Every now and then, a warning light or two will appear on your Jeep’s dashboard. Most times, you may know what it means, but that might not always be the case.
Even for the more experienced gearheads, some dashboard warnings remain a mystery. Even I have to sometimes double-check what a certain light means. All these struggles have given me an idea for this guide.
Below, you’ll find my full list of all the Jeep warning lights known to mankind. Whenever a warning light or an unidentified symbol pops up on your Jeep’s dashboard, refer to the following guide and learn what it means, why it’s displayed, and how to deal with it.
Are you ready? Let’s dive right in.
What Are the Jeep Warning Lights?
If you own a Jeep, you’ve likely noticed that not all symbols and lights are created equal. Some will be displayed in red, others in orange or yellow. Some symbols might also be flashing.
Now, as for the symbols themselves, these will essentially mean the same thing across different Jeep models (even if they look slightly different).
When it comes to the warning light, though, the color will mean the difference. In essence, the color alerts you about the seriousness of the issue. Here’s a quick explanation:
- If the warning light is red, you need to pay immediate attention to the issue.
- Orange/yellow warning lights indicate that the problem is not critical, although it requires your attention as soon as possible.
- Green, blue, white, and grey symbols designate the feature or technology that is currently active.
- Flashing warning lights inform you about the urgent issue.
With that out of the way, let me introduce you to all the Jeep dashboard warning lights and symbols.
Jeep Dashboard Symbols
Check Engine Light. The check engine light will light up when there is a problem with the transmission, engine, or emissions system to alert the driver. Common issues triggering this light include a bad oxygen sensor, loose gas cap, faulty MAF sensor, and sometimes an engine problem. The best way to find out is to pull fault codes from the ECU via an OBD-II scanner.
Battery Light Indicator. This warning light indicates that the battery may not be charging. Your Jeep may shut off when driving, and the battery light turns on.
Brake Light. When this symbol lights up, it usually means the brakes have a problem. This can be anything from low fluid levels or some other problem. However, it would help if you didn’t drive when this lights up; instead, call a mechanic immediately to have the vehicle towed to their shop.
Anti Lock Brake System Light. The light indicates that the anti-lock brake system is disabled. The problem is mainly caused by a faulty ABS speed sensor. The best way to identify what is causing this symbol to light up is to use an ABS scanner to read the fault codes. However, a Generic OBD-II scanner may not work, in which case you can visit a local technician to pull codes from the ABS Control Module.
Oil Warning Indicator. The light indicates low oil pressure. You will want to pull over if driving, wait a few minutes, and then check how much oil is in the engine. If you notice the oil is unusually lower than it should be, add more oil, raising it to the Max mark on the dipstick. You do not want to continue driving when engine oil is low, leading to numerous engine problems. A mechanic should be able to diagnose and fix the issue.
Transmission Oil Temperature Indicator. When on, it means that the transmission fluid is unusually hot. This light may also turn on when towing with the Jeep. If you see this light, pull over, and wait for the transmission cool.
Temperature Indicator Light. It serves as an indication that the engine is hotter than it should be. If you continue to drive longer, the engine may stall. Instead, you are advised to pull over and wait 30 minutes at least for the engine to cool. Problems that may cause the engine to overheat include a bad water pump, insufficient coolant, a broken hose, a damaged radiator, and a faulty thermostat, amongst others. If the engine continues to overheat, visit your nearest technician to diagnose the problem.
Anti Lock Brake System Light. The light indicates that the anti-lock brake system is disabled. The problem is mainly caused by a faulty ABS speed sensor. Even though you can still drive the Jeep with the light, it takes longer to brake, and if you brake hard, it could skid on a wet road. The best way to identify what is causing this symbol to light up is to use an ABS scanner to read the fault codes. However, a Generic OBD-II scanner may not work, in which case you can visit a local technician to pull codes from the ABS Control Module.
Air Bag Warning. You will see this symbol light up when you first start the vehicle. But once the system check runs, this light turns off if everything onboard is running as it should. If you have noticed that the airbag continues to stay lit, it means that your vehicle’s airbags are disabled and may not deploy in the event of a collision. The only way to know for sure is to read the service codes using an airbag scanner.
Tire Pressure Monitor (TPMS). The light comes on when the tire pressure is low in either all or one of the tires. The best and most obvious way to address it would be to correct the air pressure in all your tires or the one which is low. Make sure to fill the affected tires to the PSI indicated on the door frame. However, if the TPMS light does not go off even after adding air, then there is a problem with it communicating with one of the sensors, or you have a faulty TPMS.
Low Washer Fluid. The indicator will light up when the washer fluid level is low. You will want to add more fluid to the reservoir located under the hood.
Low Fuel. This indicates that your fuel level is at a critically low level. Drive to your nearest gas pump to refill right away.
High Beam. When the light turns on, it means your high beams are on. This setting should only be used when you are the only one on the road. High beams aren’t meant to be used during city driving.
Lane Keeping. This indicates that lane assist has been activated. The light will flash when you depart from the lane without indicating.
Stability Control. This light turns on when stability control, a feature in many Jeeps, has been turned off. You then need to drive, bearing in mind that stability control isn’t activated. Usually, this will turn on when the ABS light also comes on. It may also indicate that the wheel speed sensor isn’t working correctly.
EPS Light. The Electronic Power Steering symbol will turn on when you have a problem with the power steering. You may also notice that the power steering is harder to move.
Turn Signal. When on, it means you are signaling to turn. When both lights are flashing, it’s because the hazard is on. Just press the orange triangle on the Jeep’s dash to turn this off.
