KIA Dashboard Warning Light and Symbols
Is there a warning light appearing in your on your Kia dashboard? Learn the meaning of the warning light on your dashboard and possible solutions to fix the problem.
This guide explains the warning symbols on Kia dashboards and lists each light’s meaning.
 | Air Bag Warning Light
When this light is on, it means that your airbags are deactivated. In other words, they will not deploy if you get into an accident. Use an Airbag Scanner to read the fault codes from the airbag module via the OBD-II port. 
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 | Adaptive Front Lighting System AFLS Warning Light If the AFLS light stays on when you drive, the adaptive front lighting system is disabled due to malfunctioning. Pull over, turn off the ignition, and restart after you wait at least 5 minutes. In many cases, just an engine restart will reset the AFLS error. If the AFLS light comes back on, use a Kia Scanner to read the codes from the AFLS module. |
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All Wheel Drive AWD LOCK Indicator Light This light means that the all-wheel-drive system could not be activated due to a problem with the system. The vehicle can still be driven, but only the front wheels will be active. |
 | Anti-lock Brake System ABS Warning Light This light means that the anti-lock brake system is not working correctly. Vehicles may take longer to stop and could slide, especially in slippery road conditions. Drive carefully. A failure with the ABS will also disable traction and stability control if the vehicle is required with those systems. To find out why your Kia ABS light is on, read the fault codes from the ABS module with an ABS scanner. |
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AUTO HOLD Indicator Light The Auto Hold maintains the vehicle at a standstill even though the brake pedal is not depressed. The auto-hold is applied after the driver brings the vehicle to a complete stop by depressing the brake pedal. Depress the brake pedal and then press the Auto Hold button. The white AUTO HOLD indicator will come on, and the system will be in the standby position. The driver’s door, engine hood, and trunk are closed, and the driver’s seat belt must be fastened before EPB will work. When you stop the vehicle completely by depressing the brake pedal, the AUTO HOLD indicator changes from white to green. The vehicle will remain stationary even if you release the brake pedal. If EPB is applied, Auto Hold will be released. If you press the accelerator pedal with the shift lever in R (Reverse), D (Drive), or M (Manual) mode, the Auto Hold will be released automatically, and the vehicle will start to move. The indicator changes from green to white. |
 | Autonomous Emergency Braking AEB Warning Light The Autonomous emergency braking warning light (AEB) has been activated if this light flashes. If the AEB stays on constantly, there is a problem with the AEB system. Use a Kia All System Scanner to troubleshoot the Kia AEB warning light. |
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Charging System Warning Light This light means that the charging system is not working properly. This problem is typically caused due to a weak battery, bad alternator, voltage regulator, or broken serpentine belt. Do not drive with the battery light ON because the engine may shut down while driving, which can be dangerous and lead to an accident. Pull over and call an auto mechanic for advice. |
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Cruise Indicator Light This light means that cruise control has been activated. |
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Cruise SET Indicator Light This light means you can set the desired speed for the cruise control. |
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ECO Indicator Light This light means that the vehicle’s engine and transmission are running in a way that provides the best fuel economy. While ECO mode is on, MPG will improve, but performance and acceleration typically decrease. |
 | ABS, Park, Brake, Electronic Brake Force Distribution Lights On This indicates that the Electronic Brake Forse Distribution (EBD) system is unavailable or not working properly. Typically, you get ABS and aBrake or Parking light comes on. |
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Electronic Parking Brake EPB Warning Light This light means |
 | Electronic Power Steering Warning Light The steering wheel with the exclamation symbol is the light for the EPB (Electric Parking Brake) Malfunction. EPB light illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and will go out after three seconds as long as the system functions properly. If the EPB Malfunction warning message or light stays on, the EPB system is malfunctioning. Read the codes from the ESP module with an All System Scanner. The EPB Malfunction indicator will also illuminate when the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) Indicator illuminates and stays on to indicate a malfunction with ESP. If this happens, this does not mean the EPB has malfunctioned. |
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Electronic Stability Control ESC OFF Indicator Light If this is the only light that stays on, traction control was turned off because someone pressed the ESP Off button on the dashboard. If this light stays on, it may also indicate a problem with the stability control system. In addition to this warning, you will get one or more other warning lights. |
