Mazda Warning Lights and Meanings
Complete guide to Mazda dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.
Understanding Mazda Dashboard Warning Lights
Mazda 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 Mazda vehicle's dashboard.
Mazda 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
A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illuminates, or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate in an accident.
Brake System Warning Light
Warning light inspection: For an operation check, make sure that the light turns on when the ignition is switched on and turns off a few seconds later or when the engine is started. When the light turns on: If the brake system warning light remains illuminated the brake fluid may be low or there could be a problem with the brake system. Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Charging System Warning Light
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the alternator or of the charging system. Drive to the side of the road and park off the right of way. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Door Ajar Warning Light
The light turns on if any door/trunk lid/liftgate is not closed securely. Close the door/trunk lid/liftgate securely.
Electric Parking Brake Indicator Light
The light illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched to START or ON. It turns off when the parking brake is released. The light flashes if the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) malfunctions. If the light remains flashing even if the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) switch is operated, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Engine Oil Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
Rear Seat Belt Warning Light
If the rear seat belts are not fastened while the ignition is switched ON, the driver and the passenger are alerted by the warning light. The warning light operates even if there is no passenger on the rear seat.
Front Seat Belt Warning Light
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver or front passenger’s seat is occupied and the seat belt is not fastened with the ignition switched ON. If the driver or front passenger’s seat belt is unfastened (only when the front passenger’s seat is occupied) and if the vehicle is driven at about 20 km/h (12 mph) or faster, or about 10 km/h (6 mph) or faster for a continuous 30 seconds, with the seat belt unfastened, the warning light flashes for a certain period. After a short time, the warning light stops flashing but remains illuminated.
High Engine Coolant Temperature
Displays if the engine coolant temperature has increased excessively. “Elevated Engine Coolant Temp. Drive Slowly” displayed Drive slowly to reduce engine load until you can find a safe place to stop the vehicle and wait for the engine to cool down. “Excessive Engine Coolant Temp. Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Location” displayed This indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and stop the engine.
Key Warning Light
“Keyless Entry System Malfunction. Have the Vehicle Inspected” This message is displayed if the advanced keyless entry & push button start system has a problem. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Security Indicator Light
If the security indicator light flashes continuously while you are driving, do not shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If the engine is shut off while the indicator light is flashing, you will not be able to restart it. Make sure the key is within the operational range for signal transmission. Switch the ignition off, and then restart the engine. If the engine does not start after 3 or more tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Smart Brake Support Indicator Light
If the Smart Brake Support (SBS) system is operating, the indicator light flashes.
Service Warning Lights
ABS Warning Light
If the ABS warning light stays on while you’re driving, the ABS control unit has detected a system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally as if the vehicle had no ABS. Should this happen, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
All Wheel Drive Warning Light
“AWD Malfunction. Front Wheel Drive Only. Have the Vehicle Inspected” The indication is displayed or the light turns on when there is a malfunction in the AWD system. Have the vehicle checked at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. “Excessive AWD System Load. Drive Slowly Until the Warning Light Turns Off. Vehicle Now in Front Wheel Drive” The indication is displayed or the light flashes under the following conditions: ● When the differential oil temperature is excessively high. ● When there is a large difference between the front and rear wheel rotation, such as when trying to remove the vehicle from mud. Park the vehicle in a safe place and check that the warning light turns off/ the warning light stops flashing, and then drive the vehicle. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if the indication is continuously displayed. “Mismatched Tire Diameters. Vehicle Now in Front Wheel Drive” The indication is displayed or the light turns on under the following conditions: ● When any of the tire diameters is different. ● When any of the tire pressure is incorrect. Inspect the tire sizes or tire pressures on all 4 wheels. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if the indication remains on or the warning light remains illuminated.
AFS OFF Light
The light turns on when there is a malfunction in the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
Automatic Transmission Warning Light
The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
Blind Spot Monitor Light
When The Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function switched on, the BSM indicator illuminates on the meter and the buzzer sounds.
Brake Control System Warning Light
The warning light illuminates when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Brake Override Warning Indication
This message is displayed when the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are depressed at the same time while driving. Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light may illuminate in the following cases: ● The engine’s electrical system has a problem. ● The emission control system has a problem. ● The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely. ● The fuel tank level is very low or approaching empty. If the check engine light remains on, or it flashes continuously, do not drive at high speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Dynamic Stability Control OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched ON. It also illuminates when the DSC OFF switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is switched off. If the light remains illuminated and the TCS/DSC is not switched off, take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The DSC may have a malfunction.
