Infiniti Dashboard Warning Lights Explained

Anti-lock brake System Fault Indicator

The system is malfunctioning if the ABS warning light illuminates while the engine is running. If it is not working properly, the brake system operates without using ABS. The ABS prevents the brakes from locking up during hard braking. Take caution not to brake too hard while the ABS is malfunctioning. Use an ABS scanner to diagnose problems with the system.

Common ABS faults:

• Faulty or contaminated ABS ring or sensor
• Faulty ABS module 
• Warped rotors
• Contaminated brake fluid

Service Engine Soon Indicator

The service engine soon lamp means a fault has occurred in one of the various engine-related systems. It will only turn on when a vehicle recognizes a significant enough problem that needs serviced. A code will be stored within the vehicle’s computer to give more detail on the problem. Follow this guide to scan the vehicle’s computer for trouble codes to see why the check engine light has turned on.

If the light is steady, driving for the time being is normally okay. Do NOT drive the vehicle if the check engine malfunction indicator light (MIL) blinks. This is usually a sign of misfire and, often, catalytic converter failure, leading to massive engine failure if driven. 

Common causes of the service engine soon indicator:

• Loose fuel cap
• P0420 catalytic converter failure
• Emission control system failure
• O2 sensor failure
• Dirty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor

Air Bag Warning Light

When the vehicle is first turned on, this warning light will illuminate for approximately seven seconds. The vehicle’s safety restraint system must be serviced if the light stays on while the engine runs. Proceed with caution when diagnosing this yourself, as airbags can involuntarily deploy/discharge, causing injury or even death. Use an Airbag OBD-II Scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes. It is important to have the airbags working properly in case of an accident. 

The first step is to call any Nissan / Infiniti dealer near you and give them your VIN. They can check if there is a recall for the airbag system, in which case the dealer should fix this problem free of charge. 

Common problems that trigger the SRS light include a faulty clock spring, a bad passenger occupancy sensor, and low battery voltage. 

Engine Temperature Indicator

The blue engine temperature light means the vehicle is not up to normal operating temperature. The vehicle will warm up with the engine idling or while driving. It will go off after the vehicle has reached normal operating temps.

The red engine temperature warning light means the vehicle coolant temperature is overheating. Check the temperature gauge to see if the vehicle is running hot. Pull the vehicle over and refer to the owner’s manual or a guide on safely checking the vehicle’s coolant level once the engine cools down.  Service the cooling system for potential leaks or problems. 

Common causes of the engine temperature indicator light:

• Coolant hose, heater core, or radiator leak
• Bad thermostat or cooling fans
• Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor
• Major problems could include a head gasket.
• Water pump failure.

Tire Pressure Monitor Indicator – TPMS Light

The tire pressure monitor indicator means low tire pressure in your vehicle’s tires. Check the vehicle’s information display for which position the tire is in that is low. Fill the tire to correct air pressure and drive a few miles, and the light will turn off. If the light stays on, it may be caused by a faulty TPMS sensor in one of the tires. To service the TPMS system, a TPMS relearn tool will be needed.

Common TPMS faults:

• Low tire pressure/ tire leak
• Faulty TPMS sensor
• Faulty TPMS module

Battery / Alternator / Charge System Light

If the battery warning light comes on while the engine is running, it indicates the charging system is malfunctioning. Park in a safe location, turn off the engine, and check that the generator (alternator) belt is working. Do not continue driving if the belt is loose, broken, or missing. Test the charging system with a battery load and cranking system tester.

Common causes of the charging system:

• Alternator not charging
• Bad battery not holding charge
• Loose battery cable

Low Washer Fluid Indicator

This light means that the fluid in the windshield washer reservoir is low. For the location of the reservoir, refer to the owner’s manual. Alternatively, look under the hood for a blue cap with the same symbol. Check its level and fill it appropriately. 

Low Fuel Indicator

This light means the vehicle is close to having an empty fuel tank. Some vehicles will display the approximate miles the car can still be driven before running out of fuel. It is always wise to fill up on gas without running it too low, as this causes the fuel pump to work even harder when it’s low and can lead to premature failure. 

Oil Warning Light

This light warns of low engine oil pressure. It indicates insufficient oil pressure through the engine’s oil passages and the main bearings. The engine oil level may be low. Pull the vehicle over, shut off the engine, and check the engine oil. If the level is low, fill to a normal level and drive the car to see if the light goes off. If the light stays on, have the vehicle towed to a shop; driving with low oil pressure can lead to immediate and serious damage to the engine.

Common causes of the oil warning light:

• Defective oil pressure-sending sensor
• Failed oil pump
• Worn piston rings
• Blocked oil passages
• Low oil or oil that has turned to sludge from never changing it

Brake Light

The brake light on means the brake system needs to be serviced. We do not recommend driving the vehicle with the brake light on. Use your best judgment to determine if the car is safe to drive. Check the brake fluid level. If needing repairs, have the car towed to the shop; driving in this condition could be dangerous.

