Volvo Warning Lights and Meanings
Complete guide to Volvo dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.
Understanding Volvo Dashboard Warning Lights
Volvo 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 Volvo vehicle's dashboard.
Volvo 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
Airbags
If this symbol remains illuminated or illuminates while driving, it means a fault has been detected in the seatbelt buckle, SRS, SIPS or IC system. Volvo recommends that drive directly to an authorised Volvo workshop for inspection.
Assistance at Risk of Collision
Warns the driver if there is a risk of a collision with another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist or large animal.
Fault in Brake System
If this symbol illuminates, the brake fluid level may be too low. Stop the car in a safe place and check the level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the reservoir level is below MIN then the car should not be driven further. Volvo recommends that the car is transported to an authorised Volvo workshop to have the brake system checked.
Fault in Brake System
If this symbol illuminates, the brake fluid level may be too low. Stop the car in a safe place and check the level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the reservoir level is below MIN then the car should not be driven further. Volvo recommends that the car is transported to an authorised Volvo workshop to have the brake system checked.
Fault in Brake System
If this symbol illuminates, the brake fluid level may be too low. Stop the car in a safe place and check the level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the reservoir level is below MIN then the car should not be driven further. Volvo recommends that the car is transported to an authorised Volvo workshop to have the brake system checked.
Fault in Electrical System
A fault has occurred in the electrical system. Read the message in the instrument panel and contact a workshop. Volvo recommends contacting an authorized Volvo workshop.
High Engine Temperature
The engine’s temperature is too high. Read the message in the instrument panel.
Low Oil Pressure
The engine’s oil pressure is too low. Switch off the engine immediately and check the engine oil level. Add oil if necessary. If this symbol lights up and the oil level is normal, read the message in the instrument panel and contact a workshop. Volvo recommends contacting an authorized Volvo workshop.
Master Warning Telltale
This will light up when either front or rear air brake system pressure drops below 60 psi (410 kPa) or lower. The buzzer will also sound when the telltale lights up. When the pressure goes above 60 psi in both front and rear brake circuits, the telltale will automatically go out. Air brake system pressure should be between 90 to 135 psi (620 to 930 kPa) for normal operation. The master warning telltale comes on and the buzzer sounds when air pressure has dropped to 60 psi or lower. If the air pressure is allowed to drop below 30 to 40 psi (200 to 275 kPa) in both systems, the parking spring brakes will automatically engage and stop the vehicle. When the master warning telltale comes on and before the parking spring brakes engage, stop the vehicle in a controlled manner at an off-road location so as not to be a hazard to other vehicles on the road.
Parking Brake
Steady glow: the parking brake is activated. Flashing: a fault has occurred in the parking brake. Read the message in the instrument panel.
Parking Brake
Steady glow: the parking brake is activated. Flashing: a fault has occurred in the parking brake. Read the message in the instrument panel.
STOP Telltale
The STOP telltale lights up red to alert the operator that a severe problem has been detected and in some cases a preventive action may be taken by the engine electronics to protect the engine. For example: if oil pressure or coolant level drops too low, the engine will be forced to low idle and when the vehicle speed is zero, the engine shuts down. Another example is: with excessive coolant temperature, the engine will gradually reduce power output to 50%. This telltale always activates the buzzer. The engine may be started again after the key is turned off and then back on. However, it will only operate for 30 seconds unless the problem is resolved. The engine could be forced to low idle within 30 seconds from when the light came on. Pull off the road as soon as possible without being a safety hazard.
Seat Belt Reminder
Lights up or flashes when a someone in the vehicle has not fastened their seat belt.
Warning Symbol
The red warning symbol illuminates to indicate that a fault has been detected that could affect safety or driveability. An explanatory message will be simultaneously displayed in the instrument panel. The warning symbol may also illuminate in combination with other symbols.
Service Warning Lights
5th Wheel Lock Telltale
This telltale will light up yellow when the pneumatic switch for the 5th wheel slide lock is turned on. It will stay lit until the switch is turned to the off position again
ABS Telltale, Tractor and Trailer
The telltale lights up amber if the AntiLock Brake System (ABS) senses a problem under the following conditions: 1. The system will go through its self test when the ignition switch is turned on and the telltale should continue to be on. The light should go out when the vehicle speed reaches over approximately 7 mph (11 km/h). If the telltale stays on at higher speed, there is a problem with the ABS. 2. The ABS telltale lights up during driving. The ABS self test has detected a fault in the system. The vehicle can still be driven with a problem in the ABS. However, the ABS will not be operating and standard air braking is in effect.
ABS Telltale, Tractor and Trailer
The telltale lights up amber if the AntiLock Brake System (ABS) senses a problem under the following conditions: 1. The system will go through its self test when the ignition switch is turned on and the telltale should continue to be on. The light should go out when the vehicle speed reaches over approximately 7 mph (11 km/h). If the telltale stays on at higher speed, there is a problem with the ABS. 2. The ABS telltale lights up during driving. The ABS self test has detected a fault in the system. The vehicle can still be driven with a problem in the ABS. However, the ABS will not be operating and standard air braking is in effect.
AdBlue System (Diesel)
Low AdBlue level or fault in AdBlue system.
Air Suspension Telltale
The telltale lights up amber when the suspension leveling valve is activated. As long as the switch is activated, the suspension is lower than normal and the telltale is on.
Assistance during Collision Risks System Not Available
The system for assistance during collision risks is not available or is working but performance is reduced.
Emission Control System
Fault in emission control system. Have the vehicle checked by a workshop. Volvo recommends contacting an authorized Volvo workshop.
