Warning Indicators
The combined instrument panel warning and indicator lamps may have different appearances depending on the market.
Warning lights should never be lit while the car is being driven. However, they should light when the ignition is switched on in order to check their function. When the engine is started all warning lights should go out (apart from the parking brake warning light if the parking brake is on).
Low Coolant Level:
The engine coolant level sensor is located in the coolant expansion tank and consists of a magnetic float which closes a switch when the coolant falls below the MIN level. When this circuit is closed an output in the combined instrument panel is grounded and the warning lamp lights.
Low Washer Fluid:
The windshield washer reservoir level sensor is located in the windshield washer fluid reservoir and consists of a magnetic float which closes a switch when the coolant falls below the specified lowest level. When this circuit is closed an output in the combined instrument panel is grounded and the warning lamp lights.
Check Engine:
This warning lamp lights when there is a fault in the ignition control module (ICM). These malfunctions can cause engine running problems and result in the engine failing to maintain required emission levels.
The automatic transmission control module (TCM) can also request that the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) lights. The transmission control module (TCM) sends a request to the ignition control module (ICM)) to activate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) if an emission-related transmission malfunction occurs.
Brake Fluid:
The brake failure warning lamp is located on the right of the combined instrument panel and lights if the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is too low. The brake fluid level sensor is located in the brake fluid reservoir and consists of a magnetic float which closes a switch when the brake fluid level falls below the MIN level. When this circuit is closed an output in the combined instrument panel is grounded and the warning lamp lights.
When the ignition is switched on the warning lamp lights no matter what the brake fluid level sensor indicates. Once the engine is running (generator (GEN) charging), the warning lamp only comes on when the brake fluid level is too low. If light comes on while driving or when braking, the brake fluid level is too low and the fault must be remedied before driving the car any further.
Low Oil Pressure:
The oil pressure switch is located on the front of the cylinder block and consists of a switch which closes when oil pressure in the engine falls below a specified value. When this circuit is closed an output in the combined instrument panel is grounded and the warning lamp lights.
Generator Not Charging:
This warning lamp lights when the generator is not charging correctly. This may be due to a fault in the generator (GEN) charging regulator, the electrical system or a broken or slack drive belt.
If the warning lamp lights when the engine is running the low fuel level, service, bulb failure warning sensor, brake circuit, parking brake, low coolant level, SRS and low washer reservoir level lamps also light.
Bulb Failure:
This warning lamp lights if there is an open-circuit, poor contact or a defective bulb.
The following bulbs are covered:
- Low beam
- Tail lamps
- Rear parking lamps
- Stop (brake) lamp, the warning lamp lights when the brake pedal is depressed.
There are two bulb failure warning sensors. The front one is part of the main beam relay in the engine compartment central electrical unit and the rear on is located in the cargo compartment. Locations
The bulb failure warning sensor grounds an output in the combined instrument panel and the warning lamp lights when the reference voltage in the bulb failure warning sensor monitor changes.
Parking Brake On:
This warning lamp is located on the right of the combined instrument panel and lights when the parking brake is engaged. The lamp lights when a switch by the parking brake lever grounds the warning lamp output in the combined instrument panel when the engine is running. When the ignition is switched on, this light comes on whether the parking brake is on or not. Once the engine is running (generator (GEN) charging), the warning lamp only comes on when the parking brake is engaged.
ABS Warning:
WARNING: Take care when test driving the car with the diagnostic function active as there is a risk that the wheels will lock when braking. This is because the ABS or EBD* functions are not working.
* Electronic brake force distribution on rear wheel brakes.
The warning lamp lights when the ABS control module detects a fault in the ABS system.
When the ignition is switched on or the engine is started, the control module lights the warning lamp. The light then goes out after approx. 2 seconds if no fault is found.
If the warning lamp is lit there is a fault in the ABS system. When the ABS system diagnostic function is activated the warning lamp flashes.
When the control module diagnostic function stops the warning lamp lights for approx. two seconds and then goes out if no fault is detected.
Traction Control Warning:
This warning lamp lights if the TRACS (Traction Control System) is switched off, if there is a fault in the TRACS system, if the front wheel brake discs are becoming to hot or in the case of certain ABS system faults.
When the ignition is switched on or the engine is started, the control module lights the warning lamp. The light then goes out after approx. 2 seconds if no fault is found.
When the control module diagnostic function stops the warning lamp lights for approx. two seconds and then goes out if no fault is detected.
SRS (Air Bag):
This warning lamp is activated when the SRS system control module detects a fault in the SRS system which could mean that one of the airbags or pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners is not deployed in the event of a collision. The lamp lights for 10 seconds when the ignition is switched on. The warning lamp also lights when the generator (GEN) charging signal (D+) is low.
Automatic Transmission:
This warning lamp lights when the engine is running and the gear selector is in positions 3 or L, and if the mode selector is in the position WINTER. In the event of a fault in the automatic transmission, the warning lamp starts flashing.
The warning lamp is always unlit when the gear selector is in positions P, R, N, D and with the mode selector in position ECON and SPORT and there is no fault in the system.
Exhaust (Catalyst) Temperature:
In certain markets, on non-diesel vehicles, this warning lamp lights for 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on in order to check the warning lamp function.
In the event of a fault in the temperature sensor or the cable between the temperature sensor and combined instrument panel, the warning lamp stays on.
If the three-way catalytic converter (TWC) temperature is too high (exceeding 880 ± 30°C (1,616 ± 86°F), the warning lamp is activated by a temperature sensor located in the three-way catalytic converter (TWC). The signal goes via a relay in the passenger compartment central electrical unit. The light flashes.
High temperature in the three-way catalytic converter (TWC) can be caused by high engine loads or by a fault in the engine ignition and fuel injection system.