This section covers many of the dashboard warning lights / symbols with pictures and their meanings found within the Ford Focus range.
Dashboard warning lights may illuminate red, orange, green or blue, red indicating a more serious malfunction where the vehicle should be checked immediately. Orange lights indicate less serious issues such as the vehicle needing a service. Flashing red warning lights indicate an urgent malfunction. Green or blue dashboard light symbols provide the driver with information only.
Light symbols may vary slightly depending on when your car was manufactured and in which country it was made. Certain Ford Focus dashboard warning lights will illuminate when the engine ignition is switched on, such as:
- Airbag
- ABS
- Stability control (ESP)
- Low fuel
- Brake system
- Frost
- ESP off
If a warning light or information indicator light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on, it indicates a malfunction. Have the system checked by properly trained technician. Listed below are Ford Focus dashboard warning light / symbols that cover many versions of the Focus.
Grade Assist
Ford Grade Assist helps to maintain vehicle speed when going downhill. Grade assist can be activated either by a button located on the dashboard or on the gear shifter. Activating grade assist helps to prevent too much stress being put on the transmission or the brakes.
ABS warning light
If the Ford Focus ABS dashboard warning light illuminates whilst driving, it indicates there is a malfunction within the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Normal braking will continue without the use of ABS. System should be checked by a qualified technician immediately. For further information on how Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABSs) work, the Anti-Lock Braking System guide explains what they do, how they work and how they benefit drivers in controlling their vehicle.
Ignition warning light
If the ignition warning light illuminates whilst driving, it is indicating a malfunction. Immediately switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment and have the vehicle assessed by a trained technician immediately. See Why is the battery warning light on for further help.
Airbag dashboard light
Symbol should extinguish when engine is turned on. If light illuminates whilst driving, it indicates a malfunction with at least one of the air bags. For further information about airbags and possible faults, see why is the airbag light on?
Oil pressure warning light
If the oil pressure light stays on after starting the vehicle or illuminates whilst driving, this indicates a malfunction. As soon as it’s safe to do so, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. check engine oil levels – see how to check engine oil, but do not resume the journey even if oil levels are correct.
Engine warning light
The engine warning light should extinguish when the engine is running. If it illuminate when the engine is running it indicates a malfunction. If it flashes whilst driving, reduce speed immediately. If it continues to flash, avoid excessive acceleration or deceleration and seek professional assistance.
Blind spot monitor light
The blind spot monitor light will illuminate when the feature is deactivated or in conjunction with a message. See car blind spot for further information on what a blind spot is and the correct methods that should be used to avoid a collision.
Forward alert warning
The forward alert warning light will illuminate when the feature is deactivated or in conjunction with a message. This system warns you by visual and audible messages of a potential collision in front. Collision alerts will only occur is the system is activated although brake support remains constantly activated.
Frost / ice warning light
This snowflake symbol warns the driver that frost or ice is present. Sensors detect outside air temperature. The warning light symbol will illuminate amber in colour when the air temperature outside the vehicle is between +4°C (39°F) and 0°C (32°F). As temperatures fall below 0°C (32°F) It will glow red.
Traction control light
During normal driving, the traction control dashboard light flashes after activation of the system. If it does not illuminate after turning on the ignition, if the symbol illuminate continuously during driving, it indicates a malfunction. Whilst the system is malfunctioning, it is deactivated. The second light it also traction control that’s displayed on older versions of the Focus.
Traction control off light
If traction control is manually switched off, the dashboard warning light will illuminate. The light will extinguish once the traction control system has been reactivated.
Cruise control indicator
The cruise control indicator dashboard light will illuminate on the Ford Focus when a speed has been set and cruise control has been activated.
Front fog light symbol
This dashboard symbol will illuminate once the front fog lights are activated. The symbol is reversed when rear fog lights are activated.
Lane departure warning
The lane departure warning light will illuminate when the system is deactivated or in conjunction with a message. The system monitors lane discipline and warns of lane drifting.
Gear change indicator
The gear shift / change indicator light will illuminate on the dashboard to inform you that changing to a higher gear will offer better fuel economy. Periods of high acceleration, braking or when the clutch pedal s pressed does not illuminate the light.
Message indicator light
Dashboard light illuminates when a new message is stored in the information display. Message indicator may be red or amber depending on the severity of the message.
Engine start/stop light
This symbol illuminates when the engine turns off in conjunction with start/stop technology. This technology reduces fuel consumption and reduces CO2 emissions.