 | Electronic Stability Control Indicator ESC Indicator Light If this light flashes, the vehicle slips and stability control tries to keep the vehicle in the intended path. If this light stays on constantly, the stability control is disabled. In most cases, the ABS light comes on as well. Typically, this and ABS light are triggered due to t a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor or steering angle sensor issue. |
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Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light This light means that the oil pressure is low. It could also be an indication of a low engine level. Pull over immediately and check the engine oil level. Add engine oil if the level is low. Do not drive with the oil light on, or you will cause a very expensive engine problem. |
 | High Beam Assist Indicator This light means that the high beams turn on automatically. Your vehicle switches to low beams if it detects another vehicle approaching you. |
 | High Beam Indicator Light This light means that the high beams are turned on. High beams may also be referred to as brights in some countries. Do not keep high beams on if other vehicles are on the road. Pull the turn signal switch towards you once to turn on and off the high beams. |
 | Immobilizer Indicator Light With Smart Key This light means that the vehicle security system is activated. The vehicle does not recognize the key if you see this light but can not start the car. Typically, this is due to a bad key or dead batteries if your vehicle has a smart keyfob. |
 | Lane Departure Warning System LDWS Indicator Light This light means that your vehicle is shifting to the other lane or you are changing lanes without turning on the blinker. |
 | Light ON Indicator Light This light means that the lights are on. This light also reminds the driver to turn off the lights when they exit the vehicle. |
 | Low Tire Pressure Warning Light This light means the tire pressure in one or more tires is low. Stop at a gas station or use a portable air inflator to inflate the tires to at least 35 PSI. |
 | Malfunction Indicator Light MIL This is the check engine light. It means the vehicle has detected an engine problem and is not running as efficiently as it should. The check engine light may come on due to other problems like transmission or EVAP issues. If the check engine light is flashing, there is an engine misfire. Use an OBD-II scanner to read the codes and determine why your Kia check engine light is on. |
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Master Warning Light This light means a malfunction with one of the systems in your vehicle. Typically, the master warning light comes on, and a brief warning message appears on the instrument cluster. In most cases, the master warning light comes on along with other warning lights. |
 | Parking Brake and Brake Fluid Warning Light This light means that your brakes may not be functioning properly. Check the brake fluid level. Do not drive with the BRAKE light on. Call an auto mechanic and ask for their advice. |
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Seat Belt Warning Light This is a reminder to fasten your seat belt. |
 | SPORT Mode Indicator Light This light means that the vehicle is in SPORT mode. The engine and transmission are optimized in SPORT mode for the best performance. In SPORT mode, the transmission may stay longer in gear. The engine is performing to give the most output. In SPORT mode, fuel economy may be reduced. |
 | Turn Signal Indicator Light This is the right and left turn signal. If both signals flash at the same time, it means that the hazard lights are on. Press the red triangle button on the dashboard to turn off the hazard lights.. |
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Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light If this light stays on, the engine has overheated—pull over immediately and shut off the engine. Wait 30 minutes or more for the engine to cool down completely. Check the engine coolant level, but only after the engine has cooled. Add engine coolant if needed. Do not drive or keep the engine running if this light stays on. Turn off the vehicle and call an auto mechanic for advice. |
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Door Ajar Warning Light This light means that one or more doors are open. If the doors are closed, make sure they are fully shut. If the door ajar light stays on, but all the doors are closed, the door switch in the door frame may be faulty and needs to be replaced. |
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Fuel Filter Warning Light This light means that the fuel filter may be dirty and needs to be replaced. |
 | Auto Stop for ISG Indicator for IDLE, STOP & GO (ISG) SYSTEM The ISG stands for Idle, Stop, and Go. It is designed to improve fuel economy by turning off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. If the A symbol with the arrow above is on, the ISG system is turned on. In other words, the engine will stop when you stop. The engine restarts automatically when the brakes are released, or the shifter is moved. |
 | Loose Cap Indicator This light means that the gas cap is not installed or on tight. Pull over and check the gas cap. If necessary, tighten it by hand. The check engine light may also come on if the gas cap is not on. |
We hope you find the KIA Dashboard Warning Light and Symbols guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Kia.