Common causes of the brake indicator light:

• Brake system malfunction
• Low brake fluid level
• The parking brake is on (light may illuminate yellow instead of red in this case)

High Beam Indicator

The high beam indicator turns on when the high beam headlights are activated.  Pull the turn signal stalk back to switch between high and low beams. Do not use high beams while there is oncoming traffic.

Lane Departure Warning Indicator

This light comes when the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system is engaged. The conditions for it to engage require the vehicle to drift over lane markers. The vehicle will self-correct a drift and steer back into the center of the lane. If the light stays solid while the engine is running, the system has a fault and is disabled. Scan the vehicle with an OBDII scan tool for diagnostic trouble codes related to the lane departure warning system.

Stability Control Indicator

This indicator will blink when operating the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system. This is normal and indicates the vehicle’s limiting wheel spin to control the traction. It may be felt or heard while driving the car. Always use caution when driving on slippery surfaces like rain, snow, or ice. This system will malfunction if the slip indicator or traction control stays on. The most common problems are faulty ABS wheel speed sensors or steering angle sensors that may need reset.

First, start the engine, and while stopping, turn the steering wheel to the left and then to the right. Repeat this procedure twice. This resets the steering angle sensor and, in many cases, the stability control light. If the stability control light stays on, read fault codes from the ABS module using an ABS Scanner. A faulty wheel speed sensor is one of the most common problems that cause the Infiniti stability control light to come on. 

Turn Signal Indicator

The turn signal indicator turns on and flashes when the turn signal switch indicates the driver is turning left or right. Push the turn signal stalk up or down to turn on the turn signal indicator. If the lamp flashes rapidly, it signifies a bad bulb.

Common turn signal indicator issues:

• The turn signal switch is faulty. 
• Burnt out/ bad turn signal bulb

Door Ajar

The door-ajar indicator stays illuminated when any of the doors or trunks are not closed properly. If this indicator does not go off even after closing the door properly, it may be caused by worn-out latches in the door or a faulty door-ajar sensor.

Common causes of the door-ajar indicator light:

• Worn-out door latches/ strikers
• Defective door ajar sensor

Park Lamps ON 

This light means the parking lights have been turned on. Typically, the low beam switch or headlight dial controls the parking lights. Turn the switch or headlight dial to turn off the parking lamps. 

Seat Belt Reminder

This is a reminder to fasten the front driver or passenger’s seatbelt. An audible chime will repeat while the vehicle is in motion and the seatbelt is unfastened. Fasten any passenger’s seatbelts for the warning to go off. If a warning still happens, there is a malfunction.

Common seat belt warning malfunctions:

• Faulty seat belt sensor
• Faulty seat pressure sensor
• Seatbelt not fastened

Stability Control OFF 

This indicator comes when the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) is off. It is either off due to malfunction or was manually turned off. It is always recommended to have VDC on to keep the vehicle from slipping and losing control in hazardous situations. It can usually be turned on and off within the information display or by a button on the dash.

If the light stays on constantly and traction control can not be turned on, the system has been turned off due to a problem with this system or ABS. Use an ABS scanner to diagnose the system.

Security Indicator

This light will blink every three seconds when the ignition is either OFF, LOCK or in the AUTO ACC position. All vehicle entry points must be closed and locked properly for the system to arm. If the light continuously stays on the vehicle, security features will not let the vehicle start or drive and must be serviced.

Hybrid Ready Indicator

The ready indicator light on a hybrid vehicle means that the electric systems checks have passed and the vehicle functions normally. It is ready for use, aka driving. While this light remains on, the vehicle will use its EV motor and hybrid battery power to drive.

Fog Lamp Indicator

The green fog lamp indicator pointing to the left means the front fog lights are turned on. The amber fog lamp indicator pointing to the right means the rear fog lights are turned on. These lamps can disable the headlamp dial/switch. Depending on the model, turn or press the switch to turn off the fog lamps.

Keyless Access or Start Fault Indicator

This is an indicator that the intelligent key is faulty or not detected. If the vehicle is running, it is possible to drive to a mechanic/dealer as long as the vehicle is not turned off to have it serviced. 

Common causes of the keyless access start fault indicator light:

• The intelligent key battery is dead.
• The intelligent key has been damaged or is faulty.
• It is also possible the module reading the key fob is defective, but it is less likely. 

Blind Spot Warning Indicator

This light shows when the blind-spot warning system is on and other vehicles are detected within the blind spot. This indicator is usually shown on the driver and passenger side mirrors. The BSW can be turned off with the vehicle’s information display. 

