Most cars these days are packed with sensors and safety mechanisms to ensure that your vehicle is working at its optimum performance whilst keeping you and your passengers safe. We know that when a warning light appears on your dashboard, it can be daunting – especially if you are unsure what to do. We have created this generic guide (different manufacturers use differing images) to help you understand what each warning light on your car may mean. It is important that you know how to respond to each warning light to reduce any additional damage to your vehicle and to ensure that your vehicle is safe. Please refer to your cars handbook for specific information and if you are unsure please contact us. If you have a problem that persists then you can book a diagnostic visit to our workshops.
If you own a Suzuki our how to videos may help, along with referring to your vehicles handbook. If you have lost your handbook, had an accident, experienced a breakdown please see our owner section. If you need to know about your Suzuki's tyre pressures or TPMS light please refer to our dedicated TPMS page. Needless to say you can always contact us.
As a general rule;
Red warning lights mean you should stop the car as soon as it is safe.
Yellow warning lights mean that action is required.
Green warning lights are for information only.
Brake System
Check if the handbrake is applied. If so, release the handbrake. If the light disappears you can continue to drive as normal. If the light stays on check your brake fluid level and fill up accordingly. If the light disappears this is a normal function.
Brake Pad Monitoring
This is your brake pad warning light. Your brake pads are worn. Contact an authorised repairer to check the condition of your brake pads.
Anti-Lock Brake System
This is your Anti-Lock Braking System light. Your brakes will still work but you should brake more carefully as they may lock and cause you to skid when braking heavily. Please contact an authorised repairer.
Electronic Stability Programme
Permanent light: Switch off the ignition and then restart. If the light is still on, drive carefully to an authorised repairer. Flashing light: This is a normal operating feature. No action is required.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
This is your tyre pressure monitoring light. Check and adjust your tyre pressure accordingly. If the tyre pressures are ok and the light is still on, drive carefully to an authorised repairer to have the system examined, or book a free tyre check with us.
Lane Assist
This indicator light appears when the lane assist system is on. The different colours often signify if the road markings can be detected or not. Please see your handbook
Engine Oil Level
This is your engine oil light and some manufacturers also use it to indicate when a service is needed. Please consult your handbook.
Key not Detected
This light may appear when on vehicles with keyless entry / start the key cannot be detected or the keys battery is low. This light will appear if the key has been removed from the vehicle whilst it is running.
Adaptive Cruise Control or Radar Brake Sensing
This or a similar image normally indicates the adaptive cruise control is operating or you are approaching a car in front. The colour will vary to indicate different situations. Please refer to your handbook.
Engine Cooling System
Check your engines coolant level if the level is OK your cooling system may be malfunctioning. Turn off your engine and call roadside assistance
Cruise Control
The cruise control light will appear when the cruise control system is activated.This is a normal operating feature of the system.Refer to the owner’s manual for an explanation of the operation of the system.
AdBlue
This light will appear when your AdBlue level is getting low. When it changes to red there is no AdBlue range left; once this happens the car will not restart once the ignition is turned off. The system usually needs a full top-up before the car can be restarted.
Brake Lights
Check operation of all exterior brake bulbs. Replace any defective bulbs without delay.
Bulb Monitoring
Check the operation of all exterior bulbs.Replace any defective bulbs without delay.
Rear Fog Lights
This warning light will appear when the rear fog lights are switched on. Only operate the rear fog lights in foggy conditions to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Low Fuel Level
The fuel in the fuel tank has reached the reserve level. Drive to a filling station without delay and refill with the correct fuel type.
Windscreen Washer Fluid Level
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir needs filling. Top up the fluid for the windscreen washer.
Boot Lid
Check the boot lid is closed properly. If the light disappears this is a normal function. If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.Doors
Check all doors are closed properly. If the light disappears this is a normal function. If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.
Seatbelt Buckles
Check that the driver and front passenger has their seatbelt fastened properly. If the light disappears, this is a normal function. If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.
Vehicle Charging System
There is an alternator or electrical system fault in the vehicle. If you can start the engine drive to an authorised repairer immediately. Avoid using electrical equipment that is not necessary as it could drain the battery. If you cannot start the engine contact Roadside Assistance
Press Brake Pedal
This light only applies to automatic transmission vehicles.The brake pedal needs to be pressed and held while the gear lever is moved out of park position. Refer to the owner’s manual.
Bonnet
Check that the bonnet is closed properly. If the light disappears this is a normal function. If the light does not disappear contact an authorised repairer.
Airbag and Seatbelt System
There is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt system. Only if possible, drive carefully to an authorised repairer immediately.If you do not get the problem rectified the system may fail to trigger in an accident.
Adaptive Light System
The headlights will not dip automatically but will still operate manually. Contact an authorised repairer.
Rain and Light Sensor
The wipers and lights will not function automatically but will still operate manually.
Press Clutch Pedal
The clutch pedal needs to be pressed and held whilst the engine starts. Refer to the owner’s manual.
Towing Hitch
Check the towing hitch.The towing hitch has not been engaged correctly. Extend or retract it again. If the light remains on do not connect a trailer. Contact an authorised repairer.
Convertible Roof
This light will appear when the roof is opening or closing. If the light is lit continuously when the roof is not fully opened or closed there is a fault
Engine Management Warning Light (Diesel)
If the light appears when the ignition is switched on, this is a normal function (to appear for a few seconds). If the light appears whilst the engine is running drive slowly and carefully to an authorised repairer immediatelydue to engine management fault.
Automatic Gearbox
This is your gearbox malfunctionlight. A message may appear – follow the instructions and drive to an authorised repairerimmediately as long as it is safe to do so. If this is not possible contact Roadside Assistance.
If the message asks you to stop the vehicle and select P, contact Roadside Assistance.
Diesel Particulate Filter
If there is more than one warning light on, contact Roadside Assistance.
If just one warning lamp is on, drive at least 60km/hour at engine speed between 1500-1800 rpm for at least 15-minutes. Check the light 30-minutes later.
If the light disappears, the filter has been successful regenerated. If not, drive safely to your nearest authorised repairer. If this is not possible contact Roadside Assistance.
Emissions Control Light
Permanent light: Remove the key for 30 seconds then reinsert and start the engine. If the light disappears, the problem is rectified. Visit an authorised repairer for a check.
If the light does return and the power is down contact Roadside Assistance. If the light returns and the power is not down, take extra care and drive to an authorised repairer.
Flashing light: If the vehicle power is down and the vehicle is vibrating contact Roadside Assistance. If the vehicle power is not down and is not vibrating take caution and drive to an authorised repairer. If this is not possible call Roadside Assistance.