Mazda Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols

Electronic Brake and ABS 

If both the ABS and electronic brake light come on, there could be a problem with the brake system or the Anti-lock Brake System. The vehicle needs to be diagnosed. Do not drive if both ABS and brake warning lights come on. The vehicle may need to be towed to a mechanic. Call and get expert advice from an auto mechanic before you continue your journey.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light means an engine or evaporative emission system issue. The check engine light on a Mazda may be caused by something as simple as a loose gas cap, but it can also indicate an engine problem or, in some cases, even a transmission issue.

Do not drive if the check engine light is flashing. If the check engine light is flashing on your Mazda, the vehicle has detected a misfire. Typically a misfire is caused by a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, and mass airflow sensor.

Use an OBD-II scanner to read the fault codes and determine why your Mazda check engine light is on.

Air Bag Warning Light

If the airbag or SRS light stays on when driving, the airbags are disabled and may not deploy if you get involved in an accident.

To find out why your airbag light is on, use an airbag scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes stored in the airbag module.

High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This light means that the engine is overheating. Pull over immediately and shut off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down completely, then check the engine oil level.

The temperature light should not come on and stay on when you are driving. If the temperature light comes on, do not drive, or you will cause costly engine problems. Call your mechanic and ask for advice.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light

If this light stays on, one or more tires have low tire pressure dropped below 30 PSI. Check tire pressure and bring the tires to at least 35 PSI. Open the driver’s door, and you will see a sticker that shows the recommended tire pressure for your Mazda.

If the TPMS light flashes, it means the system has a problem. Typically the system can not communicate with one of the wheels and does not know the current tire pressure.

Engine Oil Warning Light

This light means that the engine oil pressure is too low. Do not drive if the oil light stays even if the oil level is correct.

Pull over immediately and turn off the engine. Wait at least  5 minutes, then check the oil level. If the level is low, add engine oil. If the recommended oil is unavailable, use 5W-30 oil, then do an oil change soon.

Automatic Transaxle Warning Light

The AT light on a Mazda means there is a problem with the automatic transmission. The transmission fluid may have overheated, or there is an electrical problem.

Pull over and let the engine cool down. Check the transmission fluid level. If the level is correct, the valve body or torque converter may be the issue. A fault code will be stored in the transmission control module (TCU). Use a Mazda All System Scanner to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes stored.

Brake Pedal Operation Demand Indicator Light

It simply means that you need to press the brake pedal to continue. For example, if you try to shift from Park to Drive without pressing the brakes, this light will come on.

If you are pressing the brake pedal but press the brake pedal still shows up on your Mazda, you may have a faulty brake light switch.

Charging System Warning Light

A Mazda’s battery light warns the driver that the onboard vehicle voltage is too low. In some extreme cases, the voltage may be too high as well.

Common problems that trigger the battery light are broken serpentine belts, bad batteries, alternator, voltage regulator, or ground issues.

Do not continue to drive with the battery light on. The vehicle may turn off unexpectedly when driving.

Check Fuel Cap Warning Light

This light means that the gas cap is loose or not on. Check to make sure that the gas cap is on. If the gas cap is on, remove it, inspect it, and then retain it by hand.

A loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light. In some cases, the O ring on the gas cap can get damaged and requires replacement.

Door Ajar Warning Light

This light means that one of the doors is open or not fully closed.

If the door ajar stays on even after you close the doors, you may have a problem with one of the door switches.

DSC OFF Indicator Light

This light means that the traction control is turned off.

If this is the only light, you most likely pressed the DSC Off button on the dashboard by accident.

If this light comes on along with BRAKE, ABS, or traction control, the traction control is disabled due to a problem found in the other model. Most commonly, there is a problem with the ABS due to a faulty  ABS wheel speed sensor.

Electric Parking Brake EPB Warning Light

This light means there is a problem with the electric parking brake.

Typically this light comes on because one of the electric parking brake motors is faulty or is stuck.

Front Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Indicator Light

This light means that the passenger airbag is disabled. This is not a problem but a normal operation. The passenger airbag is designed not to deploy if a child or passenger is in the front passenger seat.