All Wheel Drive Trouble Indicator

The all-wheel-drive trouble indicator is illuminated when the vehicle’s AWD system needs to be serviced. The vehicle will only function in front-wheel drive. This indicator also means a diagnostic trouble code is stored in the vehicle’s body control module. An OBDII body control module scan tool pulls the stored trouble codes.

Automatic Emergency Braking Indicator

This warning light indicates the automatic emergency braking system (AEB) has been engaged.  The system has detected a possible collision by sensing a vehicle in front that is approaching too quickly. The automatic emergency braking system will automatically take over, decelerate, and brake the vehicle to give the driver time to react and prevent a collision. If this light stays on under normal operating conditions, there is a fault that will need to be serviced.

Cruise Control Indicator

This light means that cruise control has been enabled. The vehicle will keep a constant speed. Cruise control will turn off if you press the brakes. Note that in this case, there is no adaptive cruise control. The vehicle will not keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. 

Drive Mode Indicators

The amber sport mode indicator means the vehicle is in sport mode. This will enhance the vehicle’s throttle response, including higher shift points for bigger revs for a more sporty feel. The eco mode indicator means the vehicle is in economy mode. While in this mode, throttle response will be reduced, and transmission function will be smoothed out to reduce fuel consumption. Both modes can be enabled/disabled by pressing the buttons on the dash with the corresponding modes.

EV ON Indicator

The EV operation indicator means the hybrid vehicle uses battery power. When this light goes off, the electric motor must kick on to provide enough acceleration when pressing on the throttle.

Park Brake Indicator

This light indicates the parking brake is on. It can illuminate either red or yellow. If the parking brake is off, this light indicates the system needs to be serviced. 

Common causes of the park brake indicator light:

• Park brake module failure
• Improper cable adjustment
• Worn-out/low park brake shoes
• Greater electrical/wiring failure

Master Warning Light

When the ignition is ON, or the vehicle is running, the master warning light illuminating could mean various warnings. Check the vehicle’s information display for any messages and if any other warning lights are on the dash. 

Common causes of the master warning light:

• No key warning
• Low windshield-washer fluid warning
• Parking brake release warning 
• Door/trunk open warning
• Loose fuel cap
• Low tire pressure warning

Hood Ajar Indicator

The hood ajar indicator can indicate that the hood is left open. If the hood is not shut properly, it can fly up at highway speeds, causing a wreck. Make sure the hood latch is functioning and locking correctly. 

Common causes of the hood ajar indicator light on:

• The Hood is not shut all the way.
• The hood latch is misaligned, loose, broken, and not closing properly.
• Hood ajar sensor or wiring faulty

Low Key Battery Indicator

This indicator light means the intelligent key battery is low and needs to be changed. Refer to the owner’s manual for the type of battery and follow this guide to learn how to change it.

Slip Indicator

This indicator will blink when operating the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system. This is normal and indicates the vehicle’s limiting wheel spin to control the traction. This is normal and may be felt or heard while driving the vehicle. Always use caution when driving on slippery surfaces like rain, snow, or ice.

This system will malfunction if the slip indicator or traction control stays on. The most common problems are faulty ABS wheel speed sensors or steering angle sensors that may need reset. To troubleshoot this problem, read fault codes from the ABS module using an ABS Scanner. 

Check the Automatic Transmission Indicator

The automatic transmission check indicator light is a sign of malfunctioning automatic transmission. The problem could lie within the transmission or the many sensors it uses to function. It is best to take it to a mechanic or dealer for a diagnostic, and the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for the automatic transmission pulled and the vehicle serviced. In most cases, if this light comes on, the vehicle will put itself into limp mode, and the driver will not be able to go above the speed of 45 mph. It is recommended in this case to have the vehicle towed to a shop.

Common AT Check faults:

• Low transmission fluid
• Faulty solenoids or speed sensors
• Transmission failure or damage

Automatic Transmission Park Indicator 

This light means the vehicle’s four-wheel-drive shifter is in neutral. The shifter needs to be put in 4 Low or 4 High to engage the drive gear. This light will also illuminate when the transmission’s park mechanism malfunctions. If this is the case, have it serviced by a mechanic or the dealer.

Continuously Variable Transmission Indicator

The CVT warning will be illuminated when there is a problem with the CVT system. Have the system check if this warning comes on. Avoid driving with this light on as it could cause more damage. Take it to a mechanic or Nissan dealer immediately. They will perform diagnostics and read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored within the vehicle’s computer. 

Electronic Brake Force Distribution Fault Indicator 

This electronic brake force distribution (EBD) warning lamp means the EBD has detected a fault and needs to be serviced. The EBD varies brake force on each wheel using conditions such as the load on each wheel, the vehicle’s speed, and the condition of the road. The ABS and brakes must also function properly for the EBD to work. 

Brake Pad Wear Warning Indicator

The brake pad wear warning indicator means the vehicle has determined the brake pads are then, and little to no life is left in them. Have the brakes serviced as soon as possible. The brake pads’ friction material is thin and needs to be serviced for this warning lamp to go off.

