direction indicator on for that side of your vehicle, the indicator flashes. Cross Traffic Alert Warning Lamp When the system detects an approaching vehicle, a tone sounds, the indicator illuminates in the relevant exterior mirror and arrows appear in the information display to show which side is the approaching vehicle is coming from. System Malfunction It could illuminate if the system is switched off. This indicates a malfunction of the blind spot and cross traffic alert systems. If the system malfunctions, the warning lamp illuminates in the instrument cluster and a message appears in the information display. Can I still drive with the Blind Spot / Cross Traffic Alert System Malfunction Warning Lamp ON? A driver can still operate the vehicle, but should be more mindful when maneuvering, especially when switching lanes. It's important to remember that the light serves as an aid, not a replacement for checking blind spots visually.
	Brake Pad Wear Warning Lamp	Also known as Brake pad wear warning light. If this symbol shows up it means a sensor has detected your brake pads are too thin. Can I drive with my Brake Pad Wear Warning Lamp ON? This car warning light should come on before the brake pads become dangerously thin, it's sometimes possible to look at the brake pads for wear and tear. You may be able to see the outer pad by looking through the spokes of the wheel – the outer pad will be pressed against the brake disc. There should be at least 3mm of pad visible. Keep your speed low and avoid braking suddenly, get in touch with Roadside assistance.
	Door Open Warning Lamp	Also known as Door(s) open warning lamp It illuminates when you switch the ignition on and remains on if any door or the hood is open. It is a safety indicator on your vehicle's dashboard that alerts you when one or more doors are not fully closed. It may illuminate when any door, including the driver's side, passenger side, or even the trunk or hatch, is slightly ajar. Can I still drive with my Door Ajar Warning Lamp ON? Even if the door seems closed, it might not be fully engaged, which can lead to safety concerns such as the door opening while the vehicle is in motion or the car's security system being compromised. If the light is on while you're driving, you should pull over and check all doors to ensure they are properly shut.
BRAKE	Electric Park Brake Warning Lamp Parking Brake Warning Lamp	Also known as the brake system warning light, parking brake warning light or brake fluid warning light. The brake warning light illuminates in red indicating that the handbrake is engaged. If the handbrake is fully released but the brake light remains lit, it indicates low brake fluid levels or if you are driving downhill for a long period of time. This light illuminates or flashes yellow when the electric parking brake requires service. If the ABS warning light is also illuminated, this signals that the braking system has malfunctioned and your brakes may not work properly. The Parking Brake warning lamp illuminates when you engage the parking brake and the ignition is on. If it illuminates when your vehicle is moving, make sure the parking brake is disengaged. If the parking brake is disengaged, this indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system fault. Can I still drive with my Parking Brake Warning Lamp ON? Pull over and stop as soon as it’s safe to do so - keep your speed low and avoid braking suddenly. If the light goes out after you stopped the vehicle there should be no problem. As brake pads wear, fluid levels fall but equally. If the problem persists please get in touch with roadside assistance.
	Engine Coolant Overheating Warning Lamp	Also known as the coolant temperature car warning light. This light will come on when the engine is overheating. This could mean that coolant levels are running low, perhaps due to a leak in the system, or it could be a sign of a larger problem, like a head gasket failure. Can I still drive with my Engine Coolant Overheating Warning Lamp ON? If this light is red you should stop straight away, as without enough coolant your engine will have irreparable damage. Check that coolant levels are not below the MIN. mark on the reservoir tank. If topping up, allow time for the coolant to cool before removing the cap. While you’re under the hood, have a look to see if there are any obvious leaks. If you can’t see any and the light goes off after topping up then you should be fine to continue your journey. If the light comes back on again after topping up please stop the vehicle and get in touch with roadside assistance.
