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When driving your Toyota Hilux, you may have noticed that there are an array of dashboard lights. Many of these lights are universal across all vehicles and easy to understand, but with each manufacturer, there are subtle differences and additional lights to contend with. Whether you have an MK 2 or an MK 8, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you better understand your Toyota Hilux vehicle and help keep you safe out on the road as a result.
Please note that these symbols are likely to be similar across multiple Toyota models, but may not always be exactly the same. We recommend you consult your specific owner manual for more information.
A quick note on colours: some symbols may appear in different colours, with red showing a fault, amber showing a potential fault and a green or blue light showing that you have successfully engaged a particular feature.
Battery Warning Light
A universal icon showing a small battery with a plus and minus symbol. This light indicates that there is an issue with your battery and may require professional assistance — this could simply be a faulty connection or may mean you need a replacement battery.
Airbag Warning Light
This warning light means that there is an issue with the airbag system in your Toyota Hilux. This could be due to a fault with the airbag itself, the seatbelt pretensioner or the front passenger occupant classification. This should be inspected for a fault at the earliest possible opportunity by a professional.
Brake Warning Light
If you see this light, it means your handbrake is engaged. Typical in most vehicles, it is only something to be concerned about if it is lighting up while you drive and the handbrake is off — this could indicate either a fault or that your handbrake has not been fully released.
Engine Coolant Warning Light
This symbol shows a thermometer accompanied by waving lines. If you see this symbol light up, it means the engine is overheating. This could be due to too much revving or if you have been driving for a significant period of time. You should always pull over when it is safe to do so and allow the engine temperature to lower, but seek professional help if you notice this happening regularly.
Rear Diff Lock Warning Light
This warning light showing two axles, one with a cross between the wheels, indicates that there is a fault or malfunction with your rear differential lock system when it flashes. This should be inspected by a professional and you should avoid muddy terrain (where this system comes in handy).
Oil Warning Light
This symbol of an oil can will illuminate if there is an issue with the oil in your Toyota Hilux. This could either be because the oil level has become too low or because there is a pressure issue. You should check your oil levels and, if the symbol remains lit up, seek professional assistance to avoid damaging your engine.
Service Warning Light
An orange spanner, accompanied by an exclamation mark, shows that there is an issue with your electronic engine control system, requiring a diagnostic to find the cause of the fault.
Engine Warning Light
One of the more universal symbols, it shows a depiction your engine and will illuminate if there is an issue with the engine in your Toyota Hilux. There are a variety of reasons this might light up, from emission control issues to broken caps.
ABS Warning Light
The letters ABS within a circle will light up if there is an issue with your anti-lock braking system. This fault could be caused by a number of things, including wheel speed sensor issues. If this light remains on, you should seek professional service for your vehicle.
VSC Warning Light
Showing an image of a car with wavy lines behind it, this symbol represents an issue with your vehicle stability control. This should be inspected by a professional to establish the cause of the fault.
4WD Warning Light
The symbol for a potential fault with your 4WD system is two axles, with the front wheel turned slightly. This icon indicates that the differential oil temperature has become too hot or that there is a more extensive malfunction at play. If the light continues to stay on even after a break from using the front-wheel drive, seek professional service.
4LO Warning Light
A large 4LO symbol means you have engaged the low-speed, four-wheel-drive system. If this symbol begins to flash, it means there is a fault with the system requiring professional service.
T-Belt Warning Light
If you see this symbol - the letters T-BELT - it means that your Toyota Hilux requires its timing belt to be changed. This is often simply triggered by a certain amount of mileage to remind you to replace this crucial component.
Fuel Filter Warning Light
If you see this symbol - a small internal section with liquid and a small droplet underneath - it means you have an issue with your fuel filter. It most likely means it requires emptying to avoid any further damage, but you should seek professional assistance to rectify this.
Brake Override Warning Light
The symbol of a footprint on a pedal, with a blank pedal next to it, means that both your accelerator and brake pedal are being pressed at the same time and that you should release one of the two. If this symbol flashes, it could mean a fault with the brake override and will require professional assistance.
PCS Warning Light
This symbol of two cars with a disjointed star above them and the word OFF below means that the pre-crash safety system on your Toyota Hilux is malfunctioning when it flashes. There could be issues with the sensors causing the light to flash, either because they’re covered or because they are not able to operate due to high temperatures.
Master Warning Light
A feature of many Toyota vehicles, the orange triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates a warning system fault. A message on your dashboard should accompany this which you should follow to locate and rectify the issue.
Tyre Pressure Warning Light
If your tyre pressure becomes too low, you will see this symbol light up — an expanded tyre icon with an exclamation mark inside. You should stop driving if you see this symbol and inflate your tyres to the required level. If the light then remains on, you should seek professional assistance.
Lane Departure Warning Light
Showing a car straying over a solid line, the lane departure light will illuminate if you are drifting from your lane. You should then adjust your driving to drive in the middle of the lane you are in.
For all your Toyota Hilux needs, look no further than the Milner Off Road catalogue of parts and tools. Bringing your high-quality components, including brakes, tyres and exhausts, we ensure you have everything you need to keep your vehicle in top condition. Take a look at the Toyota Hilux models we supply parts for and find what you need. Order before 2pm Monday to Friday (not including bank holidays) and get same-day dispatch, getting you the parts you need when you need them.