Steering Lock Fault Indicator

This light indicates that the steering lock is functioning properly. It should only appear when the key is in the off position and the lock is engaged.

Lane Intervention Indicator

This indicator shows when the Intelligent Lane Intervention (I-Li) is engaged. It will engage when the vehicle is returning to the road after the system detects it has departed from the driving lane to prevent it from going off the road. 

Steering Assist Indicator

This indicator will appear when lane departure is detected and the steering assist is engaged. It engages when the vehicle departs a lane and needs to correct itself. This can be turned off and will not engage even when lane departure is detected. 

Backup Collision Intervention OFF Indicator

The backup collision intervention (BCI) means that the backup collision intervention system is disabled. If this light stays on after the initial start-up, it must be serviced. The backup collision system prevents the vehicle from collisions while reversing; it will automatically engage the brakes if a collision is detected with something behind.

Driver Assist System Indicator

This driver assist system indicator enables the advanced driver assist system (ADAS). This system aids the driver in parking the car safely. It will detect any objects close and help steer, mitigate, or alert the driver to prevent a collision. It also has cameras around the vehicle to detect any motion while the car is parked, and if flash storage is available, it records video of any motion detected.

Check Suspension Indicator

​​​​​​​The check suspension indicator means the suspension system is faulty. The dealer or a mechanic should service it to fix the problem. This lamp will go off when the problem is fixed.

Tow Mode Indicator

​​​​​​​The tow mode indicator means the vehicle will only go in low gear for maximum torque and pulling power. It will also have higher shift points for peak power. The button on the dash can turn off the tow mode.

4 Wheel Drive Trouble Indicator 

The 4WD trouble indicator means there is a fault within the 4WD system. The vehicle cannot use 4WD but will still use rear-wheel drive. The vehicle will need to be serviced, and an OBDII scan tool can be used to read the diagnostic trouble codes given by this fault.

Snow Mode Indicator

​​​​​​​The mode indicator indicates that the vehicle is in snow mode. It controls the throttle response to be less aggressive and the RPMs and shift points lower to give maximum traction in slippery conditions.

Idle Start Stop Indicator 

The idle start-stop indicator means the vehicle’s engine will turn off when it comes to a complete stop. When the accelerator is pushed, the car will automatically start again. This light will go off when the auto idle start-stop is turned off. This feature is used to decrease fuel consumption and engine idle hours. 

 EV Mode Indicator

​​​​​​​The EV mode means the hybrid vehicle is running on battery power. This indicator means the hybrid vehicle is working correctly. This light will turn off when the battery power runs out, and the gasoline engine has to turn on to charge the battery packs.

Regenerative Brake System Fault Indicator

The regenerative brake system fault indicator means some part of the regenerative braking system has failed. Regenerative braking converts energy from braking back into the motor or stores it in the batteries.  This system has various working parts that could fail and need serviced. A loss of efficiency in energy consumption will occur.

EV Fault Indicator

​​​​​​​The EV fault indicator is the hybrid vehicle’s equivalent of a check engine light. Use an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes. Take the vehicle to get serviced. Do NOT try to service a hybrid car unless you are an expert. Accidents can lead to high voltage shock, causing death. 

Pedestrian Sound Fault Indicator

The pedestrian sound fault means that the alert system used to alert pedestrians to the presence of the electric vehicle is not working. Electric cars are required to have this alert system in place due to hybrid EVs’ quiet nature. The sound system needs to be serviced if this lamp stays on; a speaker may be out, or the wiring is open or short.

Intelligent Cruise Control Indicator

​​​​​​​The intelligent cruise control indicator shows that the intelligent cruise control (ICC) is active. This enhanced version of cruise control uses the car’s forward-looking radar sensors to prevent collisions with vehicles detected ahead. 

Adaptive Front Lighting OFF Indicator

The adaptive front lighting (AFS) off indicator means the AFS is not working. When steering the vehicle, the AFS detects the angle at which the vehicle turns and adjusts the headlights accordingly to keep the road ahead lit. If this light is on, this system will need to be serviced.

Headlamp Indicator

​​​​​​​The headlamp indicator indicates that the normal headlamps are active. It will go off when the vehicle’s headlights are turned off.

Automatic High Beam Indicators

​​​​​​​The automatic high beam indicator stays on when the high beam headlights turn on automatically. This can be turned off, and the indicator will go off when inactive.

Distance Warning Indicator 

​​​​​​​This warning light indicates a vehicle approaching too quickly in the direction of travel. It alerts the driver to slow down and not get too close to the vehicles ahead.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator 

This indicator means a vehicle is too close within a certain distance. If the driver needs to brake suddenly, it alerts them to increase the following distance to prevent an accident.