	Engine Oil Pressure Warning Lamp	Also known as the low engine oil or low oil pressure light. The oil warning light comes on when either the oil temperature gets too high or the oil level or pressure is too low. If the oil is not lubricating the engine effectively it could lead to expensive or even irreparable engine damage, so it’s important to act quickly. If both and illuminate at the same time, it means change oil immediately. Can I still drive with the Engine Oil Pressure Warning Lamp ON? When this light comes on you should stop as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Have a look for any obvious oil leaks under the car, and then check the oil levels, topping up if necessary. If the oil levels are fine, then the oil pump may be faulty. In this case get in touch with Roadside assistance. While you’re under the hood, have a look to see if there are any obvious leaks. If you can’t see any and the light goes off after topping up then you should be fine to continue your journey.
	Engine Management Warning Lamp / Malfunction Warning Lamp	Also known as the check engine or ECU warning light. When the engine management light is illuminated it’s often accompanied by tell-tale signs that the engine is not working properly, such as a lack of power or stuttering as you press the accelerator. This light could indicate a number of faults, from minor issues like a broken electrical sensor to a much larger mechanical issue, like a fault with your emission control system or catalytic converter. If it illuminates when the engine is running this indicates a malfunction. If it flashes, engine misfire may be occurring. Increased exhaust gas temperatures could damage the diesel particulate filter or other vehicle components. Avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration. When the warning lamp illuminates at the same time as the Engine Warning Lamp when the engine is running, stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. How long can I drive with my Engine Management / Malfunction Warning Lamp ON? If the check engine light comes on you should get in touch with Roadside assistance.
	Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp	It illuminates when the vehicle detects that the driver or one or more passengers have not fastened their seatbelts. This warning light is typically accompanied by an audible chime, reminding drivers and passengers to buckle up for safety. In some vehicles, the warning light may stay on for a short time after starting the engine and then turn off once the seatbelts are properly secured. If the Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp is on, it’s important to immediately buckle up, as seatbelts are one of the most effective safety features in protecting you during a collision. The light may also remain on if a passenger in the rear seat hasn’t fastened their belt or if there's an issue with the seatbelt sensor. Can I still drive with my Fasten seatbelt Warning Lamp ON? While the vehicle can still be driven with the light on, it’s crucial to ensure that everyone in the car is wearing their seatbelt to comply with legal requirements and, most importantly, to protect everyone in the event of an accident.
	High Voltage Battery	It illuminates white under normal conditions. If it illuminates amber, then the battery is low on charge. Can I still drive with the amber High Voltage Battery Warning Lamp ON? You should keep on monitoring the situation and contact roadside assistance if the issue persists.
	Ignition Warning Lamp	Also known as the battery charge light or battery charging system light. If this light comes on when you’re driving it indicates that the battery is not charging. This could be due to a problem with your car’s electrical system and it could have several causes, such as a faulty alternator, faulty battery, bad electrical connection or damaged cabling. Can I still drive with my Battery Charging System Warning Lamp ON? Your car will run as normal until the battery is dead but once it is drained your vehicle will not start. If you do run out of charge, get in touch with roadside assistance.
	Lane Keeping System Warning Lamp / Alert Indicator Lane Keeping Aid Indicator	Also Known as Lane Assist Alert. It could illuminate when you switch the system off. If it illuminates when you are driving, this indicates a malfunction. It illuminates in the information display when you switch the system on and Alert Mode is selected. It illuminates in the information display when you switch the system on and Aid Mode or Alert and Aid Mode are selected. Can I still drive with the Lane keeping Warning Lamp / Alert Indicator Warning Lamp ON? Yes, you can still drive safely, but you might not have the lane-keeping assistance functioning. You’ll need to remain extra cautious and pay attention to lane positioning yourself.
	Limited Performance Warning Lamp	It illuminates if your vehicle has limited performance due to a cold or hot battery. Can I still drive with the Limited Performance Warning Lamp ON? Drive with caution. Keep your vehicle connected to a charging system when not in use to maintain battery temperature.
