This section details many of the dashboard warning lights and symbols with pictures and their meanings found within the Ford Fiesta range.
The following dashboard warning lamps and symbol indicators are to inform the driver that a condition of the vehicle may be serious. The most serious warning lights often illuminate in red and if critical, they may also flash. Some warning lights illuminate when you first start the vehicle and the various systems initiate, this is perfectly normal and they should go out after a few seconds.
Less serious warning lights on the Ford Fiesta may illuminate if orange / amber. This is to inform the driver that there’s an issue that needs remedial action taken soon. Vehicle utilities such as external lights and indicators illuminate in greens and blues and are simply to inform the driver that a particular system is active.
This section covers many models of the Ford Fiesta and may vary slightly depending on the country that your particular Fiesta was made.
Ford Fiesta Message Indicator Symbol
The message indicator symbol illuminates in red or amber depending on the severity and urgency of the issue. Other dashboard symbols may also illuminate such as those below and have a message in the message display. For a list of available messages, see Ford Fiesta warning messages.
Brake WARNING LIGHT
The exclamation warning symbol will illuminate when the parking brake has been applied and the ignition is on. If the light illuminates on the dashboard whilst driving, check parking brake is not applied. If parking brake is released, this signals a low brake fluid level or a malfunction with the braking system and should be diagnosed by a vehicle technician immediately. See why is the brake warning light on for further help.
Powertrain Malfunction WARNING LIGHT
The exclamation warning symbol contained within a cog or the spanner / wrench (if constantly on while driving) symbol indicates a powertrain malfunction. The powertrain malfunction light can illuminate due to various issues including various sensors; throttle position sensor, temperature sensor, MAP sensor, mass airflow sensor, ECU issues and traction control/ABS, transmission to name a few. Diagnostic equipment is required to read fault codes. Engine will often enter limp mode to limit power output and reduce potential damage. Switch engine ignition off and attempt restart. You can continue to drive but have vehicle checked as soon as possible.
ABS WARNING LIGHT
The ABS, or anti-lock braking system warning light should go out after then engine has started. If symbol illuminates whilst driving or stays on after vehicle has started, it indicates a malfunction with your ABS system. ABS is a separate system from the normal vehicle braking system so normal brakes will remain unaffected. Braking in adverse weather conditions may be affected however and system should be checked by an authorised Ford technician. See Anti-Lock Braking System for further information on how ABS works and why is the ABS light on for further diagnosis.
Engine Temperature WARNING LIGHT
This symbol will illuminate on the dashboard when the engine initially starts and should shortly go out. If light remains on or illuminates whilst driving, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as safe to do so. This symbol indicates the engine is overheating. Allow engine to cool down for at least 20 minutes and check coolant levels. See what is engine coolant for further information. If coolant levels are low, replenish levels. If coolant levels are correct, this indicates a malfunction. An overheated engine can cause irreparable damage to engine components. Do not start the engine and arrange for vehicle to be taken to an authorised technician.
Low ENGINE Oil WARNING LIGHT
This symbol will illuminate on the dashboard when the engine initially starts and should shortly go out. If light remains on or illuminates whilst driving, stop the vehicle as soon as safe to do so and turn off the engine. Engine oil levels should be checked and replenished if necessary. Running the engine with insufficient oil can cause the engine to overheat and potentially seize if levels fall too low. See how to check engine oil levels. This may also be a symptom of low oil pressure.
ENGINE Malfunction WARNING LIGHTs
Your Ford Fiesta may have one of these warning lights. Lights should go out shortly after then engine has started. If lights illuminate whilst driving, or stay on after it has started, it indicates a malfunction in the engine. The malfunction light and powertrain light (spanner) may illuminate due to many reasons and may include engine, exhaust system, transmission, drive shaft, suspension, wheels, glow plugs (if diesel) and catalytic converter. Vehicle is safe to drive though diagnostic equipment is required from a technician to correctly diagnose and fix the issue.
