Warning Indicators
Warning lights should never come on while driving. On the other hand, they come on when the ignition is switched on to show that they are working. Once the engine starts, all the warning lights should go out except the handbrake on light, assuming the handbrake is on.
Low Oil Level:
The low oil level warning light is activated by a control module. When the ignition is switched on (position II), this reads an oil level sensor at the front of the engine oil sump.
If the engine is started and the oil level is low (2 mm over the MIN mark on the dipstick or lower), the control module activates the warning light. This stays on until the oil is topped up.
The sensor contact is normally closed (NC). If you suspect there is a fault in the oil level sensor, this can be checked by checking the oil level manually with the car parked on a level surface. If the oil level in the engine is 4 mm over the MIN mark on the dipstick, but the warning light is still on, this means there is a fault somewhere in the leads, control module or oil level sensor.
The oil level warning light will also come on if the oil pressure is low (along with the low oil pressure warning light).
Low Coolant Level:
The coolant level sensor is located in the coolant expansion vessel. This is a magnetic floater which makes a contact if the coolant falls below the MIN level. Making the contact grounds an output on the instrument panel and turns the warning light on.
Check Engine:
This warning light comes on if there is a fault in the engine fuel and ignition control module which could cause engine problems or prevent the engine meeting current exhaust regulations. For fault-tracing, see appropriate ALLDATA section.
Brake Fluid:
The brake fluid level sensor is located in the brake fluid reservoir, and consists of a magnetic floater which makes a contact if the brake fluid falls below the MIN level. Making the contact grounds an output on the instrument panel and turns the warning light on.
Low Oil Pressure:
The oil pressure sensor is located at the front of the engine block. This is a pressure sensor which makes contact if the oil pressure in the engine falls below a preset level in. Making the contact grounds an output on the instrument panel and turns the warning light on.
Generator Not Charging:
This warning light comes on if the generator is not charging properly. This may be due to a fault in the generator charging control, the car's electrical systems or a poorly tensioned drive belt.
If this warning light comes on while the engine is running, the filament sensor, brake circuit not working, handbrake on and low coolant level warning lights will also come on as well as the low washer fluid indicator light.
In certain cases even the Low Fuel Level and Service Reminder Indicator lamps come on.
Bulb Failure:
This warning light comes on if there is an open circuit in a lead, insufficient contact or the bulb has blown. This covers the following bulbs:
- Low beam
- Rear lights
- Rear parking lights
- Brake light (if warning light comes on when brake pedal is depressed).
The bulb failure grounds an output on the instrument panel and turns the warning light on if the reference voltage in the filament sensor monitoring unit changes.
Parking Brake On:
This warning light comes on when the handbrake is on. The light comes on when a make contact on the handbrake lever grounds an output on the instrument panel.
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System):
This warning light comes on if the ABS system diagnostic system detects a fault in the ABS system. If the warning light comes on, this means the ABS system is not working.
This warning light comes on if the SRS system diagnostics unit detects a fault in the SRS system which could prevent the car's airbag units activating in the event of a collision.
Automatic Gearbox:
This warning light should be on continuously with the engine running and the gearshift selector in position 3 or L or the mode switch set to WINTER.
If there is a fault in the automatic gearbox, the warning light starts flashing instead.
The warning light is always out with the gearshift selector on P, R, N, D and the mode switch on ECON or SPORT.
High Catalyst Temperature:
In some markets, when the ignition is switched on, this warning light should come on for 2 seconds to show it is working. It will stay on if there is a fault in the temperature sensor or the lead between the temperature sensor and the instrument panel.
If the catalyzer temperature is high (over 880 ± 30 °C/1616 ± 30 °F), a temperature sensor in the catalyzer turns the warning light on. The warning light then starts flashing.
High catalyzer temperatures may be due to the engine running under very heavy load or a fault in the engine fuel and ignition system.
Traction Control Not Working:
This light indicates a fault in the ABS system TRACS function (Traction Control System). It also comes on if the brakes overheat, and goes out when the temperature returns to normal.