	Low Beam Warning Lamp	Illuminates when the low beam headlamp bulb is not functioning properly. Can I still drive with the Low Beam Warning Lamp ON? This can significantly reduce your visibility, especially at night or in low-light conditions. While it may still be safe to drive with the light on during daylight hours or in well-lit areas, it is highly recommended to address the issue promptly. Driving without a functioning low beam can be dangerous, as it limits your ability to see the road clearly and can make it difficult for other drivers to see you. For safety reasons, it's best to replace the faulty bulb as soon as possible.
	Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp	If it illuminates when you are driving, refuel as soon as possible. This light serves as an alert to let you know that it's time to refuel soon to avoid running out of gas. How long can I drive with my Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp ON? While it is generally safe to drive for a short distance after the light comes on, continuing to drive with the warning lamp on for an extended period can increase the risk of running out of fuel.
	Powertrain Warning Lamp	If it illuminates when the engine is running this indicates a malfunction (includes the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components). If it flashes when you are driving, immediately reduce the vehicle speed. Avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration and have your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Can I still drive with the Powertrain Warning Lamp Warning ON? While it's generally still possible to drive with the powertrain light on, it’s important to proceed with caution, as the issue could worsen, leading to more severe damage or a breakdown. If the issue persists contact the roadside assistance.
	Pre-Collision Assist Warning Lamp	It illuminates if your vehicle rapidly approaches another vehicle, to warn you of the risk of a crash with the vehicle in front of you. It could illuminate red if the distance to the vehicle ahead is small. It illuminates amber or yellow when you switch the system off or if the system is not available. Can I still drive with the Pre-Collision Assist Warning Lamp ON? If the light stays on, it is still possible to drive the vehicle, but the safety features related to collision avoidance may not be active, leaving you without automatic braking or collision warning functions. While the car can still be driven, it is still important to address the issue, especially since the pre-collision system is designed to help avoid or mitigate accidents.
OFF	Stability Control and Traction Control Indicator	Also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) This warning light indicates a problem with traction control. If it’s flashing it means the ESP system is intervening – for example, if you’re driving on a slippery road. If the light stays constantly lit, it indicates a malfunction. The ESC / ASR system is reliant on wheel speed sensors and as these sensors are prone to damage The ESP light will light up with the word ‘OFF’ if the system has been deactivated, in which case you may have inadvertently turned it off. Can I still drive with my Electronic Stability Warning Lamp ON? To check, try stopping and restarting the engine. If the light remains on after restarting get in touch with roadside assistance.
	Stop Safely Warning Lamp	It illuminates if an electrical component requires service or a failure that causes your vehicle to shutdown or enter into a limited operating mode. Can I still drive with my Stop Safely Warning Lamp ON? If the Stop Safely Warning Lamp comes on, you should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Continuing to drive could result in serious mechanical failure or safety risks. Get in touch with roadside assistance.
	Tire Pressure Warning Lamp	Tire pressure monitoring systems let you know when the pressure falls. This could happen over time or it could be because of a puncture. It illuminates if the tire pressure in one or more tires is below the correct tire pressure. If it does not illuminate when you switch the ignition on, or flashes when the engine is running, this indicates a malfunction. Can I still drive with my tire pressure Warning Lamp ON? Yes, but you should drive with extra care and aim to top up with air at the next opportunity. Low tire pressure can cause unsafe driving conditions so reduce your speed, and try to avoid braking suddenly or making any violent steering maneuvers. Most petrol stations and garages will have an air compressor you can use to check your tire pressure. Top up the air in the tires according to the vehicle manufacturer specification in your owner's manual. If you have a flat tire, please get in touch with Roadside assistance.
	Cruise Control Indicator Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator	Keep in mind that the cruise control does not replace the driver and it is still important to be cautious and attentive to the surroundings when using the cruise control or adaptive cruise control for speed adjustment. Cruise control Indicator It illuminates when you switch the system on and define a cruise speed. Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator It illuminates when you switch the system on. It illuminates white when the system is in standby mode. It illuminates green when you set the adaptive cruise speed.