STABILITY Control WARNING LIGHT
Symbol should illuminate when ignition is switched on and should go out shortly. If light does not illuminate, it indicates a malfunction. If light continuously illuminates whilst driving, it also indicates a malfunction. Light should flash whilst driving to inform the driver that stability control system is working. If system malfunctions, vehicle is safe to drive, though more care must be taken. Take vehicle to Ford technician for remedial action.
Battery WARNING LIGHT
Light should illuminate when engine is switched on and go out shortly after. If light illuminate whilst driving or stays on after engine ignition, it indicates that the battery is not being charged or that the battery has a malfunction and has insufficient power. Turn off any electrical equipment in your vehicle that isn’t necessary and take vehicle to a technician as soon as possible. See Why is the battery warning light on for further help.
Front Airbag WARNING LIGHT
Light should illuminate when engine is switched on and go out shortly after. If symbol doesn’t light on start-up, it signifies a malfunction. If symbol flashes or continuously illuminates, it also signifies a malfunction. Vehicle will need to be taken to a Ford technician else airbags may not deploy in the event of an accident. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?
Eco-System Indicator LIGHT
The eco-system indicator light is to inform the driver to shift up a gear to help save fuel and reduce carbon emissions. System will not activate during periods of high acceleration.
Low Tyre Pressure Warning LIGHT
This symbol will illuminate in yellow on newer models of the Ford Fiesta. Symbol will light up when one or more tyres is under-inflated by around 25% or more. If you have a tyre pressure light that will not go out, see tyre pressure monitor light keeps coming on. If you have made recent changes to your tyres or wheels and need to reset the tyre pressure monitor system (TPMS), see How to reset Ford Fiesta tyre pressure light.
Cold External TEMPERATURE Warning INDICATOR LIGHT
This symbol illuminates when the temperature outside of the car reaches 39°F (4°C) or below. this is to inform the driver that road conditions may become slippery. Even if the temperature rises to over 39°F (4°C), roads may still be hazardous.
My battery warning light comes on for about 10 minutes and then goes off again,it happens quite frequently,but never stays on all the time,any ideas what the problem might be? My mechanic is baffled!!!
Hello, My advice would be to replace the battery with a new (heavy Duty) one and see if the light comes back with the new battery fitted.
josh is the name,pls my engine light came on obviously my engine is malfunctioning,the sound of the engine is going up and down like it is breathing,and it is moving slow no acceleration,pls what seems to be the problem of the car pls
Eric is my name, please help my Ford Ikon warning light that looks exactly Brake Warning light (i.e Exclamation Mark) but not red in colour like that one of Brake warning light. This one that normally comes out is orange in colour and once it pops out it makes the car to go very slow and find it difficult to pick up the power. At the moment what I do, I switch the engine off and restart it again and then it picks the power again. So can anyone help me in this regard?
Hello Eric,
Sounds like a powertrain malfunction light. Unfortunately there are a multitude of possible issues that can relate to this light and you’ll need to hook up diagnostic equipment to find a fault code. You Fiesta is slow because the engine enters limp mode which is reduced power to help prevent damage occurring.
hello.my ford fiesta 1.6 tdci 2013 just came back from body shop,the front bumber was replaced, and it got engine light and external temperature warning light. please help and also with the location
My engine malfunction light is orange I have an ecsport what could be the problem
Hello Maimie,
This is a generic fault light and doesn’t have a specific fault associated with it. It’s usually something to do with emissions due to fuel not burning correctly, or a sensor. Generally diagnostic code readers are required to be hooked up to diagnose the fault. Sometimes the light simply goes out on the next start up. It’s usually nothing too serious, but if the light stays on, you should get it checked ASAP. If you notice the engine sounding rough, misfiring or spluttering, get is checked immediately.
Right in the very middle of the dashboard, between the rev counter & speedo, L & R, with the information panel above & fuel gauge below, is some thing that my wife tells me no longer lights up.
This is her car & I know nothing about what this is, & the drivers handbook doesn’t say what it is either.
This is a 14 plate mk7 fiesta.
