Ford dashboard warning lights: what they mean & what to do

If your Ford displays a dashboard warning light then it'll be important that you know how to react. Failure to do so may result in your vehicle suffering a serious mechanical failure. 

The Ford dashboard symbols follow a traffic light colour system:

• Red: there is a serious, and potentially dangerous problem - stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so

• Yellow: something is not working correctly - take extra care and check it out as soon as possible
• Green: the system is working correctly or is currently in use

Dashboard warning lights can appear at any time. If you see a red or yellow warning light, you should check what part of your car it relates to and take the necessary action to remedy it.

RAC Mobile Mechanics offer repairs and diagnostics, which will identify the cause of your car's warning light and ensure it is repaired to the highest standard. 

You should also ensure you have RAC Breakdown Cover. Travelling abroad? Get RAC European Breakdown Cover in case you see warning lights on your Ford on your trip away.

Ford brake system warning light

The brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car, so it’s essential to act immediately when you see the red brake system warning light.

If this warning light remains on after you fully release the parking brake - or it comes on when you’re driving - it may indicate that the brake fluid level is low. Unless you know how to check your brake fluid levels yourself, this will be one for the professionals. 

If the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) warning light is also illuminated, this signals that the braking system has malfunctioned and your brakes may not work properly.

Can I drive with the red Ford brake system warning light on

You should not drive your Ford if the red brake warning light is on. Pull over and stop as soon as it’s safe to do so – keep your speed low and avoid braking suddenly.

If you need assistance you can call the RAC on 0330 159 1111, whether you are a member or not. You can also get immediate cover.

Ford anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light

The anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light will illuminate when a problem has been detected with your vehicle.

It's important to note that the ABS light may come on briefly when you start your car or to indicate when the system is in use (when braking heavily) but if it stays on there will usually be an issue that needs to be investigated by a qualified professional.

Can I drive with my Ford anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light on?

If the Ford anti-lock brake system (ABS) light comes on by itself you should still have normal, unassisted braking, so it may be 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 red brake warning light, it could indicate that the brake system is failing and you should stop straight away and call for recovery. 

RAC Mobile Mechanics can perform a full diagnostic check and brake inspection to identify why your anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light is on.

Ford brake Pad warning light

If the Ford brake pad warning light comes on it means a sensor has detected thin or heavily worn brake pads. If this is the case, you'll need to get your brake pads changed.

Can I drive with my Ford brake pad warning light on?

You should replace your brake pads as soon as you can, if they wear out completely it could be extremely dangerous and hinder the braking ability of your car.

RAC Mobile Mechanics can replace your brake pads and discs at your home or place of work. For more information, read our guide to brake pads.

Ford service engine soon warning light

The engine service light on your Ford is also known as the check engine light or engine management light. It will come on when the onboard computer believes the car needs a routine service. It may also come on if there is a problem.

Tell-tale signs that the engine is not working properly, such as a lack of power or stuttering as you press the accelerator, may also be present.

This warning light could indicate a number of faults, from minor issues like a broken electrical sensor, to a much larger mechanical issue, such as a fault with your emission control system or catalytic converter.

How long can you drive with check engine light on in a Ford?

If the check engine light comes on, you should get it checked as soon as you can. By continuing to drive you risk causing further, potentially irreparable damage to your engine. 

RAC Mobile Mechanics can carry out a comprehensive service to ensure your car is safe and working correctly.

Ford engine coolant warning light

The yellow engine coolant warning light will usually come on when coolant levels are running low. It may also be illuminated if there is a problem with the coolant system.

Coolant fluid absorbs the heat from your engine and disperses it through the radiator to prevent your engine from overheating.

Can I drive with my Ford engine coolant warning light on?

You should not drive with the Ford engine coolant warning light on. If it comes on before your journey, open the bonnet and locate the coolant tank to check the fluid level - read our guide on how to check your coolant for more information.

If the coolant warning light comes on while you're driving, you should stop when it's safe to do so and allow the engine to cool down for 10 or 20 minutes before checking and topping up if required.

If this light comes on often, get your car serviced by a RAC Mobile Mechanic to check there isn’t a leak somewhere. Or find a garage to help identify the problem.

Ford engine coolant temperature warning light

The red engine coolant temperature warning 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 drive with my Ford engine coolant temperature warning light on?

If the coolant light is red, you should stop straight away – without enough coolant, your engine could get so hot that it will cause irreparable damage.

Pull over somewhere safe and wait until the engine has cooled off before checking the gauge on the side of the coolant tank under the bonnet, topping up as required.

While you’re under the bonnet, 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, you should call for recovery via RAC Breakdown Cover.