Engine Oil Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates that the engine oil level is around the MIN mark
Exterior Light Warning Indication
This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the exterior lights (except license plate lights). Have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Front Passenger Airbag Deactivation Indicator
This indicator light illuminates to remind you that the front passenger front and side air bags and knee air bags, and seat belt pretensioners will not deploy during a collision.
High Beam Control System Warning Light
The light remains turned on if there is a problem with the system. Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Lane Departure Warning System
The warning light remains turned on if there is a problem with the system. Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The LDWS does not operate when the warning light illuminates.
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light
If the check fuel cap warning light illuminates while driving, the fuel-filler cap may not be installed properly. Stop the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler cap.
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates that little washer fluid remains. Add washer fluid
Master Warning Indication
The indication displays if the system has a malfunction. Check the reason for the indication displayed on the center display or multi-information display.
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light
The message is displayed if the electric power steering has a malfunction. If the message is displayed, stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not operate the steering wheel. There is no problem if the indicator turns off when the engine is restarted after some time has passed. If the indication displays even after the engine is restarted, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if the message is displayed continuously.
Radar Cruise Control With Stop & Go Function Warning Light
The warning light turns on if there is a malfunction in the system while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function) system is on. Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Smart Brake Support OFF indicator light
When the SBS is canceled, the SBS OFF indicator light turns on.
Sport Mode Indicator Light
When the sport mode is selected, the select mode indicator light turns on in the instrument cluster.
Dynamic Stability Control Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the indicator light flashes. If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC, or brake assist system may malfunction and they may not operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light
If there is a problem with the TPMS or the voltage of a tire pressure sensor decreases, the TPMS warning light flashes and a message is displayed on the multi-information display. Have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Wrench Indicator Light
The wrench indicator light turns on when the preset maintenance period has arrived. Refer to the Information section in the Mazda Connect Owner’s Manual.
i-ACTIVSENSE OFF System OFF Status
If all the systems are canceled using the personalization features or the i-ACTIVSENSE OFF switch, the i-ACTIVSENSE OFF symbol (Warning/risk avoidance support system) is displayed.
i-ACTIVSENSE System Warning Status
If any system warning is activated, the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol (warning/risk avoidance support system) is displayed.
i-ACTIVSENSE Warning Light Status
The indication displays if the system has a malfunction. Check the reason for the indication displayed on the center display or multi-information display.
i-stop Warning Light
The light turns on/flashes continuously if the system has a problem. Have the vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Information Indicators (Green)
AUTO HOLD Active Indicator Light
The Auto Hold Active indicator light illuminates in the information display when the system holds your vehicle stationary. When in active mode, press the brake pedal and the Auto Hold button to switch Auto Hold off.
Cruise Set Indication
The indication turns on (green) when a cruising speed has been set.
High Beam Control System
The HBC operates to switch the headlights automatically between high and low beams after the ignition is switched ON and the headlight switch is in the AUTO and low beam position.
KEY Indicator Light
“Low Key Fob Battery. Replace Battery” is displayed/When the light is flashing The message is displayed or the light flashes when the key battery is low. Replace the key battery.
MRCC Set Indication
When you set the speed, the MRCC standby indication (white) changes to the MRCC set indication (green).
Rear Seat Belt Indicator Light
The light turns on when the rear seat belt is fastened while the ignition is switched ON, and it turns off after a certain period.
i-ACTIVSENSE System Activated Status
If any one of the systems is activated, the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol (warning/risk avoidance support system) is displayed.
Lights-on Indicator Light
When the taillights, parking lights, license plate lights, and side-marker lights are turned on, the lights-on indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.
Turn Signal Indicator Light
The turn signal indicators in the instrument cluster flash according to the operation of the turn signal lever to show which signal is working.
Information Indicators (Blue)
Headlight High-Low Beam
When the headlight high-beams are on, the headlight high-beam indicator light is turned on. The headlight high-beam indicator light in the instrument cluster illuminates simultaneously. The lever will return to the normal position when released.
Low Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Light
The light illuminates continuously when the engine coolant temperature is low and turns off after the engine is warm. If the low engine coolant temperature indicator light remains illuminated after the engine has been sufficiently warmed up, the temperature sensor could malfunction. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Information Indicators (White)
Cruise Standby Indication
The indication turns on when the cruise control system is activated.
MRCC Standby Indication
When the MRCC switch is pressed once, the MRCC system turns on, and the MRCC standby indication turns on and the vehicle speed and the distance between the vehicles while in headway control can be set.
Shift Position Indication
The selector position is indicated when the ignition is switched ON.
i-ACTIVSENSE System Standby Status
If none of the systems are activated or if there is a problem with the system, the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol (warning/risk avoidance support system) is displayed.