The Ford Ranger 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 Ranger, providing drivers with insights into their meaning and importance for a better understanding of their vehicle’s functionality.
Types of Ford Ranger’s Dashboard Warning Light
The color of warning lights or symbols in a Ford Ranger indicates their importance and the nature of the issue they’re highlighting.
Warning lights in vehicles, including those in the Ford Ranger, 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 Ranger 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 Ranger. Not all indicators discussed here may be applicable to your specific Ford Ranger.
Ford Ranger Dash Signs Meaning
Anti-Lock Brake System
Name : Ford Ranger 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 Ranger 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 Ranger 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 Ranger Diesel Exhaust Fluid
Description : This light illuminates when the diesel exhaust fluid is low or contaminated.
Door Ajar
Name : Ford Ranger Door Ajar
Description : It illuminates when you switch the ignition on and remains on if any door is open.
Electric Parking Brake
Name : Ford Ranger Electric Parking Brake
Description : It illuminates or flashes when the electric parking brake requires attention.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Name : Ford Ranger 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 Ranger Fasten Seatbelt
Description : This indicator illuminates and a tone sounds until you fasten the seatbelts.
Fasten Rear Seatbelt Warning Lamp
Name : Ford Ranger Fasten Rear Seatbelt Warning Lamp
Description : It illuminates and a chime sounds until you fasten the rear seatbelts.
Hood Ajar
Name : Ford Ranger Hood Ajar
Description : This light illuminates when the ignition is on and the hood is not completely closed.
Low Beam Malfunction
Name : Ford Ranger Low Beam Malfunction
Description : Lights when there is a malfunction with the low beam headlamp.
Low Fuel Level
Name : Ford Ranger Low Fuel Level
Description : “Low Fuel Level”: This light illuminates when the fuel level is low.
Tire Pressure Measurements
Name : Ford Ranger 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 Ranger Low Washer Fluid Level
Description : “Low Washer Fluid Level”: This light illuminates when the washer fluid is low.
Low Oil Pressure
Name : Ford Ranger 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
Name : Ford Ranger Powertrain Malfunction, Reduced Power, Electronic Throttle Control
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 Ranger 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 Ranger 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 Ranger 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 Ranger 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 Ranger 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 Ranger 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-Start-Stop
Name : Ford Ranger Auto-Start-Stop
Description : The Auto-Start-Stop system activates when you switch the ignition on.
Auto-Start-Stop Unavailable
Name : Ford Ranger 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 Ranger 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.
Trail Control
Name : Ford Ranger Trail Control
Description : The Trail Control light comes on when you activate the Trail Control feature. In a Ford Ranger, Trail Control acts as an off-road cruise control system that manages acceleration and braking during challenging off-road situations. This capability allows the driver to concentrate on steering and selecting the optimal route ahead.
CRUISE CONTROL INDICATORS
Name : Ford Ranger 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 Ranger 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.
Four-wheel Drive Auto
Name : Ford Ranger Four-wheel Drive High
Description : The light remains continuously illuminated when four-wheel drive high is selected.
Four-wheel Drive Low
Name : Ford Ranger Four-wheel Drive Low
Description : The indicator remains continuously illuminated when four-wheel drive low is selected.
Front Airbag
Name : Ford Ranger Front Airbag
Description : The warning indicates a malfunction in the front airbag system.
Front Fog Lamp
Name : Ford Ranger Front Fog Lamp
Description : The indicator illuminates when the front fog lamp is active.
High Beam
Name : Ford Ranger High Beam
Description : The High Beam indicator lights up when the high beam headlights are active.
Hill Descent
Name : Ford Ranger Hill Descent
Description : The Hill Descent system is active when a light illuminates and a tone sounds.
Lamps On
Name : Ford Ranger Lamps On
Description : The “Lamps On” light illuminates when you activate the low beam headlamps or parking lamps.
Stability and Traction Control Indicator
Name : Ford Ranger 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 Ranger 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 Ranger Turn Signal Lamps
Description : The turn signal lamps indicate the direction the vehicle intends to turn.
Tow Haul
Name : Ford Ranger Tow Haul
Description : “Tow Haul” is a feature in Ranger 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.
