Jeep Cherokee Dashboard Warning Lights Meaning

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rebbeca jones

Understanding every dashboard symbol in your Jeep Cherokee keeps you safe, saves repair costs, and helps the SUV last longer. Red icons shout stop now, yellow ones say fix soon, and green simply confirm a feature is on. Use the guide below to act fast and drive with confidence.

Jeep Cherokee Dashboard Warning Lights

Red Warning Lights (Stop Immediately)

Engine Oil Pressure

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Oil pressure too low. Pull over, turn off engine, and check oil level; add oil or tow to service.

Engine Coolant Temperature

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

Engine overheating. Stop, switch off, allow to cool; top up coolant when safe.

Brake System

Brake Failure Warning Light

Parking brake on or brake fluid critical. Release brake or seek brake service before moving.

Battery Charge

Battery Warning Light

Alternator not charging. Switch off extras, drive to workshop or call for tow to avoid stalling.

Airbag

Airbag Deployment Warning Light

Fault in airbag or seat-belt pretensioners. Do not carry passengers until system is inspected.

Seat-Belt Reminder

Seatbelt Warning Light And Buzzer

Driver/passenger belt unbuckled. Buckle up immediately; chime stops when latched.

Electric Power Steering

Power Steering Warning

Power-assist failure. Steering may be heavy—stop in safe spot and arrange repair.

Transmission Temperature

Transmission Warning Light

Fluid overheated. Shift to Park, idle to cool; if stays on, call for assistance.

Engine Malfunction (Solid Red)

EOBD Emissions Control System Warning Light

Severe engine fault. Reduce speed, avoid hard driving, arrange urgent diagnosis.

Low Brake Fluid

Brake Fluid

Fluid below minimum. Stop, top up with correct fluid, test brakes or tow for repair.

Door Ajar

Doors Open Warning Light

A door, hood, or tailgate open. Safely stop and close all latches to continue.

Electronic Throttle Control

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light

Throttle problem detected; power may drop. Stop, cycle ignition; if persists, seek service.

Diesel Particulate Filter Full

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

DPF clogged. Drive at highway speed for regen; if still lit, visit dealer ASAP.

Collision Alert (FCW)

Collision Risk Warning

High risk of frontal crash; system braking may engage. Brake hard and regain safe gap.

Active Driving Assist Inattentive

Intelligent Driver Alertness

Hands off wheel too long. Grab wheel or system disengages; stay alert.

Yellow / Amber Lights (Action Required Soon)

ABS

ABS

Anti-lock brake system disabled. Normal brakes work, but ABS off; service soon.

Traction Control / ESP

ESC Braking Warning Light

Stability system fault or off. Drive gently, avoid slick roads, schedule check.

Tire Pressure (TPMS)

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

One or more tires low. Stop, inflate to spec; flashing icon means sensor fault.

Low Fuel

Low Fuel Levels

Range under ~30 mi. Refuel at next station to avoid stalling.

Air Suspension Fault

Air Suspension Warning

Height control problem. Ride may be uneven; limit speed, arrange repair.

Electric Park Brake Fault

Parking Brake Light

Auto-hold or EPB malfunction. Use foot brake, get system serviced.

Speed Control Fault

Automatic Speed Limiter Warning Light

Cruise control unavailable. Drive manually and have system inspected.

Service Stop/Start

Start Stop System Warning

Stop/Start disabled by fault. System off until checked.

Glow Plug (Diesel)

Glow Plug Warning Light

Pre-heat active or fault. Wait for light to go out before starting; if flashing, service engine.

Powertrain / 4WD

All Wheel Drive Warning Light

Driveline overheating or fault. Reduce load; if light persists, schedule service.

Hill Descent Control Active

Hill Descent Control

System limiting downhill speed. No action; turns off when slope ends.

Stability Control Off

Electronic Stability Control Active

Driver disabled ESP. Press button again to reactivate for safer handling.

Lane Sense Drift Alert

Lane Keeping Assist System Warning

Vehicle crossing lanes. Steer back or enable turn signal; system may nudge wheel.

Service Forward Camera

Reverse Camera Or Sensor Fault

ADAS camera obstructed/dirty. Clean windshield; if light stays, get calibration.

Green Indicator Lights (Information Only)

Turn Signals

Turn Signal Active

Arrow flashes with selected direction; rapid flash means bulb out.

High Beam

High Beam Indicator

Blue/green icon shows high beams on. Dim for oncoming traffic.

Fog Lights

Front Fog Lights

Front or rear fogs active. Switch off in clear weather.

Cruise Control Ready

Smart Cruise Control Fault

Cruise system on and awaiting speed set.

Eco Mode

Eco Mode

Fuel-saving drive mode engaged; normal power reduced.

4WD Lock

WD System Warning

Transfer case locked for traction; avoid tight turns on dry pavement.

Auto High-Beam

Automatic High Beam Warning Light

Headlights will self-dip for traffic; driver can override.

Parking Lights

Parking Lights On

Exterior sidelights on when parked or in low-light.

Grade Assist

Transmission holding lower gear for downhill control.

Ready to Drive (Hybrid)

Plug In Hybrid Mode Indicator

Silent EV mode active; engine may start automatically.

Snow Mode

Winter Mode

Throttle, shift, and traction tuned for slippery roads.

Sport Mode

Sport Mode Indicator

Sharper throttle and shift mapping for brisk driving.

Seat Heater On

Heated Seat Warning Light

 

 

Driver/passenger seat warming; light cycles with temperature.

Tip: If any symbol stays on or flashes and you’re unsure what it means, consult the owner’s manual or a Jeep technician right away.

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rebbeca jones

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