Ford Ranger Dashboard Lights Guide

Flashing lights and confusing signals on your dashboard can be more than just a nuisance, they can actually indicate real problems with your vehicle and system or tell you what systems are currently engaged. To help you understand what’s really going at all times, we’ve produced a handy guide to the Ford Ranger dashboard lights - specifically the mk4 range which includes models such as the XL, XLT, Limited, Wildtrak, Raptor and Thunder.

Please note that these symbols are likely to be similar across multiple Ford models, but not exactly the same. We recommend you consult your specific owner manual for more information

ABS

Anti-lock braking systems are designed to prevent the brakes from locking when performing an emergency stop. This is so that you can keep control over your steering. This symbol may initially light up when turning on the engine, but if it stays lit or comes on at random times, you may want to have it inspected by a professional.

Blind Spot Monitor

The Blind Spot Information System ensures you can change lanes safely by monitoring when another vehicle enters your blind spot. It will light up a symbol on the wing mirror on whichever side there is a passing car. If these lights stay on all the time or don’t seem to signal at the appropriate time, it could be due to damaged or block sensors (located on your brake lights at the rear of the vehicle)

Battery Warning

A small battery icon, this is the symbol which will light up if there is an issue with your Ford Ranger battery. This could be due to faulty connections, an old battery failing or your alternator or generator. If this symbol stays lit up, you should seek professional assistance and have your battery checked.

Handbrake

This exclamation light will show when you have your handbrake engaged. If the light stays on when the handbrake is disengaged, it could be an issue with the handbrake or your brake fluid levels. The light will display if the handbrake is even slightly raised, so be sure to check this before seeking further assistance.

Automatic High Beam

This symbol means your automatic high beam headlights are engaged. Your vehicle will automatically turn off the high beams when an oncoming vehicle is detected. Because this relies on a front camera to detect other vehicles, this light may stay on if there is an issue with the camera.

Auto-Start-Stop

This symbol will light up when the auto-start-stop system is engaged. This is where, when your vehicle has come to a stop for traffic or at lights and you put the vehicle in neutral, the engine will turn off. By pressing on your clutch will seamlessly switch on again. There will usually be a button to turn this system off, but if the light remains on and the system doesn’t turn the engine off and on again, there may be a fault.

Electronic Locking Differential

Giving you that extra traction when off-roading, this symbol indicates that the electronic locking differential is engaged so that both your rear wheels will turn together. If this light comes on at random times or stays on when not engaged, there may be a fault.

Lights Malfunction

This symbol will usually light up on your dashboard if there is an issue with your exterior lights and should be investigated immediately to ensure you always have fully functioning headlights.

Engine Coolant Temperature

If this symbol is lit up on your dashboard while driving, it usually means that the engine is overheating. If you have been driving for a long period or have over revved the engine you may see this light and should pull over to let the engine cool.

Hill Descent

To maintain a set, slow speed for long hill descents, you can activate the hill descent function. This symbol will then light up on your dashboard while it is engaged. If it remains on after you disengage then there may be an issue with your system.

Four-Wheel Drive

This symbol will light up depending on whether you have selected four-wheel drive high or four-wheel-drive low.

Airbag Warning

When turning the engine on, this light may flash on initially before going out again. If the light remains on, this means there is an issue with the airbag system which should be checked.

Engine Warning

Should this light come on and remain on while driving, it means that your engine should be checked as there is likely an issue with part of the internal system.

Tyre Pressure Warning

If this light comes on while driving, it means that one or more of your tyres are under the recommended inflation level. You should immediately stop to check your tyre pressure and check for punctures.

Oil Warning

This is the symbol for your oil pressure. If this symbol is lit up, it means there is an issue with your oil. Either you are running low on oil or not enough oil is getting into the system. You should stop and attend to this issue immediately or risk damaging your engine.

ESC Warning

ESC is Electronic Stability Control, which helps to keep you and your wheels safe and stable when cornering sharply. If this light flashes, it means that this system is currently active. If it remains on, there may be an issue with the system.

Immobiliser

A padlock and car symbol will flash if you try to insert the wrong key into the ignition. It may also flash briefly when removing your key.

Water in Fuel

When there is too much water making its way into the fuel filter, this symbol will light up and requires your immediate attention. Too much water mixing with your fuel could cause faults and should be drained away.

DPF Warning

Your diesel particulate filter is designed to lower the number of emissions from your vehicle. If this symbol lights up, it indicates there is an issue - usually a blockage - in the filter.

Ice/Frost Warning

When the temperature drops between 4°C and 0°C, this symbol will light up in orange. When the temperature drops below 0°C, it will light up in red. This is to warn you of cold and icy conditions so you can adjust your driving accordingly.

Glow Plugs

For diesel engines, glow plugs help to heat up the engine when the temperatures are lower than 5°C. This light will stop once the engine is primed for action, but if it begins flashing or never lights up in cold temperatures, you may need to see a mechanic.

AdBlue

AdBlue is used in the exhaust system for diesel vehicles, neutralising some of the emissions to help meet Euro 6 standards. If this light comes on, it means your Ford Ranger is low on AdBlue and requires a top-up.

You can find a whole range of parts and essentials for your Ford Ranger with Milner Off Road. We stock everything from coolants to engine parts - simply browse for your specific model of Ford Ranger or call our expert team for advice on the right parts for your vehicle.