Ford engine oil warning light

The yellow oil warning light comes on when there is a problem with the engine oil. The oil temperature may be 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.

Can I drive with my Ford engine oil warning light on?

When the yellow engine oil warning 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, call for recovery, as driving any further could damage the engine.

If you are at home or your place of work, call RAC Mobile Mechanics to attend and assess your vehicle.  

Watch our video guide to checking your car’s engine oil.

Find a garage

Ford battery charging system warning light

If the Ford battery charging system warning light comes on when you’re driving, it indicates that the battery is not charging correctly. This could be caused by a problem with the vehicle's electrical system, such as a faulty alternator, worn battery, bad electrical connection or damaged cabling.

Can I drive with my Ford battery charging system warning light on?

Do not drive your Ford car with the red battery charging system warning light on. The battery may fail without notice.

If you are at home or your place of work, call a mobile mechanic. Otherwise, call for roadside assistance with RAC Breakdown Cover.

Ford airbag warning light

The red Ford airbag warning light will indicate that at least one element of the airbag safety system is not working correctly. Perhaps the airbag system is faulty or there may be a problem with the seat belt pretensioner system, which tightens the belt in the event of a crash. 

Can I drive with my Ford airbag warning light on?

It is not recommended to drive your car with the Ford airbag warning light on. The airbag system is an important safety feature of your car, any problems could result in the airbag failing to deploy in the event of an accident. In some cases it could even deploy unexpectedly and cause an accident. If the red airbag warning light is on, call for assistance with RAC Breakdown Cover.

Find a garage

Ford stability control warning light

The yellow Ford stability control warning light indicates a problem with the car's traction control system. It usually comes on when the stability control system is intervening – for example, if you’re driving on a slippery road. If the light stays on, it means traction control is not working properly.

If the warning light is displayed with the word ‘OFF’ then system may have been deactivated, in which case you may have inadvertently turned it off.

To check, try stopping and restarting the engine. If the light remains on after restarting.

Can I drive with my Ford stability control warning light on?

You should avoid driving your car if there is a problem with the stability control system. A diagnostic check carried out by a mobile mechanic will identify the cause of the warning light and what fix is required to remedy the fault.

Find a garage

Ford powertrain warning light

The yellow powertrain warning light indicates a problem with the automatic transmission. The issue may be caused by the transmission fluid temperature being too high or fluid levels are getting low and need to be topped up.

Can I drive my car with the Ford powertrain warning light on?

When the yellow powertrain warning light comes on, your car may automatically go into a ‘safe’ mode to prevent further damage, in which case you will notice a drop in the car’s performance. 

If you have the skills and confidence, you could check and top up the transmission fluid yourself. However, it’s wise to get any problems checked by a professional, as continuing to drive could cause more extensive damage and automatic transmissions can be expensive to replace.

Find a garage

Ford tyre pressure warning light

Many Ford cars are fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems that will let you know when the pressure falls with a yellow warning light. This could happen over time or it could be because of a puncture.

Either way, low tyre pressure can cause unsafe driving conditions, so reduce your speed and try to avoid braking suddenly or making any violent steering manoeuvres.

Can I drive with my Ford tyre pressure warning light on?

You should stop when it is safe to do so and check your tyres. A local fuel station or friendly garage will have an air compressor you can use to check your tyre pressure. Top up the air in the tyres according to the vehicle manufacturer specification in your owner's manual.

If you have a puncture, watch our video to learn how to change a tyre in 10 simple steps. 

Find a garage

Ford power steering warning light

The red power steering warning light will notify you of a serious problem with the power steering system.

If the power steering system fails, the car will be much harder to manoeuvre and it may be dangerous to drive at high motorway speeds.

Can I drive with my Ford power steering warning light on?

Do not drive your car with the red power steering warning light on. If you have a hydraulic power steering system, a malfunction may be linked to low levels of power steering fluid.

Stop as soon as you can to check the power steering fluid levels, if you know how, you can top it up, but bear in mind that this will be a temporary fix; for steering fluid levels to drop there must be a leak in the system that you will need a professional to repair. 

For electric powered systems, this problem could be as simple to fix as rebooting a computer.

Find a safe place to stop and try turning the car off and back on again after 30 seconds. If the light stays on you should call for assistance.

Find a garage

Ford engine air filter warning light

Your engine’s air filter stops dust and other debris from getting inside your engine. If this warning light comes on it means that the filter has become clogged and is limiting the airflow into the engine.

Can I drive with my Ford engine air filter warning light on?

It’s safe to continue driving with the yellow engine air filter warning warning light on, but the reduced airflow will affect your car’s fuel efficiency and performance. 

