The Jeep Wrangler 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 and reasons behind these warning lights is crucial because they provide information about various aspects of the vehicle’s status and performance.
While the warning lights and symbols in the Jeep Wrangler serve to alert or inform you about the vehicle’s features and functionality, it’s important to note that not all symbols are as critical as others. The information provided in our article is specific to the Jeep Wrangler and its unique set of dashboard warning lights.
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).
Types of Jeep Wrangler’s Dashboard Warning Light
The color of warning lights or symbols in a Jeep Wrangler indicates their importance and the nature of the issue they’re highlighting.
Warning lights in vehicles, including those in the Jeep Wrangler, 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.
Jeep Wrangler 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 Jeep Wrangler. Not all indicators discussed here may be applicable to your specific Jeep Wrangler.
Red Warning Lights
1. Air Bag Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Air Bag Warning Light.
Description : The airbag warning light serves to indicate a fault within the airbag system. During ignition ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN, it remains illuminated for four to eight seconds as part of a bulb check. In the event of an airbag issue, it will remain lit along with a single chime. This indication persists until the fault is resolved. If the light doesn’t illuminate at startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, investigate potential causes for the airbag malfunction.
2. Brake Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Brake Warning Light.
Description : The warning light oversees various brake functions such as monitoring the parking brake, brake fluid level, and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) reservoir.
If there’s a leak in either half of the dual brake system, the Brake Warning Light turns on. This illumination indicates a decrease in brake fluid below a specified level in the master cylinder. The light persists until the cause is resolved.
3. Battery Charge Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Battery Charge Warning Light.
Description : The warning light oversees various brake functions such as monitoring the parking brake, brake fluid level, and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) reservoir.
If there’s a leak in either half of the dual brake system, the Brake Warning Light turns on. This illumination indicates a decrease in brake fluid below a specified level in the master cylinder. The light persists until the cause is resolved.
Read more about: Why Battery Light ON? Top 5 Common Causes & How To Fix It
4. Door Open Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Door Open Warning Light.
Description : This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
5. EPS Fault Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light.
Description : If you see a warning light that looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it, this light is warning you that the power steering system has failed, and it prompts action. If the steering wheel warning light briefly illuminates when the ignition is switched on and then goes away, it’s typically part of the normal startup sequence. However, if the light remains lit, it indicates a problem with the electronic power-assisted steering system that should be addressed.
6. ETC Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
Description : 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 (P) position. The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable.
7. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light.
Description : 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.
8. Hood Open Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Hood Open Warning Light.
Description : This indicator will illuminate when the hood is ajar/open and not fully closed.
9. Hybrid Electric Vehicle System Service Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Hybrid Electric Vehicle System Service Warning Light — PHEV Only
Description : This warning light will illuminate when service to the hybrid electric system is needed. It will be accompanied by a “Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System” message in the cluster. If the telltale stays on or continues to come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
10. Oil Pressure Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Oil Pressure Warning Light
Description : The warning light, accompanied by a chime, signals low engine oil pressure. Should the light and chime activate while driving, safely bring the vehicle to a stop and promptly turn off the engine. Upon stopping safely, restart the engine and observe the Oil Pressure Warning Light. If it remains illuminated, switch off the engine and investigate the possible cause of low engine oil pressure.
Read More about: Top 7 reasons for Low Oil Pressure Warning Light comes and How To Fix It?
11. Oil Temperature Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Oil Temperature Warning Light
Description : The warning light indicates high engine oil temperature. If this light comes on while driving, stop the vehicle immediately and turn off the engine. Allow the oil temperature to return to normal levels before continuing.
12. Plug Status Fault Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Plug Status Fault Warning Light — PHEV Only
Description : The warning light indicates a plug status fault detected while the vehicle isn’t in motion. Depending on the fault, you might see one of two messages on the cluster:
1. “Service Charging System”: If this message appears, try unplugging and plugging in again, or using a different charging station. If the issue persists, seek assistance from an authorized dealer to service the high-voltage charging system.
2. “Issue Detected Check External Charging Station”: This message suggests potential issues with the charging station itself, such as it being powered off, having an internal fault, or scheduled for a later charge. Try another charging station; if problems persist, contact an authorized dealer for assistance.
13. Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Description : 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
14. Swing Gate Open Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Swing Gate Open Warning Light
Description : This warning light will illuminate when the swing gate is open.
15. Torque Limited Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Torque Limited Warning Light — PHEV Only
Description : The warning light, resembling a tortoise, illuminates when the vehicle’s acceleration is restricted due to a decrease in engine or electric motor performance.
16. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Transmission Temperature Warning Light
Description : The warning light will turn on to alert about a high transmission fluid temperature, which might happen during demanding activities like towing a trailer. If this light comes on, stop the vehicle and let the engine run at idle or slightly higher speed, with the transmission in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), until the light goes off. Once it turns off, you can resume driving as usual.
17. Vehicle Security Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
Description : 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.
Yellow Warning Lights
18. ABS Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
Description : The warning light oversees the ABS. Upon turning the ignition ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN, it might remain illuminated for up to four seconds. If it stays on or turns on while driving, it indicates the Anti-Lock Brake System is not operating properly, which could be due to several reasons affecting its functionality.
Read More about: Why ABS Warning Light is ON? : How to Fix?
19. ESC Active Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light
Description : This warning light indicates the activation of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. It illuminates when the ignition is turned to ON/RUN or ACC/ON/RUN and remains active when the ESC is engaged. It should turn off once the engine starts running. If the ESC Indicator Light remains continuously on while the engine is running, it signifies a malfunction within the ESC system. If this warning light persists after several ignition cycles and driving for several miles at speeds exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h), there might be various reasons causing this issue.
1.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.
2. The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
3. This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.
20. ESC OFF Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light
Description : 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.
21. Fuel Level Sensor Failure Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Fuel Level Sensor Failure Warning Light
Description : This light illuminates when there is a fuel level sensor failure. If this light illuminates, take it to an authorized dealer and have them inspect it.
22. Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Loose Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light.
Description : This warning light will illuminate when the fuel filler cap is loose. Properly close the filler cap to disengage the light.
23. Low Fuel Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Low Fuel Warning Light
Description : When the fuel level reaches approximately 2.0 gal (7.5 L), this light will turn on and a chime will sound. The light will remain on until fuel is added.
24. Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Low Washer Fluid Warning Light
Description : This warning light will illuminate when the windshield washer fluid is low.
25. Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Name : Jeep Wrangler Engine check/Malfunction Indicator Warning Light (MIL)
Description : The MIL is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine start.
Read More about: Reasons Car Check Engine Light Comes.
26. Service 4WD Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Service 4WD Warning Light
Description : 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.
27. Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunction Warning Light.
Description : This light will turn on when a ACC is not operating.
28. Forward Collision Malfunction Warning (FCW) Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Forward Collision Malfunction Warning (FCW) Light
Description : This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the Forward Collision Warning System.
29.
Auto Stop/Start System Warning
Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Stop/Start System Warning Light.
Description : This warning light will illuminate when the Stop/Start system is not functioning properly.
30.
Cruise Control Fault Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Cruise Control Fault Warning Light.
Description : This warning light will illuminate when the Stop/Start system is not functioning properly.
31.
Sway Bar Fault Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Sway Bar Fault Warning Light.
Description : This light will illuminate when there is a fault in the sway bar disconnect system
32.
TPMS Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light
Description : 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.
Read More about: Why TPMS Light is ON & How To Reset It?.
33.
TSR Fault Warning Light
Name : Jeep Wrangler Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) Fault Warning Light.
Description : This light will illuminate to indicate a TSR fault.