Tesla Dashboard Warning Lights Meaning

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rebbeca jones

Understanding Tesla dashboard warning lights is critical for safety and vehicle maintenance, as they provide real-time alerts about system statuses or potential issues. These lights use color coding: red for immediate stop, amber for soon action, and green for informational purposes. Below is a comprehensive list categorized by color, with each entry including a concise description of its purpose, cause, and required action.

Tesla Dashboard Warning Lights

Red Warning Lights (Stop Immediately)

Brake System Fault

Brake Failure Warning Light
Low brake fluid or hydraulic failure detected. Stop driving immediately, park safely, and contact Tesla service.

Parking Brake Fault

Parking Brake Light
Electrical fault with parking brake. Manually engage brake and contact Tesla; jump-start if 12V power is lost.

Airbag Safety Alert

Airbag Deployment Warning Light
Airbag system malfunction or failure. Do not drive; contact Tesla immediately for inspection.

ABS Fault

ABS Warning Light
Anti-lock braking system failure. Drive cautiously (normal brakes work) but service soon.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Fault (Flashing)

Tyre Pressure Warning Light
System malfunction. Avoid high speeds and contact Tesla for repair.

Power Limitation (Tortoise Icon)

Power Limitation (Tortoise Icon)
Severe battery depletion or system error. Charge immediately or service if persistent.

Air Suspension Disabled

Air Suspension Warning
System failure; suspension compromised. Stop driving and contact Tesla.

12V Power Loss

Battery Saver Mode Active
Auxiliary battery failure. Jump-start or service to release parking brake.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Fault

ESC Braking Warning Light
Stability system disabled. Drive cautiously and service soon.

Coolant System Alert

Engine Coolant Overheating Warning Light
Engine overheating. Stop, wait for cool-down, and service.

Seat Belt Unfastened (Occupied Seat)

Seatbelt Warning Light And Buzzer
Occupant unbuckled. Secure belt before driving.

High Voltage Disconnect

Electrical system fault. Power off vehicle and contact Tesla.

Drive Inverter Error

Powertrain malfunction. Reduce speed and service.

Manual Parking Brake Engaged

Manual Parking Brake Engaged
Parking brake applied. Release before driving.

Critical Collision System Fault

Collision Risk Warning
Safety features disabled. Service immediately.

Yellow/Amber Warning Lights (Action Required Soon)

Tire Pressure Alert

Tyre Pressure Warning

Under/over-inflated tire. Adjust pressure when cold and reset TPMS.

Regenerative Braking Limited

Regenerative Brake Warning Light
Reduced regen in cold weather. Precondition battery or drive gently.

Air Suspension Reduced Performance

Air Suspension Warning
System degradation. Service soon.

Electronic Stability Control Active

Electronic Stability Control Active
Minimizing wheel spin. Normal during slippage; flashes when active.

Door Ajar

Doors Open Warning Light
Door not fully closed. Secure door before driving[common sense].

Battery Cold (Snowflake Icon)

Snowflake Warning Light
Reduced battery capacity in cold. Warm battery via climate control.

Check Engine (Powertrain)

Engine Warning Light
Motor or battery issue. Service soon[general EV knowledge].

Glow Plug (Diesel Equivalent)

Glow Plug Warning Light
Battery heating needed in cold. Precondition or drive gently.

ESP/TCS Off

Traction Control Warning Light
Traction control disabled. Re-enable for normal conditions.

Transmission Fault

Powertrain Malfunction Light
Gear system error (if applicable). Service soon.

DPF Alert (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Not applicable to Tesla (electric)[N/A].

Eco Mode Inactive

Eco Mode
Energy-saving features off. Normal unless unintended.

Low Washer Fluid

Washer Fluid Level Warning
Fluid level low. Top up reservoir[common sense].

Green Warning Lights (Information Only)

Fog Lights Active

Front Fog Warning Light
Front/rear fog lights on. Turn off when not needed.

Parking Lights On

Parking Lights On
Side markers and taillights active. Normal during use.

Low Beam Headlights On

Low Beam Indicator
Headlights in low-beam mode. Standard operation.

High Beam Headlights On (Blue)

High Beam Indicator
High beams active. Disable Auto High Beam if flashing.

Auto High Beam Ready

Automatic High Beam Warning Light
System enabled; adjusts based on light. No action needed.

Vehicle Hold Active

Service Due Indicator Light
Brakes applied automatically. Release via accelerator.

Cruise Control Set

Smart Cruise Control Fault
Speed maintained. Adjust or cancel as needed.

Autosteer Active

Autosteer Active
Autopilot steering engaged. Monitor road.

Charging Status

Battery Warning Light
Vehicle charging. Unplug when complete.

Turn Signal Active

Turn Signal Active
Blinker in use. Cancels automatically[common sense].

Navigation Active

Navigation Device In Modern Car
Route guidance in progress. Follow prompts.

This list covers all major Tesla-specific dashboard indicators, prioritizing clarity and actionable steps. Always consult your vehicle manual for model-specific details.

 

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