Ford dashboard symbols

Ford's names for the lights

The service engine soon light is Ford's name for the check engine light: it means the system has detected a malfunction of the emission control system, and if it flashes, both manuals say engine misfire may be occurring and tell the driver to avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration and have the vehicle serviced immediately. The charging system lamp is the battery light, and the engine coolant temperature lamp is the coolant temperature light. The brake system warning lamp, the anti-lock braking system lamp, the airbag lamp, the low tire pressure warning lamp and the low fuel level lamp are the brake, ABS, airbag, tire pressure and low fuel lights, and the electric power steering lamp is the power steering light.

Ford's low fuel reminder is a message as well as a lamp: it displays and sounds when the distance to empty reaches 50, 25, 10 and 0 miles. The arrow beside the fuel pump symbol shows which side the fuel filler door is on.

Ford's stability control is AdvanceTrac. Its stability control and traction control indicator flashes during operation, like the stability control light on other makes.

Ford's own lights and messages

The powertrain fault light comes on when the powertrain requires service; the F-150 manual adds a four-wheel drive fault. Service AdvanceTrac is a message rather than a lamp: the system has detected a condition that requires service.

Where Ford sends you

For both, and for many other lamps, Ford's manuals say to contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.