Headlight High Beam Indicator Light

This light means that the high beams are on. High beams may also be called brights. Only use brights if there are no cars around.

Pull or push the turn signal level towards the back or front to turn on and off the high beams.

High Beam Control System HBC Warning Light

This light means that the automatic high beam control is activated. High beams will turn on and off if there are no other cars around.

i-ELOOP Indicator Light

This light means there is a problem with the i-ELOOP system. i-ELOOP continuously recovers energy as the vehicle decelerates and reuses it as electricity. Learn more about the Mazda i-ELOOP system.

KEY Warning Light

If the symbol is yellow, it indicates that the key fob cannot be detected. This could be because the key is not within operational range, it’s in a hard-to-detect area of the car, or it’s out of the vehicle while the doors are locked. If the symbol is red, there is an issue with the security system. The vehicle will not start because there is no communication with the key.

Lane Keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System  (LDWS) Light

This light means a problem with the Lane Keep Assist System LAS or Lane Departure Warning System LDWS Warning Light.

LED Headlight Warning Light

This light means that there is a burned light bulb. Check all exterior lights.

Lights On Indicator Light

These light means are still on. If leaving the vehicle, turn off the light. If you leave the lights on, you will end up with a dead battery. The vehicle may no longer start.

Low Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Light

This light means that the vehicle was recently started, and the engine has not reached the ideal operating temperature. Avoid hard accelerations while the blue temperature light is on.

Low Fuel Warning Light

This light means you are low on fuel. Stop at a gas station and add fuel.

Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light

This light means that you are low on windshield washer fluid.

Master Warning Light

This light means there is a warning message on the instrument cluster typically due to an error or problem occurring in one vehicle system.

Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light

This light comes on if there is a problem with the power steering. The steering wheel may be hard to turn, but the steering should still work. It is not recommended to drive. Contact an auto mechanic first before you continue driving.

Radar Cruise Control  (MRCC) Warning Light

This light means that there is a problem with radar cruise control. In most cases, there is a problem with one of the radar sensors mounted at the vehicle’s front.

Seat Belt Warning Light

This light means that the passenger seat belt is not fastened. Remind the passengers in the vehicle to wear their seat belts.

Security Indicator Light

This light means that the vehicle is locked. Unlock the vehicle with an authorized key to turn off this light.

Select Mode Indicator Light

This light means that vehicle is in sport mode. Engine and transmission are optimized for the best performance.

Shift Position Indication

This light means that the automatic transmission shifter is in the Park position. Press the brake pedal to move the shifter to Reverse, Neutral, or Reverse.

Smart Brake Support  Smart City Brake Support  SBS / SCBS

If this light blinks, the vehicle applies brakes to avoid an accident.

If this light stays on all the time, it means there is a problem with the smart brake system. In some cases, this light may come on due to a problem with the radar sensors mounted at the vehicle’s front.

Smart Brake Support  Smart City Brake Support SBS / SCBS OFF Indicator Light

This light means that the smart brake support has been turned off.

TCS / DSC Indicator light

This light means that the traction control (TCS) or stability control (DSC) is not working properly. The vehicle can still be driven, but extreme caution should be exercised. Common problems that trigger this warning light are the faulty ABS wheel speed sensor.

Turn Signal Hazard Warning Indicator Lights

This light means the turn signals are on. If only one symbol is on, it shows the direction that you are turning.

If both turn signals are flashing, it means that your hazard lights are on. To turn off hazard lights, press the red triangle button on the dashboard.

Wrench Indicator Light

This light means that vehicle is due for routine maintenance. The wrench symbol does not mean something wrong with your car. It is a simple symbol reminding the driver to get basic maintenance such as oil change and check fluids.

Brake Warning Light

If the exclamation symbol inside the circle stays on when you drive, pull over immediately and check the brake fluid level.

If the level is low, add the recommended brake fluid. The required brake fluid type is printed on top of the cap. It will be either DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.

If the brake warning light stays on, do not continue to drive. Brakes may not work properly and can lead to an accident. Call an auto mechanic.