Emission Control System
Fault in emission control system. Have the vehicle checked by a workshop. Volvo recommends contacting an authorized Volvo workshop.
Engine Preheater (Diesel)
This symbol illuminates during engine preheating. Preheating occurs when the temperature is below -2 °C. The car can be started once the symbol goes out.
Fault in ABS System
The system is not functioning properly. The vehicle’s regular brakes will still work, but without the ABS function.
Fault in ABS System
The system is not functioning properly. The vehicle’s regular brakes will still work, but without the ABS function.
Fault in Brake System
A fault has occurred in the brake system. Read the message in the instrument panel.
Fault in Brake System
A fault has occurred in the brake system. Read the message in the instrument panel.
Fault in Headlight System
A fault has occurred in the headlight system. Read the message in the instrument panel.
INFO Telltale
The yellow INFO telltale lights up to indicate a control system or component malfunction. In some cases, the engine power may be derated. When the telltale comes on, stop at the first safe place where the problem can be checked. When ignition is switched on, the telltale goes out unless a defect is detected.
Information
A problem has occurred in one of the vehicle’s systems. Read the message in the instrument panel. The information symbol may also illuminate in combination with other symbols.
Lane Keeping Aid
Lane Keeping Aid is alerting/intervening.
Low Level in Fuel Tank
When the symbol illuminates the level in the fuel tank is low, refuel as soon as possible.
Mirror Defroster Telltale
The telltale lights up amber when the mirror defrost switch is engaged. Heater temperature is automatically regulated by an internal system in the mirror head.
Rear Fog Light
Rear fog light on.
Reduced Performance
Temporary fault in driveline. Read the message in the instrument panel.
Stability System, Sport Mode
Sport mode is selected.
Stability System
Steady glow: a fault has occurred in the system. Flashing: the system is working.
Tire Pressure System
Tire pressure low. If there is a fault in the tire pressure system, the symbol will first flash for approximately 1 minute and then glow steadily. This may occur if the system cannot detect or alert the driver of low tire pressure as intended.
Traction Control System Telltale
The amber telltale will blink only when the Traction Control System (TCS) mud/snow mode is engaged. At all other times, the TCS system operates in the background without indication. The system does not have an on/off switch. The TCS only operates at speeds lower than 25 mph (40 km/h). The system detects wheel spin by comparing wheel speeds and controls the spin by using the brake system to transfer power to wheels with greater traction. Under circumstances where all drive wheels are spinning, the system sends a signal to the engine control unit to reduce power. The TCS includes a TCS mud/snow switch for turning the system off to increase wheel spin. This function may be desirable in deep snow or mud to keep the vehicle from bogging down.
Transmission Temperature Telltale
The amber warning signal lights up and a buzzer sounds when the transmission temperature is too high.
Washer Fluid Level
The telltale lights when the washer fluid is low
Wheel and Interaxle Differential Lock Telltales
This telltale will light up yellow when the pneumatic switches for either the wheel or interaxle differential lock are turned on. For the interaxle lock, the telltale is activated by the switch. For the wheel lock, a switch in the axle turns the telltale light on only when the lock is actually engaged. It turns the light off only when the lock is actually disengaged.
Wheel and Interaxle Differential Lock Telltales
This telltale will light up yellow when the pneumatic switches for either the wheel or interaxle differential lock are turned on. For the interaxle lock, the telltale is activated by the switch. For the wheel lock, a switch in the axle turns the telltale light on only when the lock is actually engaged. It turns the light off only when the lock is actually disengaged.
Information Indicators (Green)
Adaptive Cruise Control
The car maintains the stored speed.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard cruise control is selected manually.
Auto Neutral Telltale
The green indicator lights up when the transmission is in auto neutral. Auto neutral is activated just before the vehicle comes to a complete stop (less than 1.5 mph [2.5 km/h]). The gear is re-engaged shortly (1–2 seconds) after the brake pedal is released. Allow for the gear re-engagement when applying throttle; do not increase engine speed before the transmission has engaged. If the engine speed is too high, the transmission will not engage.
Auto-Hold Brake
The function is activated and the brakes or the parking brake are being used.
Eco-Function
ECO function is activated.
Front Fog Light
Front fog light on.
Left Turn Signals
Turn signal in use.
Parking Lights
Parking lights on.
Right Turn Signals
Turn signal in use.
Start/Stop
Start/Stop function is activated.
Information Indicators (Blue)
Active High Beam
Active high beam is activated and on.
High Beams
High beams on.
Information Indicators (White)
Active High Beam
Active high beam is activated but not on.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control is set to standby mode.
Automatic Braking at a Standstill (Hold)
Automatic braking at a standstill (Hold) is activated.
Cold Battery
The battery has reduced capacity due to low temperature. The battery charge could drop significantly if the vehicle is parked in cold ambient temperatures.
Cruise Control
Cruise control is activated.
Hybrid Battery Charging
Hybrid battery charging.
Lane Keeping Aid
Lane Keeping Aid is on and lane marker lines are not detected.
Lane Keeping Aid
Lane Keeping Aid is on and lane marker lines are detected.
Preconditioning
Engine and passenger compartment heater/air conditioning is preconditioning the vehicle.
Rain Sensor
The rain sensor is activated.
Turbo Boost Pressure
The gauge indicates intake manifold pressure on the engine. The pressure is generated by the turbo. Boost pressure should be the same at a given engine temperature, speed and load. Turbo boost pressure will vary for different engines and vehicle models. By monitoring the gauge, the operator can avoid engine problems.