	Auto-Start-Stop Indicators	It illuminates green when the engine stops. It flashes amber and a message appears when you need to take action. It illuminates gray with a strikethrough when the system is not available. Can I still drive with my amber or gray Auto-Start-Stop Indicators ON? Yes, you can still drive but if the amber lamp remains on for a long time, get in touch with roadside assistance as soon as possible. If the gray lamp is on the engine will continue to run as usual when stopped, and you won’t experience any driving interruptions. Still, if the warning persists, contact roadside assistance.
	Efficient Drive Mode Indicator	It provides predictive route information to help you drive more efficiently by indicating when you can release the accelerator pedal / slowly decelerate. When this light is on, it indicates that the driver is operating the vehicle in a manner that maximizes fuel efficiency, such as smooth acceleration, moderate speed, and minimal braking. In some cases, the indicator may flash or stay on as a reminder to maintain eco-friendly driving habits, or it may be used to show that the vehicle’s energy-saving systems
	Automatic High Beam Control On Indicator	It illuminates to confirm when the system is ready to assist. This system automatically adjusts the headlights between high and low beams depending on the lighting conditions and the presence of other vehicles. However, if you prefer to control the high beams manually, you can disable the automatic feature through your vehicle’s settings or controls. The color blue helps to distinguish the high beam status from other dashboard lights.
	Direction Indicator	Direction indicator. It flashes when you switch the direction indicators on. If you notice that one or more direction indicator lights are not working, use hand signals to indicate turns and try to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
	Eco Mode Indicator	It illuminates when the drive eco mode is selected. co Mode is designed to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption by adjusting various systems in the vehicle.
	Front Fog Lamp Indicator	It illuminates when you switch the front fog lamps on. Designed to illuminate the road immediately in front of you in foggy, rainy, or snowy conditions. They produce a wide, low beam of light that helps improve visibility in situations where regular headlights may cause glare or reflect off the fog, rain, or snow.
	Hazard Flasher Indicator	It flashes when you switch the hazard flashers on. Both the left and right turn signal lights will begin to blink simultaneously, alerting other drivers to your presence. This is particularly useful when your vehicle is stopped in a hazardous location, such as on the shoulder of the highway, in low-visibility conditions, or during a traffic stop.
	High Beam Headlamp Indicator	It illuminates when you switch the high beam headlamps on. High beams provide maximum illumination of the road ahead, making them particularly useful for driving at night or in poorly lit areas. However, they should be used responsibly, as they can blind other drivers if not adjusted properly or if used when there's oncoming traffic. The color blue helps to distinguish the high beam status from other dashboard lights.
	Lamps On Indicator	It illuminates when you switch the low beam headlamps or the side and rear lamps on. This light serves as a reminder that the vehicle’s lights are active, which is especially useful if you've left the headlights on after turning off the engine, helping to prevent the battery from draining.
	Mud/Ruts Mode Indicator	This mode is designed to optimize the vehicle’s traction and handling in challenging off-road conditions, such as when driving through mud, ruts, or slippery terrain.
	Ready to Drive Indicator	Illuminates when you have switched on your vehicle and it is ready to drive. A corresponding message may appear stating ready to drive. If the light stays on after starting the vehicle or the vehicle doesn’t seem to be ready to drive (such as not engaging gear or not starting the engine), there could be an issue with the vehicle’s systems, and it may require diagnostics.
	Slippery Mode Indicator	This mode is designed to optimize vehicle performance and enhance traction in slippery conditions, such as on icy, snowy, or wet roads. It is important to remember that Slippery Mode is not a substitute for careful driving in hazardous conditions. It helps maintain traction, but you should still drive cautiously and at appropriate speeds for the road conditions.
	Tow/Haul Mode Indicator	You should activate Tow/Haul Mode when you're towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load, especially when driving in conditions like steep hills, heavy traffic, or when you need better control of the vehicle's speed. It helps prevent the vehicle from over-revving, improves the handling of the load, and reduces wear on the brakes and transmission. Automatic Deactivation: In most cases, Tow/Haul Mode will remain active until you turn it off manually, even if you are no longer towing or hauling. However, some vehicles may deactivate the mode automatically once you stop towing. Manual Deactivation: To turn off Tow/Haul Mode, simply press the Tow/Haul button again (usually located on the gear shifter or dashboard), and the indicator light should turn off. The vehicle will return to its normal driving mode.
