Kia Warning Lights, Symbols, and Indicators by Color
- Blue or green: These symbols are generally assistance functions or vehicle features that are working as intended.
- Yellow: Seeing one of these lights indicates an issue that requires attention soon, although the vehicle can usually still be driven.
- Red: These more serious warnings mean there is a problem that requires immediate service.
- Flashing warning lights: A flashing light on your Kia dashboard indicates an urgent malfunction that may affect safe vehicle operation.
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There are an assortment of Kia warning lights, symbols, and indicators that could be the source of the mystery alert on your dashboard. And if you're wondering whether it's going to be a quick fix or require more extensive work, a little information can go a long way. Fortunately, Greenway Kia at the Avenues is here to help with our easy-to-understand guide.
Kia Warning Lights Meaning Cheat Sheet
Seeing a warning light or symbol pop up on the dashboard of your Kia or other vehicle can very understandably cause anxiety and confusion. If you've been searching for "dashboard Kia warning lights symbols" or "Kia dashboard symbols and meanings" to find out what's going on, this overview is for you. The convenient cheat sheet and color-coded charts below identify and explain common Kia warning lights, symbols, and indicators you may see while driving.
Blue and Green Kia Dashboard Lights Indicate Normal Operation
On most vehicles, a blue or green dashboard indicator is associated with a normal vehicle feature or active assistance function that is operating normally. These symbols are intended to be informational and are generally not a cause for concern.
High Beam Indicator
A blue D-shaped headlight icon with multiple lines will illuminate when the high beams have been switched on.
Auto Stop for ISG System Indicator
The Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system automatically stops the engine during a standstill to reduce fuel consumption, illuminating as "AUTO STOP" on the dashboard.
Cruise Indicator
The cruise indicator symbol will either show "CRUISE" or a speedometer with an arrow to indicate the cruise control system is on.
Cruise Set Indicator
A green "SET" light notifies you that the cruising speed has been set for the cruise control system.
DBC Indicator
The Downhill Brake Control (DBC) symbol shows a vehicle outline descending a steep hill; it illuminates when this sytem has been turned on to help slow the car on steep declines.
Eco Indicator
A green "ECO" light will be visible when the Active ECO system is controlling engine and transaxle function to improve fuel efficiency.
Front Fog Light Indicator
A headlight icon with a wavy line through the beam will light up in green when you activate the front fog lights for improved visibility in foggy or hazy conditions.
Tail (Parking) Light Indicator
This green dashboard symbol shows two headlight outlines facing away from each other to indicate engagement of rear parking lights.
Low Beam Indicator
When the light switch is in the low beam headlight position, a green headlight icon with the beams pointing slightly down will illuminate.
Speed Limiter Indicator
A speedometer symbol with a pin will light up in green when the speed limit control system is enabled to avoid exceeding a specific speed.
Turn Signal Indicator
Two green arrows facing left and right will blink when the turn signal system is operating and will self-cancel on completion of the turn.
Yellow Kia Warning Lights Mean Inspect or Service Soon
Yellow dashboard warning lights are usually for issues that will need attention very soon. In most cases, it is safe to continue operating your vehicle until you bring it to your Kia dealer for inspection or service. This color is also used for assistance features that engage during suboptimal driving conditions, such as icy roads.
4WD System Warning Light
A yellow four-wheel drivetrain icon with the front two wheels turning right will light up if there is a malfunction with the 4WD system.
4WD Lock Indicator
A yellow 4WD symbol with an X in the middle indicates that the 4WD lock system is active to assist with climbing or descending sharp grades. This light only requires attention if it remains on after the system has been deactivated.
ABS Warning Light
If there is a malfunction in the Anti-Lock Brake System, this dashboard warning consisting of "ABS" surrounded by a circle and another partial circle will come on and stay on.
Passenger's Front Airbag Off Indicator
If the front passenger airbag is switched off for safety purposes, a yellow symbol with a seated passenger, a "2," and a circle with an X will light up to show the this system is on. If it does not illuminate when the passenger airbag is disengaged, it may require service.
Auto Stop for ISG System Indicator
A steady yellow "A" surrounded by a circular arrow indicates that the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system is experiencing a potential malfunction that requires attention.
ESP (or ESC) Off Indicator
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems can be disengaged using a button on the dash control, illuminating an icon with a car outline, two wavy lines, and "OFF."
ESP (or ESC) Indicator
A yellow "ESP" or "ESC" will light up when this system automatically engages to assist you during adverse conditions. If this light constantly stays on, it may be a sign of malfunction.
Glow Plug Indicator
On diesel vehicles, a yellow coil symbol will light up and then go out to show the engine is preheated and safe to start. If the light stays on or flashes, this system needs to be checked.
Icy Road Warning Light
This yellow road icon with a snowflake warns you of icy road conditions during low temperatures.
Immobilizer Indicator
The immobilizer system prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key is present, lighting up as a yellow car outline with a key in the middle to show that it is checking the key transponder.
Key Low Battery Indicator
A yellow battery symbol with "KEY" in the middle will blink for a few seconds if it detects a low battery charge in a Kia Smart Key.
Key Out Warning Light
If a "KEY OUT" light is present on the dashboard, it indicates a Kia Smart Key that is not currently inside the vehicle.
Master Warning Light
A triangular icon with an exclamation point in the middle can be associated with issues including low windshield washer fluid, low tire pressure, a loose gas cap, or safety system malfunction.
TPMS Malfunction Indicator
A horseshoe-shaped symbol with tire treads on the bottom and an exclamation point in the middle will activate when one or more tires are significantly underinflated.
Low Fuel Level Warning Light
A yellow gas pump warning light on the dashboard indicates a fuel tank that is nearly empty and requires refilling.
