The Ford F150 comes equipped with a range of modern features and relies heavily on various sensors for its functionality. These sensors communicate important information through the instrument cluster in the form of symbols and warning lights.
Understanding the meaning of these warning lights is crucial, as they indicate various aspects of the vehicle’s status and performance.
A set of common dashboard signs in Ford cars serves as a universal guide for drivers, remaining consistent across various models. These warning lights and symbols are vital tools that ensure drivers are informed about their vehicle’s functions and overall performance.
Some of these symbols relate to vehicle features (such as lights and sports mode), while others pertain to safety features (like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warnings). Additionally, certain symbols may indicate mechanical issues (like low tire pressure and engine temperature warnings).
In this article, we’ll focus on the dashboard signs that are specific to the Ford F150, providing drivers with insights into their meaning and importance for a better understanding of their vehicle’s functionality.
Types of Ford F150’s Dashboard Warning Light
The color of warning lights or symbols in a Ford F150 indicates their importance and the nature of the issue they’re highlighting.
Warning lights in vehicles, including those in the Ford F150, are typically categorized into three groups based on their colors and importance. These groups are:
- Green or Blue: These lights provide information about the vehicle’s features or systems, such as high beams, turn signals, or cruise control. They are for informational purposes and typically not cause for immediate concern.
- Amber or Yellow: Yellow or amber lights signify non-critical issues that require the driver’s attention but aren’t emergencies. They may indicate things like a fault in the ABS system, low fuel, or a service reminder.
- Red and/or flashing: These are the most critical warnings and demand immediate attention. They often indicate serious issues like engine problems, low oil pressure, or overheating, and issues related to safety, such as seat belt warnings. Ignoring red warning lights can lead to severe damage or safety risks.
Ford F150 Dashboard Warning Lights
The layout of the dashboard display and the location of warning lights may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the model version of your Ford F150. Not all indicators discussed here may be applicable to your specific Ford F150.
Ford F150 Dash Signs Meaning
Anti-Lock Brake System
Name : Ford F150 Anti-Lock Brake System
Description : If this light comes on while driving, it indicates a malfunction. Your vehicle will still have regular braking capabilities but without the anti-lock brake system function.
Read More about: Why ABS Warning Light is ON? : How to Fix?
Battery
Name : Ford F150 Battery
Description : When it lights up upon turning the ignition on, that’s expected. However, if it remains illuminated while the engine is running, it indicates a problem with the battery charging system.
Read more about: Why Battery Light ON? Top 5 Common Causes & How To Fix It
Brake System
Name : Ford F150 Brake System
Description : This light comes on when you engage the parking brake with the ignition on. If it appears while your vehicle is in motion, ensure the parking brake is fully released. If the light persists even after releasing the parking brake, it might signal low brake fluid or the need for brake system maintenance.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Name : Ford F150 Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Description : This light illuminates when the diesel exhaust fluid is low or contaminated.
Door Ajar
Name : Ford F150 Door Ajar
Description : It illuminates when you switch the ignition on and remains on if any door is open.
Electric Parking Brake
Name : Ford F150 Electric Parking Brake
Description : It illuminates or flashes when the electric parking brake requires attention.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Name : Ford F150 Engine Coolant Temperature
Description : Engine Coolant Temperature: If this indicator illuminates, safely stop your vehicle and switch the vehicle off. It indicates high coolant temperature.
Fasten Seatbelt
Name : Ford F150 Fasten Seatbelt
Description : This indicator illuminates and a tone sounds until you fasten the seatbelts.
Hood Ajar
Name : Ford F150 Hood Ajar
Description : This light illuminates when the ignition is on and the hood is not completely closed.
Limited Performance
Name : Ford F150 Limited Performance
Description : This light illuminates if your vehicle’s performance is limited due to a cold or hot battery. Drive with caution and ensure your vehicle stays connected to a charging system when not in use to maintain the battery temperature.
Low Fuel Level
Name : Ford F150 Low Fuel Level
Description : “Low Fuel Level”: This light illuminates when the fuel level is low.
Tire Pressure Measurements
Name : Ford F150 Tire Pressure Measurements (TPMS)
Description : “Low Tire Pressure (TPMS)”: This light illuminates when your tire pressure is low. If it stays on, check your tire pressure as soon as possible. If it begins to flash at any time, it indicates a malfunction in the TPMS.
Read More about: Why TPMS Light is ON & How To Reset It?.
Low Washer Fluid Level
Name : Ford F150 Low Washer Fluid Level
Description : “Low Washer Fluid Level”: This light illuminates when the washer fluid is low.
Low Oil Pressure
Name : Ford F150 Low Oil Pressure
Description : It illuminates when the engine oil pressure is low.
Read More about: Top 7 reasons Low Oil Pressure Warning Light comes and How To Fix It?
Powertrain Malfunction, Reduced Power, Electronic Throttle Control, Check 4X4
Name : Ford F150 Powertrain Malfunction, Reduced Power, Electronic Throttle Control, Check 4X4
Description : The warning lights “Powertrain Malfunction,” “Reduced Power,” “Electronic Throttle Control,” and “Check 4X4” illuminate when the powertrain or four-wheel drive system requires service. Immediate inspection and service of the system are recommended.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Name : Ford F150 Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Description : The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) typically illuminates when the ignition is on and the engine is off, which is normal. However, if it illuminates while the engine is running, it signifies a malfunction in the emission control system.