Door or Gate Ajar. This light comes on when either the doors are open or if they have not been closed properly. Don’t drive or stop driving when you see this light and check all the doors.
Parking Lamps ON. When the light is on, it means that the parking lights are on. Usually, this is controlled by the low beam switch, so you just need to turn the switch one more time for low beams.
Seat Belt Indicator. When the light is on, it means one or more passengers have not fastened their seat belts.
Stability Control indicator. This will light up when stability control has been deactivated. You may have turned it off by mistake by pressing a button on the dashboard; if not, the system may have malfunctioned.
Security. When on, it indicates the security system is active. Disabling it will require unlocking the vehicle and inserting the key into the ignition. If this light remains on, the transponder may have malfunctioned.
Fog Lamp. When the indicator is on, your fog lamps or lights are activated. These lights are mounted under the headlights, mainly on the bumper.
4-Wheel Drive. This light turns on when 4WD is on. But if the light is flashing, it indicates an issue with the system.
Forward Collision Alert. When on the light means that the system has been deactivated. Deactivation could have been caused by a fault with the system.
Cruise Control. When on, it means that cruise control is on. This means that the vehicle will run at a constant speed. However, in a Jeep, this is turned off when the brakes are applied. When it is off, it means that adaptive cruise control isn’t working and will not maintain a safe distance from the ones ahead.
Cargo Lights ON. It indicates that the light in the rear cargo hold is on.
Transmission Fault Lamp. When on, it indicates a problem with the transmission. When on, it is likely that the vehicle’s transmission gets stuck in gear or may refuse to shift or shift erratically. Jeep owners are advised not to drive the vehicle when this light is on, as it will cause extensive damage to the transmission.
Immobilizer Light. This light, when on, means that the vehicle’s security system is activated. However, if the light turns on when attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle has not recognized your key.
Electric Parking Brake Light. When on, it indicates an issue with the parking brakes.
Low Coolant. This means that the coolant level is lower than it should be. You shouldn’t drive when this light turns on. Instead, pull over, give the engine 30 minutes to cool, and then check the coolant level. Add coolant if required.
Engine Throttle Control. When on, the light indicates that you have a problem with the electronic throttle. This light will come on, either because the throttle body has a problem or there is a problem with the accelerator pedal. Usually, when this light comes on, the vehicle will have no throttle response.
Speed Limiter. The light indicates that the vehicle’s speed is limited.
Slippery Conditions. When the light comes on, it is usually because the temperature is below freezing. It serves as a reminder to slow down to avoid skidding.
Sway Bar Fault. Some Jeeps may have the option to disconnect the Sway Bar electronically, which improves traction control when off-roading. If you see an examination mark light up next to the sway bar, it indicates a problem, and you may not be able to disconnect or reconnect it.
Glow Plug. The light will come on when the ignition is turned on in a diesel engine. This light will remain on for about five seconds. This is normal operation but wait for the light to turn off before starting the engine. However, if you notice that the icon remains on indefinitely, then there is a problem with the system. It commonly indicates a problem with the glow plugs, which may have to be replaced.
Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid. It means you need to add more DPF fluid.
Water In Fuel. This indicates that water has been mixed with fuel for some reason.
Shut Off. This symbol, with a line across it, will light up when the vehicle does not pump fuel to the engine. This happens in the event of an accident to prevent a fire. However, if you’ve not been in an accident, the vehicle will need to be examined by a mechanic.
Problem With the Start/Stop System. This means that you have automatic stop/stop enabled. However, if there is an examination mark next to it, this indicates that the function has been turned off, which indicates a problem.
KeySense Indicator. When this light comes on, it indicates that the vehicle can’t detect the key. In this case, the most common problem is that the batteries in the key fob are dead and will have to be replaced.
Sound System Fault Light. When on, it means that you can’t play any sound because there is a problem.
Sport Mode. Usually, when this light comes on, the transmission has been switched into sport mode by the driver.
Valet Mode. This indicates that the ignition is on, but the door is open for the valet.
Axle Lock. This indicates that the front or perhaps the rear axles have been locked in all-wheel mode. However, if you see an exclamation point light up, that indicates a problem.
4-Wheel Drive Fault. The light comes on when the all-wheel-drive system isn’t working correctly.
4 Low. The light indicates that the all-wheel drive system has been pushed into low-range mode. You only need to turn this on when off-roading.
Suspension Setting. This light turns on when adjusting the height of the vehicle. Depending on the direction of the indicator’s arrow, it shows either the height being raised or lowered.
Grade and Terrain Assist. When on, it indicates that Grade assist is activated, which is useful in off-road conditions.
Adaptive Cruise Control. The light indicates that adaptive cruise control is on. If this light turns yellow, it often means there is a problem.
Loose Gas Cap. This will come on when the gas cap has not been put on correctly or if it’s broken or loose. Make sure to park, check the gas cap, and replace it if needed.
Final Word
And that’s about it. The full list of Jeep dashboard warning lights and symbols, along with their meanings.
However, keep in mind that these lights only indicate that something is wrong. If you want to find out what might be causing the light to turn on, my advice is to use an OBD2 scanner to pull codes from the ECU or the ABS system.
Or course, you can also take your vehicle to the nearest Jeep dealership if you believe the issue is more severe. There, it will be hooked up to a scanner that provides further details beyond just a code.
The best piece of advice I can give you, though, is to act quickly whenever a warning light pops up on your dashboard. Don’t ignore the light as so many drivers do. Instead, take advantage of your scan tool and nip the issue in the bud.