It could be just a blown bulb or fuse, but not knowing what it is I don’t know where to start.
I’ve got a 18 Ford Fiesta 1000. A picture of the car has appeared on my dash panel where the mileage information is usually displayed, Any ideas ?
my engine light is on when the car is on
NOOOOOO John cant be that,you being unfair
Eco came on and car power went, we turned car off then after few seconds we turned on it was fine, it just flashed on then off straight away then lost power
How to turn off the dashboard lights even the engine was turned off?
Hi Flordeliza,
If all of your dashboard warning lights stay on even if the engine is off and even if you remove the key, it’s usually related to a faulty ignition switch.
My wife’s car is displaying what looks like a coolant fan (Yellow) its red with ignition is on but engine not running. it is
intermitent though, any ideas please? Its a 2011 1.25 fiesta Zetec.
Hi Bill. Does the warning light look like an actual fan? The only light I can think of is the low outside temperature warning light. It illuminates orange when the outside air temperature is between 4ºC and 0ºC and red when the temperature is below 0ºC.
In reply to Eric.
Mine used to do that and it was a sensor
I have a 2016 Ford Fiesta and I noticed when I got into my car today up by the radio display a small symbol to the left of the directional symbol {north, south, etc} a square box. When I started the car it went away.Never seen it before. Any idea?
I’ve have a 2012 Ford Fiesta and I haven’t had any issues at all. Well tonight after work I started my car and what seems to be the check oil light is on(a wrench and oil light). I check my oil at least e/o day. So I checked it and my oil levels are perfect and I just recently got a oil change. What else could cause the check oil light to come on? Plz any suggestions would be great.
Hi Jason. It could be that the service / oil change reminder light hasn’t been reset.
I would check your manual for oil change reminder reset. It will tell you how to reset step by step. Very simple to do and that should solve it. Did you happen to take it to a Ford dealer? They often overlook these kind of things!
Hi, my dashboard time started blinking with ‘ECU broken’ or something along the lines of those three letters not sure, this happened while waiting at lights with my foot on the brake. The car started moving by itself then when taking off it only wanted to go 20k in a 60k zone, does anyone know what this could be?
Hi Jade,
The ECU is the ‘Engine Control Unit’, essentially the car’s computer. It’s potentially a problem that might result in your car breaking down, so I would have it looked at right away.
Hi,,,i have a ford fiesta and the snowflake symbol came on red this afternoon and its no where near freezing ,,thanks for any help
Hi Bethan,
It sounds like the temperature sensor needs replacing.
I have same small box beside direction icon gone when I go any ideas
hi any one know where this frost/cold temp sensor is fitted on my mk7 oct 2013 Fiesta zetec s 1ltr ecoboost it stays on red at all times, appart from first turn on then goes to red. i am led to belive this will be drastic on my MPG as it controls the amount of fuel through the ECU any help on this please regards ERIC
Hello all I have a 2013 ford fiesta and was wondering what the warning light means that has a car with a circle around it both the traction control dummy lights are also on but I can’t find what the car with a circle around it means anywhere
Hi Clayton,
Warning lights in circles are usually related to brakes, a system that assists with braking, ABS etc. Sounds perhaps like hill-start assist is unavailable?
When I lost pressure in one tyre the warning light came on but the display also showed me all four tyre pressures. Is there a way to routinely check tyre pressures by calling up the same display to save using a tyre pressure gauge? The display clearly exists but I can’t find a way to select it on demand.
Hi Martin,
If the option to check tyre pressures is not in the information menu, I think you can do this on your phone using the Fordpass App.
A yellow light saying “TA” has come today.
My manual does not have this warning.
Do you know what it means?
Hello Gerd,
Not heard of a TA light before. Couple of things come to mind, Trac Active; traction control active. Theft Alert (TA). But I don’t know I’m afraid.
Hi there I have a ford fiesta 2008 model and an yellow or orange light with an exclamation point comes on then runs sluggish if I don’t get to a save place to pull over, it’s like the fans aren’t working as it only comes on when I’m idle for too long or in a traffic jam and haven’t heard the thermo fans come on since it got serviced..
