Dodge Warning Lights and Meanings

Complete guide to Dodge dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.

Understanding Dodge Dashboard Warning Lights

Dodge vehicles are equipped with an advanced diagnostic system that monitors various components and systems. When an issue is detected, a corresponding warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.

These warning lights are color-coded to indicate the severity of the issue:

Red: Indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so.
Amber/Yellow: Suggests a less urgent problem that should be checked soon, but doesn't require immediate action.
Green: Usually informational, indicating that a system is active or functioning normally.
Blue: Usually informational, indicating features like high beam headlights or coolant temperature.
White: Usually informational, indicating that certain systems or features are currently active.

Below you'll find a comprehensive list of warning lights that may appear on your Dodge vehicle's dashboard.

Dodge Warning Light Categories

Critical Warning Lights

These red warning lights indicate serious issues that require immediate attention.

Service Warning Lights

These amber/yellow lights suggest issues that need attention soon but aren't immediately critical.

Information Indicators (Green)

These green lights simply inform you that certain systems are active.

Information Indicators (Blue)

These blue lights indicate that certain features or systems are enabled.

Information Indicators (White)

These white lights provide status information about various vehicle systems.

Critical Warning Lights

Air Bag Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault with the airbag and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. This light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the airbag has been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light is either not on during startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.

Battery Charge Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system. Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system or a related component.

Brake Warning Light

This warning light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the Anti-Lock Brake System reservoir. If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.

Door Open Warning Light

This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and not fully closed.

Electric Power Steering Fault Warning Light

This warning light will turn on when there’s a fault with the EPS system

Electronic Throttle Control Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with the ETC system. If a problem is detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This warning light warns of an overheated engine condition. If the engine coolant temperature is too high, this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound. If the temperature reaches the upper limit, a continuous chime will sound for four minutes or until the engine is able to cool, whichever comes first. If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service.

Hood Open Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the hood is ajar/open and not fully closed.

Liftgate Open Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the liftgate is open.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle, shut off the engine as soon as possible, and contact an authorized dealer. A chime will sound when this light turns on. Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.

Oil Temperature Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate the engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil temperature to return to normal levels.

Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light

This warning light indicates when the driver or passenger seat belt is unbuckled. When the ignition is first placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and if the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound and the light will turn on. When driving, if the driver or front passenger seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on continuously and a chime will sound.

Trailer Brake Disconnected Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the Trailer Brake has been disconnected.

Transmission Temperature Warning Light

This light indicates that the transmission fluid temperature is running hot. This may occur with severe usage, such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Then, shift the transmission into PARK (P) and run the engine at idle or slightly higher until the light turns off.

Vehicle Security Warning Light

This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately 15 seconds when the vehicle security system is arming, and then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.

Service Warning Lights

4WD High Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the 4WD High mode. The front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.

4WD Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the four-wheel drive mode, and the front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed.

4WD Low Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the 4WD Low mode. The front and rear driveshafts are mechanically locked together forcing the front and rear wheels to rotate at the same speed. Low range provides a greater gear reduction ratio to provide increased torque at the wheels.

Service Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light

This light will turn on when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is not operating and needs service.

Air Suspension Alternate Trailer Height

This light will illuminate when the air suspension system is set to the Alternate Trailer Height setting.

Air Suspension Bed Lowering Mode

This light will illuminate when the Bed Lowering Mode procedure is complete.

Air Suspension Fault Warning Light

This light will illuminate when a fault is detected with the air suspension system.

Air Suspension Payload Protection Light

This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the maximum payload may have been exceeded or load leveling cannot be achieved at its current ride height. Protection Mode will automatically be selected to “protect” the air suspension system, air suspension adjustment is limited due to payload.

Air Suspension Ride Height Lowering

This light will blink and alert the driver that the vehicle is changing to a lower ride height.

Air Suspension Ride Height Raising

This light will blink and alert the driver that the vehicle is changing to a higher ride height.

Anti-Lock Brake System Light

This warning light monitors the ABS. The light will turn on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position and may stay on for as long as four seconds. If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and service is required as soon as possible. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on. If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, have the brake system inspected by an authorized dealer.

Cargo Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the cargo light is activated by pushing the cargo light button on the headlight switch.

Cold Ambient Derate Mode Indicator

This indicator light will illuminate when a derate (engine power reduction) is activated for protection of the turbocharger in cold ambient temperatures.

Diesel Exhaust Brake Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the Diesel Exhaust Brake has been activated, and is in full strength mode.

Electronic Park Brake Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Electronic Park Brake is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer.

Electronic Stability Control Active Warning Light

This warning light will indicate when the ESC system is Active. The ESC Indicator Light in the instrument cluster will come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position, and when ESC is activated. It should go out with the engine running. If the ESC Indicator Light comes on continuously with the engine running, a malfunction has been detected in the ESC system. If this warning light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected. ● The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indicator Light come on momentarily each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN position. ● The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive. ● This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.

Electronic Stability Control OFF Warning Light

This warning light indicates the ESC is off. Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was turned off previously.

Engine Check Light

This warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before the engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly. Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after the engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing. When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this occurs.

Forward Collision Warning OFF Indicator

This indicator light illuminates to indicate that Forward Collision Warning is off.