Read More about: Reasons Car Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes.
Stop Safely
Name : Ford F150 Stop Safely
Description : The “Stop Safely” warning light illuminates if there’s a need for service in an electrical component or if a failure occurs that forces your vehicle to shut down or operate in a limited mode.
Tailgate Ajar
Name : Ford F150 Tailgate Ajar
Description : The “Tailgate Ajar” light illuminates when the ignition is on and the tailgate is not fully closed.
Water in Fuel
Name : Ford F150 Water in Fuel
Description : The “Water in Fuel” light illuminates when the fuel and water separator has a significant amount of water in it, signaling the need for immediate draining.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Name : Ford F150 Adaptive Cruise Control
Description : Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Automatic High Beam
Name : Ford F150 Automatic High Beam
Description : The Automatic High Beam Control Indicator illuminates to confirm when the system is ready to assist with controlling the high beams.
Auto Hold Active
Name : Ford F150 Auto Hold Active
Description : The Auto Hold Indicator illuminates when the system is active.
Auto Hold Unavailable
Name : Ford F150 Auto Hold Unavailable
Description : The Auto Hold Indicator illuminates when the system is on but cannot hold your vehicle at a standstill at that particular moment.
Auto-Start-Stop
Name : Ford F150 Auto-Start-Stop
Description : The Auto-Start-Stop system activates when you switch the ignition on.
Auto-Start-Stop Unavailable
Name : Ford F150 Auto-Start-Stop Unavailable
Description : The Auto-Start-Stop indicator illuminates gray with a strikethrough when the system is not available.
Blind Spot Monitor
Name : Ford F150 Blind Spot Monitor
Description : The Blind Spot Monitor assists in detecting vehicles within your blind spots.
When the blind spot information system detects a vehicle, an alert indicator illuminates in the exterior mirror on the side from which the approaching vehicle is detected. If you activate the turn signal for that specific side of your vehicle, the alert indicator flashes.
BLUECRUISE INDICATORS
Name : Ford F150 BLUECRUISE INDICATORS
Description : The BlueCruise indicators change color to signify different statuses.
- Gray indicates BlueCruise is on but inactive.
- Green indicates BlueCruise is active and applying continuous steering support.
- Blue indicates BlueCruise is active and hands-free driving mode is available.
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS
Name : Ford F150 CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS
Description : The cruise control indicator illuminates when you activate the system.
Read More about: What is Cruise Control and How To Use It?.
ELECTRONIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL INDICATORS
Name : Ford F150 ELECTRONIC LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL INDICATORS
Description : The electronic locking differential indicator in the cluster appears as amber when both rear wheel axle shafts are locked together, enhancing traction.
Two-wheel Drive High
Name : Ford F150 Two-wheel Drive High
Description : The indicator momentarily lights up when two-wheel drive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Auto
Name : Ford F150 Four-wheel Drive Auto
Description : The light remains continuously illuminated when four-wheel drive auto is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Auto
Name : Ford F150 Four-wheel Drive High
Description : The light remains continuously illuminated when four-wheel drive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Low
Name : Ford F150 Four-wheel Drive Low
Description : The indicator remains continuously illuminated when four-wheel drive low is selected.
Front Airbag
Name : Ford F150 Front Airbag
Description : The warning indicates a malfunction in the front airbag system.
Front Fog Lamp
Name : Ford F150 Front Fog Lamp
Description : The indicator illuminates when the front fog lamp is active.
High Beam
Name : Ford F150 High Beam
Description : The High Beam indicator lights up when the high beam headlights are active.
Hill Descent
Name : Ford F150 Hill Descent
Description : The Hill Descent system is active when a light illuminates and a tone sounds.
Lamps On
Name : Ford F150 Lamps On
Description : The “Lamps On” light illuminates when you activate the low beam headlamps or parking lamps.
Reverse Brake Assist
Name : Ford F150 Reverse Brake Assist
Description : The “Reverse Brake Assist” system is designed to detect potential collisions with obstacles while in reverse. If a collision is imminent, the system may automatically apply full braking. A warning message and indicator will appear when the system initiates braking.
Stability and Traction Control Indicator
Name : Ford F150 Stability and Traction Control Indicator
Description : The “Stability and Traction Control” indicator is crucial for indicating the functionality of these systems. If the indicator fails to illuminate upon switching on the power or remains continuously lit, it signifies a malfunction.
Read more about: Why ESP Warning Light is ON? Top 5 Common Causes
Stability and Traction Control Off Indicator
Name : Ford F150 Stability and Traction Control Off Indicator
Description : The “Stability and Traction Control Off” indicator lights up when the traction control system is manually turned off or when an alternate stability control mode is engaged that necessitates turning off the traction control based on the selected drive mode.
Turn Signal Lamps
Name : Ford F150 Turn Signal Lamps
Description : The turn signal lamps indicate the direction the vehicle intends to turn.
Tow Haul
Name : Ford F150 Tow Haul
Description : “Tow Haul” is a feature in F150 that modifies the transmission shift pattern when towing heavy loads. It’s designed to optimize the transmission for towing, providing better control and performance while hauling heavy trailers or loads.