Hi Natasha,
If you are concerned that the engine may be overheating, then it’s something you need to have looked at soon as overheating may cause serious damage. It may be something simple to fix such as thermostat / coolant sensor. Have you checked coolant levels to ensure they are topped up to the correct level?
I have a 2012 Ford Fiesta SE and my TCL stays on but says off underneath the wiggly lines of a car. I did not turn it off and brought the vehicle like that. Also my dashboard shows a car going uphill in a circle with a a striaght line underneath the vechicle which I dont know what it means. Please help!
Hi Elizabeth,
The circle with a car going uphill I would think is a hill hold assist / hill start assist function. It does relate to traction control due to them both using many of the same sensors to detect vehicle direction and speed. It’s likely that you have a problem with wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensor or any other sensors that they use. Once you find the problem, it should sort out both your issues.
You’ll need to have diagnostics which is a diagnostics tool they plug into your car to read fault codes. These fault codes will hopefully point the engineer to the specific components causing the issues. The fault shouldn’t affect safety of the vehicle too much, provided that you’re happy moving off on a hill without rolling back. Most vehicle workshops will have these fault codes readers.
i have a yellow warning light on the left hand side of the rev counter in the bottom got any ideas on what it could be
Hi Norman, can you let us know the year of your Fiesta and describe what the warning light looks like?
What does a symbol showing a foot with a down arrow mean? It comes on when entering a lower speed limit area. Is it a slow down reminder? Can’t find the symbol in any manual.
Hi Richard,
Yes, I believe you’re right. It’s using sat-nav data to warn you to slow down when a junction or speed limit change is ahead.
hi Meg here I have a 2009 Fiesta Zetec automatic-while driving after the recent snow outside temperature was -5 and I had both heated screens on and soon after driving a mile or so and red word saying alarm displayed the panel where the entertainment is ,the radio went off and the heated screens went off, I was not in a safe place to pull over and within2 minutes the alarm sign disappeared and the radio Home Screen return to normal.the following day I started the car and put it into reverse and it would not move. Called my mechanic and he wasn’t able to come out for a couple of days by which time the snow had gone and temperatures had risen to 12 degrees, when her arrive she started the car and it was fine the auto tramission was working fine. Naturally this is great by I am still was and do I need to get anything checked out
Hi Meg,
That’s an unusual problem. I would probably start off by having your battery checked, particularly if it’s a few years old. Older batteries tend to struggle more in the colder weather and when there’s a high electrical load (heated windows makes for a high electrical load), strange things can happen. Along with the battery, also have your alternator checked to ensure it’s providing enough power to charge your battery. You’ll usually have the battery warning light come on with problems like this, which is why it’s a bit of an odd one.
Thank you for your suggestions, I know it’s an unusual one, I have had the car since new and it is serviced every year and it has in general been an amazing car causing very little in the way of problems and has never broken down, I had a new battery two years ago. The last year it has done a few unusual things which I thought might be to do with electrics or circuits , for example the horn would activate itself for no reason during very hot weather, it did this for the whole of a heatwave but stopped once the weather cooled, also the boot would not open from the button in the car or by the catch on the boot itself, so now will only open by the button on the car key ,non of these being more than just inconvenient, but this problem with the transmission however has me concerned about breaking down .
The horn would activate itself, whilst driving? Wow, that would be an interesting drive. As you say, definitely some electrical issues and likely one of those problems that would be difficult to find. Could be a short somewhere. It might be worth having diagnostics; a scan tool that looks for fault codes. Might still be worth having the battery and alternator checked. Either when it’s very cold, or very hot, batteries do not perform very well.
Helo everyone., I have a Fiesta 2013 A/T 1.6 Hatchback type.
A Power Train yellow light indicator and Hill Assist yellow indicator just appeared on my dashboard and the A/C get malfunction and doesn’t turn ON.
Any help please… Thank you so much in advance. – Frank Araullo.