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Indicator
If the windshield washer fluid reservoir has reached a low level, the dashboard will illuminate a windshield with spraying water icon.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Also known as the check engine light, a yellow engine outline on the dashboard means there is a potential problem with the Engine Control System that requires service.
Rear Fog Light Indicator
When the rear fog lights are engaged in situations of severely reduced visibility, a yellow headlight symbol with a wavy line will be engaged.
Tailgate Open Warning Light
A yellow car icon with an open trunk will illuminate if the trunk or tailgate is open or not fully closed.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) Malfunction Indicator
The letters AFLS will illuminate when there's an issue with the headlight swiveling and leveling system is not operating properly.
Red Kia Warning Lights Need Immediate Attention
Just like a red light at an intersection tells you to stop, seeing a red Kia warning light means it's an issue that requires attention right away. These are either warnings for systems that could seriously malfunction or indicators of unsafe conditions for a moving vehicle, such as an open door or unfastened safety belts. If a red warning light is flashing or blinking, it may be especially urgent.
Airbag Warning Light
If a red seated passenger and airbag symbol stays illuminated after the ignition switch is turned on, it could indicate an airbag system malfunction that requires attention.
Charging System Warning Light
This red warning light in the shape of a car battery will trigger if there is a malfunction with the electrical charging system.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
If a thermometer icon illuminates in red on the dashboard, it means that engine coolant temperature has reached an excessively high level.
Door Ajar Warning Light
This dashboard light, showing a red top-down car outline with open doors, turns on when one or more doors have not been securely closed.
Engine Oil Level Warning Light (Diesel Vehicles Only)
On diesel vehicles, a red oil can over a wavy line icon engages when the oil level is too low for safe driving.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This oil-can-shaped red dashboard warning symbol comes on when the vehicle detects insufficient pressure or oil level. Driving with this light on can result in severe engine damage.
EPB Malfunction Indicator
A red "EPB" icon lights up to warn drivers of a potential malfunction with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB).
EPS Warning Light
If there is a problem with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, a red "EPS" or steering wheel with an exclamation point symbol will light up.
ESP (or ESC) Indicator
A constantly illuminated red car outline with wavy lines underneath indicates a possible malfunction of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system that requires service.
Fuel Filter Warning Light (Diesel Vehicles Only)
In diesel vehicles, this warning symbol showing water at the bottom of a filter reservoir will engage if water is accumulating outside of the fuel filter.
HEV Warning Light
A red hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) warning light generally signals detection of a fault in the hybrid vehicle system.
Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light
A red exclamation point surrounded by a circle and a semicircle warns of low brake fluid in the parking brake or braking system.
Seat Belt Warning Light
This warning symbol showing a passenger outline with a seatbelt will illuminate and stay on if one or more seatbelts in the vehicle are not fastened properly.
Addressing Kia Warning Lights, Symbols, and Indicators
The solution for a yellow, red, or flashing dashboard indicator depends on the specific symbol and its source. Many warning lights may only need basic self-service steps, such as refilling your gas tank, inflating your tires, or replenishing your windshield wiper fluid reservoir. Others can be as simple as closing a door or fastening a safety belt.
However, for many of the indicators covered above, the recommended course of action is inspection and service by a qualified technician. For the long-term safety and ongoing operation of your vehicle, trust the factory-trained professionals and genuine OEM parts at our Kia service center. Our team will be happy to help you diagnose and resolve the underlying cause of any warning light that has illuminated on your dashboard.
Greenway Kia at the Avenues Can Help With Dashboard Symbols and Warning Lights
At Greenway Kia at the Avenues, we want to keep you driving safely and confidently. Please reach out with any questions about warning lights, or use our convenient online form to schedule service today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the battery discharge warning mean in a Kia?
If you see a dashboard indicator warning of battery discharge, it means your 12-volt battery is experiencing excessive drain or a low charge. Potential causes for this warning include operating internal or external systems without the engine running, taking frequent short trips that don't allow for proper recharge, or an old or failing battery. Starting the engine, unplugging devices, and driving for longer periods can address this warning.
What does the triangle with an exclamation point mean in a Kia?
A triangular symbol with an exclamation point indicates the Kia Master Warning Light has been tripped. This could be a sign of several potential problems, with the most common being low tire pressure, low windshield washer fluid, a loose gas cap, or an issue with a safety system such as blind-spot detection or exterior lighting. The warning light could be accompanied by an additional description on the dashboard.
What is the Kia Master Warning Light?
The Kia Master Warning Light is an indicator designed to bring attention to a range of potential issues with one symbol. Shaped like a triangle with an exclamation point in the middle, this light is usually accompanied by additional details on the display. Many of the issues that trigger this warning can be fixed with self-service, such as tightening your gas cap, inflating your tires, or refilling your windshield washer fluid.
Why is my Kia warning light triangle with an exclamation mark on?
The triangle warning light on your Kia dashboard is most commonly tripped by an issue like low tire pressure, a loose or missing gas cap, a low windshield fluid reservoir, or a safety system error. Potentially learn more by reading the description on your display, or navigate into the infotainment system for vehicle status information. If you are unable to discover or resolve the issue, our service department can assist.
Why are the warning light symbols flashing in my Kia?
Any flashing warning light or symbol on your Kia dashboard is a sign of an urgent problem that could lead to a critical malfunction or safety issue. These flashing lights are intended to grab your attention and prompt you to take immediate action. In most situations, you should stop driving the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so, and call for service to diagnose the problem.
What does the HEV warning light mean in a Kia?
The Kia hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) warning light generally signals detection of a fault in the hybrid vehicle system. This indicator is often accompanied by additional text instructing you to shut off the engine as soon as possible and check your hybrid system. At Greenway Kia at the Avenues, our experienced service department is fully equipped to identify and fix any issues that may have illuminated the HEV warning light.
