Understanding each dashboard icon in your Toyota Venza keeps you and your passengers safe, prevents costly repairs, and helps the SUV run efficiently. Treat every light as the car’s early-warning system: act fast on red alerts, schedule service for amber, and relax when you see green.
Quick Navigation
Red Lights – Stop Immediately
Engine Oil Pressure
Low or no oil pressure; pull over, switch off the engine, check oil level, and arrange repair.
Brake System
Very low brake fluid or hydraulic failure; park safely and request towing.
Battery Charging
Alternator or battery fault; turn off accessories and head for a workshop before the engine stalls.
Coolant Temperature
Engine overheating; park, shut off, let it cool, and check coolant level.
Airbag (SRS)
Fault in airbags or seat-belt pretensioners; limit driving and have the system inspected.
ABS Fault
Anti-lock braking disabled; braking distance may increase—drive only to the nearest service center.
Master Warning (Triangle with “!”)
Critical fault recorded; stop, review messages, and diagnose immediately.
Electric Power Steering
Steering assist lost; if turning feels heavy, stop and call roadside help.
Parking Brake
Electronic parking brake stuck or won’t engage; stop, cycle ignition, and seek service if red stays on.
Seatbelt Reminder
Driver or passenger belt unfastened while moving; stop and buckle up right away.
Door Ajar
Any door, hood, or liftgate open; pull over and close securely.
Low Brake Fluid
Reservoir below minimum; do not continue driving—top up or tow.
Transmission Overheat
CVT fluid too hot; shift to P, idle to cool, and tow if light remains.
Collision Warning (PCS)
Imminent crash detected or system fault; brake hard if needed and service if alert persists.
Yellow / Amber Lights – Action Required Soon
Check Engine
Emission or engine sensor issue; schedule diagnostics promptly.
Tire Pressure (TPMS)
One or more tires under-inflated; inflate to spec or inspect sensors if light flashes.
Traction Control (Slip Indicator)
System intervening or malfunction; drive carefully and service if constant.
VSC OFF
Stability control disabled manually or by fault; re-enable or book service.
Low Fuel
Around two to three gallons left; refuel soon.
Maintenance Required
Oil-change interval reached; plan service within a few hundred miles.
Blind Spot Monitor
Sensor blocked or error; clean area or have it inspected.
Lane Departure Alert
Camera dirty or system fault; clean windshield and service if needed.
Power Steering Assist Reduced
EPS overheating; avoid tight maneuvers and let it cool.
AWD System
All-wheel drive overheating or malfunction; stop briefly and inspect if light remains.
Hybrid System
High-voltage battery or inverter concern; limited power possible—visit dealer quickly.
Brake Pad Wear
Pads thin; book replacement soon.
Automatic High-Beam
Camera blocked or system fault; clean sensor and service if alert continues.
Key Battery Low
Smart-key fob battery weak; replace coin cell.
DPF / Exhaust Filter
Filter near full (diesel markets); perform regeneration drive or service if flashing.
Green Lights – Information Only
Turn Signals
Indicator active; cancels after completing the turn.
Headlights On
Low beams illuminated; no action needed.
High Beam
High beams engaged; dim for oncoming traffic.
Fog Lights
Front or rear fogs on; use only in poor visibility.
Cruise Control Ready
System on, speed not set; press SET at desired speed.
Cruise Control Set
Speed fixed; adjust with buttons or cancel with brake.
ECO Mode
Fuel-saving drive mode active; enjoy improved mileage.
EV Mode (Hybrid)
Running on electric power only; limited range, engine restarts when needed.
DRL Indicator
Daytime running lights operating; no action required.
Auto Start-Stop
Engine off temporarily to save fuel; restarts automatically.
4WD LOCK
Center differential locked for low-speed traction; unlock on dry pavement.
Parking Sensors Active
Ultrasonic sensors monitoring obstacles; disable in car wash if necessary.
Seat Heater On
Seat heater running; switch off if unused to conserve energy.
Rear-Window Defogger
Heating element activated; turns off automatically after a short period.
When looking at Toyota, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Land-Cruiser, and Toyota Fortuner. Understanding dashboard warning lights is essential. Our expert reviews break down what each light means, highlighting common alerts for these models and what they could signal about underlying issues, so you’re never left guessing behind the wheel.
