Models where it applies: Marco Polo
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: 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
- Grey: Indication that the system is available.
Warning light |
Name |
Description |
Airbag Warning Lamp |
Also known as the supplemental restraint system (SRS) warning light. When the vehicle is switched on, this light appears for a few seconds to test if the system functioning properly. If the light does not turn on or continuously lights up once the vehicle is switched ON, it means there is a malfunction in the restraint system. If the light appears continuously or repeatedly during a journey, it indicates a system malfunction. If components of the restraint system have been deployed, the restraint system warning lamp lights up continuously. If the Airbag system is ON and this light is appearing, this means that at least one element of the airbag safety system is not working correctly:
Can I still drive with my Airbag Warning Lamp ON? If this light comes on please get in touch with roadside assistance. |
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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. If the lamp is ON while the vehicle is ON, it means there is system malfunction. If an additional warning tone sounds, it means the EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) is malfunctioning. 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 audible warnings, it could indicate that the brake system is failing and you should stop straight away and get in touch with roadside assistance.
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Central Warning Lamp |
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:
If the light appears in red you should address the issue immediately. If the light appears in yellow you should address the issue as soon as possible. |
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Door Open Warning Lamp
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Also known as Door(s) open warning lamp It illuminates when you switch the ignition on and remains on if any door 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 is slightly ajar. Can I still drive with the 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. |
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Tailgate Open |
While your rear trunk/boot may appear closed, it may show open on the sensor. Check if the trunk is properly closed before driving. If the issue persists, there may be a problem with the sensor. |
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Bonnet Open |
While your front hood/bonnet may appear closed, it may show open on the sensor. Check if the hood is properly closed before driving. If the issue persists, there may be a problem with the sensor. |
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Electric Parking Brake Warning Lamp |
Also known as the brake system warning light, parking brake warning light. If the light flashes or appears in yellow it means there is a malfunction with the electric parking brake system. If the light flashes or appears in red it means the electric parking brake is correctly applied. It may not be possible to release the parking brake if the on-board electrical system voltage is low or if there is a malfunction in the system. The symbol |
Brakes Warning Lamp |
Possible cause for the brakes warning lamp to be ON during a journey:
If brake force boosting is malfunctioning, increased brake pedal force may be needed for braking. The braking characteristics may be impaired. The braking distance can increase in emergency braking situations. Additionally, this warning can mean the brake fluid is too low, and the braking effect and characteristics may be impaired. Can I still drive with the Brakes Warning Lamp ON? You should stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. Get in touch with roadside assistance. |
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Check Brake Pad Wear Warning Lamp |
If this symbol shows up it means a sensor has detected your brake pads are too thin. Can I drive with my Check 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. |
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Engine Coolant Warning Lamp |
Also known as the coolant temperature car warning light. This light If the coolant level is correct, this could mean the air supply to the radiator may be impaired or the radiator's electric fan may be faulty. Additionally, this light could mean the coolant is too hot and the engine is not being adequately cooled. If the warning light is accompanied by a warning tone, it means the coolant has exceeded the temperature of 120ºC. The air supply to the radiator may be impaired or the coolant level may be too low. Additionally, the engine has not been sufficiently cooled and may be damaged. If you open the bonnet in the event of an overheated engine or fire in the engine compartment, the following situations may occur:
If the engine coolant warning lamp is ON together with the coolant temperature display at the start of the scale, it means the temperature sensor for the coolant temperature display is defective. This means the coolant temperature is no longer being monitored. If the coolant is too hot, the engine may become damaged. Can I still drive with my Engine Coolant Overheating Warning Lamp ON? 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. Ensure the air supply to the radiator is not impaired (by a plastic bag, for example). If the light comes back on again after topping up please stop the vehicle and get in touch with roadside assistance. |
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Engine Oil Level and 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. Causes for this light to appear:
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. |
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Engine Management Warning Lamp / Malfunction Indicator |
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. Possible causes for this warning lamp to appear:
This should be addressed as soon as possible, as it could interfere with the diagnosis of important problems happening in the van. How long can I drive with my Engine Management Warning Lamp ON? If the check engine light comes on you should 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 either the power assistance or the steering itself. 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. If the light appears in red you should address the issue immediately. If the light appears in yellow you should address the issue as soon as possible. Can I drive with my EPS Warning Lamp ON? You should stop driving, since problems with the steering can put the vehicle and yourself at risk. If the light remains lit please get in touch with Roadside assistance. |
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Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp |
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Distance Warning Lamp |
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Electrical Fault Warning Lamp |
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Stability Control Indicator |
Also known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) If it is flashing it means the ESP system is intervening – for example, if you’re driving on a slippery road. This results in the immediate disconnection of Cruise Control and Assist DISTRONIC (Adaptive Cruise Control) systems. If the light stays constantly lit, it indicates a system malfunction. 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 Stability Control and Traction Control Indicator ON? To check, try stopping and restarting the engine. If the light remains on after restarting get in touch with roadside assistance. Drive carefully, avoiding accelerations and adapting your driving style to the road and weather conditions. If the light indicates a system malfunction, you should drive carefully and keep in mind you do not have this assistance active. |
Trailer Hitch Warning Lamp |
It illuminates if the trailer coupling electrics are faulty. Have the |
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Suspension |
A fault has occurred in the AIRMATIC If the light appears in red you should address the issue immediately. This light indicates a severe problem with the suspension system that may affect the drivability and safety of the vehicle. Common Causes:
If the light appears in yellow, you should address the issue as soon as possible. This indicates a warning or alert related to the air suspension system or other suspension components. Typically, it suggests a less critical issue that still needs attention but is not an immediate threat to vehicle safety. Common Causes:
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AdBlue Level Warning Lamp |
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Fuel Reserve Warning Lamp |
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Diesel particulate filter warning |
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 (clogged with soot) 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 light 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. |
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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 by flashing for approximately one minute and then remains lit, if the tire pressure monitoring system is malfunctioning. If the lamp simply illuminates and continuously stays ON, it means one or more tires is / are below the correct tire pressure. 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. |
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Diesel engine Preglow |
Also known as Glow Plugs 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, meaning there is a fault in the engine management system, in the glow plug system, related to the particulate filter. How long can I drive with my glow plugs warning light on? Its safe to drive but the vehicle needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible, please get in touch with Roadside assistance. |
Reduced-Power Warning Lamp |
It illuminates if your vehicle has limited performance, meaning the drive system power output is reduced. Can I still drive with the Limited Performance Warning Drive with caution. Keep your vehicle connected to a charging system when not in use to maintain battery temperature. |
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Engine operating temperature warning lamp |
After a cold start, the blue engine operating temperature warning lamp is ON. Engine output and engine torque are reduced. Once the engine reaches its optimal operating temperature, the light will turn off. You should take this into consideration when driving, to avoid heavy accelerations while the engine is still cold. |
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Active Steering Assist |
Only available up to the speed of 160km/h. The system helps you to stay in the center of the lane by means of moderate steering interventions. Depending on the speed driven, Active Steering Assist uses the vehicles ahead and lane markings as a reference. If the detection of vehicles ahead and lane markings is impaired, Active Steering Assist switches to passive mode. In grey, this symbol means the system is activated and passive In green, this symbol means the system is activated and active In red, this symbol means the system has detected its limits In white but with red hands, this symbol represents a warning to the driver that hands should be placed on the steering wheel promptly. |
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Cruise Control Indicator
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator
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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. It illuminates in yellow when the cruise control system / adaptive cruise control system is not available or if there is a fault in the system. Cruise control Indicator It illuminates grey when the system selected but not yet active or temporarily in passive mode. green when you switch the system on and define a cruise speed. A stored speed is shown under the display and is indicated in the speedometer. The Variable Limiter In grey, this symbol means variable limiter is selected but not yet active When flashing grey, this symbol means variable limiter is temporarily in passive mode. In green, this symbol means variable limiter is activated. Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator (ACC) - Assist DISTRONIC Maintains the set speed on a free-flowing road. If vehicles are detected ahead, the set distance is maintained. The vehicle is accelerated or braked in correlation with the distance to the vehicle in front and with the set speed. Speed and distance are set and stored on the steering wheel. If the symbol displays in grey, it means the Assist DISTRONIC is selected but not active yet If there is a green speedometer and grey vehicle, it means Assist DISTRONIC is active and the speed is set. If the symbol displays in green, Assist DISTRONIC is active and there is a vehicle detected ahead. If you increase or decrease the specified distance, the notification If the ACC system is engaged and the driver also has a speed limiter set, the vehicle will follow both systems. The ACC will keep a safe distance from the car ahead and regulate speed accordingly, but if the vehicle tries to accelerate beyond the maximum speed set by the Speed Limiter, the system will prevent this. |
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Lane keeping system |
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Attention Assist Fault |
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Active Blind Spot Assist |
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Replace Air Filter |
This light means the engine air filter is dirty and needs replacement. |
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Active Parking Assist(If Equipped) |
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AIRMATIC Adaptive Suspension Icon(If Equipped) |
Lets you adjust your vehicle's height slightly based on driving conditions. Some vehicles will automatically adjust the ride height in certain situations. Not all vehicles are able to adjust the ride height. 1. You will see this icon with the message rising when your vehicle is lifting to high level + 1. The indicator lamp will remain ON. The vehicle is lowered as soon as you exceed the speed of 30km/h 2. To lower the vehicle, select the icon again. You will see this light with the message "lowering" while the vehicle is lowering its ride height. Depending on your settings, your vehicle may do this automatically to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle and to adapt to driving conditions. Once the vehicle has fully lowered its height, the icon will stop being displayed. |
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Automatic High Beam Control On Indicator |
Also known as Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus 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. |
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Rear Fog Lamp Indicator |
It illuminates when you switch the rear fog lamps on. Designed to signal your vehicle in foggy, rainy, or snowy conditions. They produce a wide, low beam of light that helps improve visibility for other vehicles in situations where regular taillights may cause glare or reflect off the fog, rain, or snow. |
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Turn Signal Indicator |
Also known as Turn Signals. 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. |
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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. |
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Main Beam or Headlight Flasher Indicator |
Also known as High Beam Head bulb 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. |
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Low Beam Lights On |
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. |
Lighting Malfunction |
Illuminates when one or more exterior light bulb(s) is / are not functioning properly. Can I still drive with the Lighting failure 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. |
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Emergency Call System Fault Warning Lamp |
Also known as eCall system fault. This system uses in-vehicle sensors (such as airbag deployment or impact detection) to trigger an automatic call to emergency services, providing them with your vehicle's location and other vital information. If this warning light appears, it suggests that there is a malfunction with the system, which could be due to issues with the sensors, communication module, or other electronic components. Can I still drive with my eCall System Fault Warning Lamp ON? Yes, you can still drive the vehicle with this warning light on. While the vehicle is still operable, the eCall system may not function correctly in the event of an emergency, which could delay assistance if you’re involved in an accident. |
Top Up Washer Fluid 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. |
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Hold Function Indicator |
Holds the vehicle at a standstill without you needing to depress the brake pedal. This is only an aid, and it is the driver's function to ensure the vehicle safety at a standstill. The incline cannot be greater than 30% |
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DSR |
Also known as Hill Descendent Control It keeps the speed at the selected target. The steeper the downhill gradient, the greater the DSR braking effect on the vehicle. The OFF message will be displayed next to the DSR symbol and accompanied of a warning tone, to alert the driver that the system is no longer active. |
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Slippery Road Surface Warning |
This aid serves as a reminder that it is important to drive cautiously and at appropriate speeds for the road conditions in extreme weather conditions. |
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Eco-Start-Stop Indicators |
Conditions for the Automatic STOP:
Conditions for Automatic START:
The symbol The symbol If neither appear when the vehicle is at a standstill, it means you have not depressed the brake pedal enough. When the symbol Can I drive safely with the Auto-Start-Stop Malfunction? Yes, you can drive safely, but you have to remember to manually start / stop the car engine. Even if the gray lamp with the word OFF is showing, 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. |