Front And Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light

This light indicates when the front, rear, or both axles have been locked. The telltale will display the lock icon on the front and rear axles to indicate the current lock status.

Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the fuel filler cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to disengage the light. If the light does not turn off, please see an authorized dealer.

Low Coolant Level Warning Light

This telltale will turn on to indicate the vehicle coolant level is low.

Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid Indicator

The indicator will illuminate if the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) level is low.

Low Fuel Warning Light

When the fuel level is less than a ¼ tank, and the Distance to Empty is less than 50 miles, this light will turn on and remain on until fuel is added. A single warning chime will sound with Low Fuel Warning.

Low Washer Fluid Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the windshield washer fluid is low.

NEUTRAL Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the 4WD power transfer case is in the NEUTRAL mode and the front and rear driveshafts are disengaged from the powertrain.

ESP BAS Light

This light indicates a problem with your car’s brake assist program or electronic stability system.

Rear Axle Lock Indicator Light

This light indicates when the rear axle lock has been activated.

Rear Axle Locker Fault Indicator Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate when a rear axle locker fault has been detected.

Service 4WD Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the 4WD system. If the light stays on or comes on during driving, it means that the 4WD system is not functioning properly and that service is required. We recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.

Service Forward Collision Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the FCW System. Contact an authorized dealer for service

Service LaneSense Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the LaneSense system is not operating and requires service. Please contact an authorized dealer.

Service Stop/Start System Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate when the Stop/Start system is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer for service.

Snowplow Mode Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when Snowplow Mode has been activated.

Speed Control Fault Warning Light

This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Speed Control System is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer.

Sway Bar Fault Warning Light

This light will illuminate when there is a fault in the sway bar disconnect system.

Sway Bar Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the front sway bar is disconnected.

TOW/HAUL Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when TOW/HAUL mode is selected.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light

The warning light switches on and a message is displayed to indicate that the tire pressure is lower than the recommended value and/or that slow pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal tire duration and fuel consumption may not be guaranteed. Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned above, the display will show the indications corresponding to each tire. Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires. As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Trailer Merge Assist Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate to indicate when Trailer Merge Assist has been activated.

Transmission Temperature Warning Light

Wait To Start Light

This indicator light will illuminate for approximately two seconds when the ignition is turned to the RUN position. Its duration may be longer based on colder operating conditions. Vehicle will not initiate start until telltale is no longer displayed.

Water In Fuel Indicator Light

The “Water In Fuel Indicator Light” will illuminate when there is water detected in the fuel filter. If this light remains on, DO NOT start the vehicle before you drain the water from the fuel filter to prevent engine damage, and please see an authorized dealer.

Information Indicators (Green)

4WD AUTO Indicator Light

This light alerts the driver that the vehicle is in the four-wheel drive auto mode, and the front axle is engaged, but the vehicle’s power is sent to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive will be automatically engaged when the vehicle senses a loss of traction.

Adaptive Cruise Control Light

This light will turn on when the ACC is SET and there is no target vehicle detected.

Adaptive Cruise Control Light

This will display when the ACC is set and a target vehicle is detected.

Automatic Diesel Exhaust Brake Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the Diesel Exhaust Brake has been activated, and has switched to Automatic mode.

Front Fog Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the front fog lights are on.

LaneSense Indicator Light

The LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid green when both lane markings have been detected and the system is “armed” and ready to provide visual and torque warnings if an unintentional lane departure occurs.

Park/Headlight On Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the park lights or headlights are turned on.

Speed Control SET Indicator Light

This light will turn on when the speed control is set.

Stop/Start Active Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate when the Stop/Start function is in “Autostop” mode.

Turn Signal Indicator Lights

When the left or right turn signal is activated, the turn signal indicator will flash independently and the corresponding exterior turn signal lamps will flash. Turn signals can be activated when the multifunction lever is moved down (left) or up (right).

Information Indicators (Blue)

High Beam Indicator Light

This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the high-beam headlights are on. With the low beams activated, push the multifunction lever forward (toward the front of the vehicle) to turn on the high beams. Pull the multifunction lever rearward (toward the rear of the vehicle) to turn off the high beams. If the high beams are off, pull the lever toward you for a temporary high beam on, “flash to pass” scenario.

Information Indicators (White)

Adaptive Cruise Control Ready Light

This light will illuminate when the vehicle equipped with ACC has been turned on but not set.

Cruise Control Ready Indicator

This indicator light will illuminate when the cruise control is ready, but not set.

Cruise Control SET Indicator Light

This light will turn on when the cruise control is set.

Hill Descent Control Light

This indicator shows when the HDC feature is turned on. The lamp will be on solid when HDC is armed. HDC can only be armed when the transfer case is in the “4WD LOW” position and the vehicle speed is less than 20 mph (32 km/h). If these conditions are not met while attempting to use the HDC feature, the HDC indicator light will flash on/off.

LaneSense Indicator Light

When the LaneSense system is ON, but not armed, the LaneSense indicator light illuminates solid white. This occurs when only left, right, or neither lane line has been detected. If a single lane line is detected, the system is ready to provide only visual warnings if an unintentional lane departure occurs on the detected lane line.