Powertrain warning light
The red cog with a red exclamation mark warning light signifies a fault with the powertrain. Typically, the usual reason is a fault with the faulty glow plug relay or a fault with the glow plugs. Diagnostics will specify the exact fault. Vehicle is safe to drive.
ESP/BAS warning light
The ESP/BAS Ford Focus warning light is related to ABS. If this light illuminates, it suggests a problem with the Electronic Stability Program. The ESP/BAS light will often illuminate alongside the ABS warning symbol.
Tyre Pressure warning light
The tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may not be available on earlier versions of the Ford Focus. The tyre pressure warning light will illuminate on the dashboard to inform the driver that air pressure has fallen to or below the 25% threshold limit. If you have checked tyre pressures and all are correct, see tyre pressure warning light keeps coming on for help. IF you have corrected pressures and need to turn the light off, see how to reset Ford Focus tyre pressure light.
Car tilted in circle
I have that same light and it’s not in the manual… wtf does it mean?
What is the car in the speedometer for?
It’s for grade assist. Button on shifter turns it on and off
When I go over bumps or dips in the road,I get a beeping noise.what is causing this
On my lower left hand corner of the dashboard near the zero on the RPM dial , there is a flashing lock of some sort, any idea what that is?
no screen for warning indicators on my 2015 ford focus, its was working, now its no longer has a screen all white? cant see anything
What does the symbol that looks like a wheel spinning in gravel mean? 02 Focus 1.8 tdci
Hi Benedict,
Sounds like it’s a traction control light that’s used on older versions of the Ford Focus. The symbol has been added below.
What is the symbol that is a car with a line underneath it? Is it that the road is slippery? (It wasn’t, however there was a sprinkling of snow. I have never seen it before. My car is a 2014 Ford Focus Se. Thanks for your help.
Hi Peggy,
All I can think of is traction control (car with two wavy lines) or hill decent (car with a line under it set at an angle). The traction control light is on this page.
there is a piture of a wrench in the lower left corner what does that mean
Hello Janet
The wrench / spanner warning light is a fault light. It’s a generic light, so there’s many possible faults that can be associated to it. You’ll need to have diagnostic equipment hooked up to read fault codes which will then let you know what the problem is.
When the car detects Low temp does that have an effect on the stop/start tech?
Hi Kev,
It can do. If the engine is not at optimal running temperature or the cabin temperature is not at the temperature set then start stop will be cancelled.
Immobilize does this mean your Key
Hi I have the hand brake light on the doors wont lock and the hand brake works fine but since the light come on cant lock the car
i needed to replace my screen unit it was covered by warranty . screen started to flicker then white new module screen works well now . reverse screen works along with temp ect
I Have a Ford focus 2007. There is a light that flashes when my car is off. I don’t see it anywhere in the symbols. It almost looks like a lock in front of a car. Any ideas?
Hi Robyn,
It’s the immobiliser system – the light flashing letting you know the system is armed.
I have a 2005 Ford Focus. I just replaced my battery. There is a red flashing light on the top left-hand side of the steering wheel. Does anyone know what this is?
Sounds like it’s possibly the immobiliser light. Is it flashing when driving or when the engine is turned off?
I have the same issue on my 2016 Ford Focus. I just bought the car 1 month ago and that light came on twice. If I shut the car off and whenI restart it the light is off. Any Idea what that light means?
Hi Randall,
Is it not Grade Assist? See warning light at top of page.
Adaptive cruse control
Ford Focus titanium X 63 plate. Red flashing book on dashboard when engine stopped ?
Hi Glynn,
Have you checked whether there’s any important messages to read?
On the gear shift is a switch that slows car going down hill you probably turned it on by mistake no harm that’s down hill car in circle
I have a reduced acceleration reading on dashboard. Any ideas pleasr
Red dash board light is staying on. Ford focus titanium 2009.
Hi Jackie
What warning light is it?
I have a red information button flashing between the fuel and temp gauge. My alarm keeps going off for no reason. Had the car checked by a Ford specialist who couldn’t find any faults and the problem stopped for a couple of days but starting again now. Can anybody help?
Hi i have the same issue red light flashes while driving. Means what
Hi Della,
The red information button means your have a urgent message to read. Go into your vehicle settings to read it. Alarms can be adjusted for sensitivity.
In reply to Louis.