Replacing the filter is a straightforward job for your local garage or mobile mechanic, or you could even replace it yourself. If you decide on the DIY route, check the owner’s manual to see if you need to reset the system afterwards to clear the light. 

Find a garage

Ford water in fuel warning light

Diesel fuel filters separate out the traces of water found in diesel fuel before it gets into the engine, where it could cause damage.

This yellow light indicates that the diesel fuel filter is full and needs to be emptied. On some vehicles you will need to empty the filter manually, whereas on others, this may be done automatically.

Check your owner’s manual to see how it works on your Ford model. If the filter should empty automatically, this warning light may mean that this system is not working properly, in which case you should get it checked out as soon as you can. 

Can I drive my car with the Ford water in fuel warning light on?

Although you are safe to continue driving with this warning light on, you should empty the fuel filter as soon as you can – if water begins to seep into your engine, it could cause serious damage.

Find a garage

Ford glow plug warning light

The yellow glow plug warning light will normally turn on when your Ford diesel engine is warming up. Wait until the light goes off before starting your car. If this light is flashing, it indicates that it’s not working properly and the glow plugs may need replacing.

Can I drive my car with the Ford glow plug warning light on?

If the yellow glow plug warning light is on, get it checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible. A fault with the glow plugs may put the engine into safe mode to prevent any damage to the engine, so you may experience a noticeable drop in performance until the problem is fixed. Find a garage or call a mobile mechanic.

Glow plug replacement

Ford fuel cap warning light

The yellow fuel cap warning light will be illuminated if the fuel cap is not properly secured, meaning that there is essentially a leak in the system. In order for the fuel system to work properly it needs to be completely sealed from the outside.

Can I drive with my Ford fuel cap warning light on?

Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and make sure the fuel cap is fully closed. It may take a while for the light to go off once you’ve continued driving. 

If the light doesn’t go off in a day or two, check the fuel cap to see if there is any damage. If so, you may have to get it replaced.

If it looks fine, and is definitely secured properly, there may be a leak somewhere else in the system that is tricking the computer. Take your car in for a service at a local garage or call a mobile mechanic to find out what’s going on.

Find a garage

Ford auto start/stop warning light

If the auto stop/start warning light has come on, it shouldn't be ignored. In many modern Fords, the auto start/stop system automatically shuts down the engine temporarily when you’re stationary to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The yellow warning light will come on if there is a problem.

Can I drive my car with the Ford auto start/stop warning light on?

A fault in the stop/start system, indicated by this warning light, could have several causes. You’ll be fine to continue driving but you should take arrange for the car to have a diagnostic check to identify the root of the problem. This work can be carried out at your home or place of work by a RAC Mobile Mechanic. Or you should find a garage.

Ford forward alert warning light

Forward Alert is a safety feature available on newer Ford cars that uses a sensor to scan the road ahead, measuring the distance and relative speed of the vehicles in front, so that it can warn you if you get too close.

It prepares the brakes for emergency braking if it senses that you’re in danger of collision, adding extra force to your brakes. If a crash is imminent, the system will automatically apply the brakes and retract the seatbelts to brace you.

Can I drive my car with the Ford forward alert warning light on?

Yes, you can drive your car with the Ford forward alert warning light on, but you should treat it with extreme caution as the system will not be operational.

The problem may be temporary and caused by dirt, ice or water on the sensor. If the light comes on all the time, arrange for a diagnostic check by one of our RAC Mobile Mechanics to identify the cause of the issue.

Find a garage

Ford lane keeping aid warning light

Many modern Ford cars have a camera sensor on the front windshield that detects white and yellow lines on the road. If you’re driving over 43mph and the sensor detects that the car is straying from the lane, without the indicators having been turned on, this warning light will come on and the steering wheel will vibrate.

If you’re slow to react, the system will then automatically intervene to steer you back into the lane. 

Can I drive my car with the Ford lane keeping aid warning light on?

Yes you can drive your car, but the lane keeping system will not work and this means you will not have the support of the lane keeping aid.

A car service or diagnostic check will likely identify the cause of the problem. Contact our RAC Mobile Mechanics for this work to be carried out at your home or place of work.

Find a garage

Ford blind spot monitor warning light

Ford’s Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) uses radar to check the blind spots on either side of your car and then displays an orange light in the corresponding side mirror if it spots a vehicle you can’t see. 

If this warning light comes on it indicates that the system is not working properly, and it should be accompanied by a message on the display that explains the problem. Often this is due to dirt or debris blocking the sensor, but it could also be heavy rain or snowfall blocking the radar signal.

Try clearing the sensor and restarting the car to clear the light.

Find a garage

Ford alternator repair