	Warning triangle	It’s a generic warning where no dedicated alternative warning light is used. The general failure triangle warning light comes on due to the following: The fuel inertia cut-off switch is activated. Lights failure, including rear fog lamps, indicators, brake lights, number plate lights, side lights, daytime running lights, main beam, trailer directional indicators and trailer side lights. Airbag warning light failure. Rain sensor failure. Diesel filter sensor failure. Trailer connection failure. Audio system failure. Engine oil pressure sensor failure. Parking sensor failure. Water in diesel fuel filter. Engine oil level sensor failure. Insufficient engine oil level. Low engine oil pressure warning light failure.
	Glow Plugs Warning Lamp	The glow plugs light may remain lit for longer periods of time in cold conditions, but only a very short time in warm conditions. If the glow plug light remains constantly lit or flashes, it’s likely that the glow plugs and/or relay switch require replacement. How long can I drive with my Glow Plugs Warning Lamp ON? Its safe to drive but the vehicle needs to be diagnosed ASAP, please get in touch with Roadside assistance.
	Power Steering Warning Lamp	Also known as the EPS or EPAS warning light. The steering wheel and exclamation mark indicate a problem with the power steering. Excessive usage of the steering when the vehicle is stationary, or leaving the steering on full lock while the engine is running can cause the power steering motor to overheat. Can I drive with my EPS Warning Lamp ON? This is temporary and normal steering operation will resume once cooled. You can continue to drive but if the power steering system fails, you will notice that the car is harder to maneuver and you should take extra care. If the light remains lit please get in touch with Roadside assistance.
	Check Wheel Warning Light	This means you have an issue with your wheel. This isn’t the rubber tire but the wheel itself. Issues include alignment, steering and balance. Can I still drive with my Check Wheel Warning Lamp ON? If the light comes on, it’s important to have the wheels and related components, like the suspension and steering system, inspected. Driving with unresolved wheel issues can not only affect handling and ride comfort but can also lead to further damage and unsafe driving conditions. It’s best to address this warning as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle handles properly and remains safe to drive.
	Diesel Particulate Filter Warning Lamp	Also known as the DPF or exhaust particulate filter warning light. This light switches on constantly to alert the driver that filter system is blocked and requires elimination of trapped pollution particulates through regeneration process. This is usually done automatically but when the light comes on, the system requires driver input. Can I still drive with my DPF Warning Lamp ON? Drive at a speed of 60 km/h with the engine revs above 2000 rpm for about 15 minutes. When regeneration is complete, the warning light goes off. If the DPF warning light stays on, try the process again. Failing that, Please get in touch with Roadside assistance.
	Adblue Level Warning Lamp	The diesel emissions additive (AdBlue warning light comes on when levels are low. AdBlue consumption depends on driving style. When the AdBlue light come son, top up with AdBlue fluid. The AdBlue cap is next to the fuel filler cap. Always to fill the tank with at least 5 liters of AdBlue. How long can I drive with my AdBlue Level Warning Lamp ON? Its safe to drive but take care since the vehicle will not start when you run out of Adblue (same as with fuel).
	Washer Fluid Level too Low Warning Lamp	The Washer Fluid Level Too Low warning light indicates that the vehicle’s windshield washer fluid is running low and needs to be topped up. This fluid is essential for keeping the windshield clean and clear, especially in adverse weather conditions, by helping to remove dirt, debris, and grime when using the windshield wipers. Can I still drive with the Washer Fluid Level too Low Warning Lamp ON? Yes, you can still drive with this warning light on, but your ability to clean the windshield will be compromised, especially if you encounter dirt, bugs, or rain. Driving with a dirty windshield can impair your visibility and be a safety hazard. It’s a good idea to refill the washer fluid as soon as possible to ensure optimal visibility while driving.