Thanks, Louis! You have helped a great deal! The owner’s manual does not define this icon.
hi my ford focus 70plate when driving dash bored shows up foot on peddle in blue any ideas thank you
My focus gave an alert that said power operative please close , i don’t know what that means
I have a ! Exclamation in red where fuel fill is I have half a tank of fuel don’t know what it means
yellow engine light on should i be worried
Hi Amanda,
The engine light means there’s a fault or issues with the emissions control system. There are numerous components that can cause a fault from the engine, through to the exhaust system. Due to there being so many possibilities, you need a code reader to diagnose the fault. Pretty much all auto repair garages have these, else they can be purchased online. When the engine light comes on, a fault code is usually logged and these code readers allow the engineer to read and locate where the fault is.
You shouldn’t be worried and can usually continue driving, but it’s advised that you get it sorted sooner rather than later. If the engine light flashes, definitely get it sorted sooner and not later.
A little red book symbol has appeared a few times on my dashboard followed by an exclamation ❗ mark sometimes, any ideas, Tia
Hi Michael,
That’s usually an indicator that there’s a warning message and to consult with the owner’s manual.
A code reader, Ford just makes crappy cars, and they will sign you up knowing the cars are problems, the Ford Focus in particular. Constant problems, at the dealership get repairs, and the car will in the middle of an intersection will stop, I was in heavy traffic on the 15 Fwy traveling north dangerous traffic car just stopped, you can be killed in these cars.
I finally, went and purchased a new car because corporate doesn’t want to here about the cars troubles, and like me I still owe on the car, and some of the people got recall money I presented all paper work. I will never purchase another Ford of any kind., and sure as heck won’t recommend any.
P.S. God Bless the Engineers that release these cars to be purchased knowing the issues.
hav a ford focus 05 to small lights opersit yellow left light stays on canyou help me wot this is thsnk you
Hello George,
Can you describe the lights in more detail?
What is the white car with arrows on both sides that light up green sometimes on a 2019 Ford Fusion
Hi Shawna,
Is it this one?
If it is, it’s the vehicle ready indicator light. This indicator will remain on while your vehicle is on, whether the engine is running or not to indicate your vehicle is capable of movement (using its electric motor, engine, or both).
Hi I have the hand brake light on the doors wont lock and the hand brake works fine but since the light come on cant lock the car
our Ford focus 2012 shows a blue warning on the screen:’light 899′. does anyone know what it means and how to get rid of it?
Hi Eveline,
Have you checked all of your lights are working?
My dashboard has a blue screen that comes on and a larger one also when I open the door what does that mean
2016 Ford Focus – i have a letter ‘R’ in a white triangle appeared on my dashboard but cannot find any reference to it anywhere. Anyone any idea what it means?
Hello, I have my luggage compartment saying it’s open , it keeps sounding making noise. It’s not open. My door locks keep sounding like someone playing with the locks. I have a 2013 ford focus.
Hi Christine,
It’s likely the switch. A basic switch that is on or off (open or shut) and alerts you if it’s open. Might be old and worn, requiring replacement. Or it might have gotten some dirt in it. Oil, such as WD40 is good for cleaning switches.
Hi I have a blue light on dash 21 plate focus it has a road wheel in it looks like throwing up stone or water any ideas any one ☝️
2013 ,Ford Focus battery appears dead. Jump started Transmission light comes on . Drove for twenty minutes, drove fine returned home shut off engine, everythings dead. Is it battery or a combination of things?
Hi Terry,
It could be anything to do with the charging system. It’s usually the alternator, alternator belt or some sort of electrical short. It could also be the battery. Usually best to check the alternator first.
There’s a red dot coming on beside my speedometer in a 2005 ford focus what does it mean
Hi Margaret,
This is one of those lights that can be difficult to get to the bottom of. Essentially it’s a generic warning light, meaning there’s no dedicated symbol for it. On the opposite side to the red light, there should be an amber light. The amber light means a non-urgent warning, the red one means an urgent warning. You’ll usually get a test message on the display informing you of the issue. The red dot can come on due to very low fuel, a bonnet that’s not properly shut, or door. Things like that.
I have a 2010 Focus LV 2.5 Turbo – yellow engine warning light came on driving to work yesterday & has stayed on since & have fluctuating Oil Temp today – mainly floats round high (3rd indicator) – not very hot weather & was doing this after less than 30mins driving. Have seen prev comments that yellow engine is often an emission warning…have aftermarket intake/exhaust mods but these are inplace 1yr+ so unsure of cause…but how serious is the Oil Temp (in addition) anyone?
What does a symbol of a yellow car over a line mean within the speedometer on a 2016 ford focus?
Hi Rich,
Do you mean a car that’s on a line facing downwards? If so, that’s the Hill Descent Control system that’s active.