Ford F-150 warning lights explained

Pick a light to see its meaning:
Front Airbag F-150ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) F-150Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power / Electronic Throttle Control F-150Traction Control F-150Check engine (service engine) F-150Brake System F-150Fuel Reset F-150Check fuel cap (gas cap) F-150

Warning lights and gauges in your Ford F-150 instrument cluster can alert you to a vehicle condition that may become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. An indicator may illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions. Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the bulb works. The following is a list of common warning lights that could remain on after starting your vehicle:


Front Airbag
Front Airbag
If it fails to illuminate when you start your vehicle, continues to flash or remains on, it indicates a malfunction. A chime will also sound when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been detected.
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)
If it illuminates when you are driving, this indicates a malfunction. You will continue to have the normal braking system (without ABS) unless the brake system warning lamp is also illuminated.
Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power / Electronic Throttle Control
Powertrain Malfunction / Reduced Power / Electronic Throttle Control
Illuminates when a powertrain or an AWD (All Wheel Drive) fault has been detected.

Check 4X4 warning light

(if equipped) Illuminates with the message CHECK 4X4 when a four-wheel rive fault is present.
Traction Control
Traction Control
(if equipped) Illuminates when the Traction Control™ is active. If the light remains on, have the system serviced immediately. During Traction Control operation, the traction control active light will illuminate and the engine will not 'rev-up' when you push further on the accelerator.
If a system fault is detected, the traction control active light will illuminate, the Traction Control™ button will not turn the system on or off and your vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer.
Check engine (service engine)
Check engine (service engine)
If the service engine soon indicator light stays illuminated after the engine is started, it indicates that the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system has detected a malfunction of the vehicle emissions control system.
If the light is blinking, engine misfire is occurring which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration) and have your vehicle serviced immediately.
The service engine soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned on prior to engine start to check the bulb and to indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing. Normally, the service engine soon light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds the service engine soon light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing.
Brake System
Brake System
Illuminates when you engage the parking brake with the ignition on.
If it illuminates when you are driving, check that the parking brake is not engaged. If the parking brake is not engaged, this indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction. Have the system checked immediately.
Fuel Reset
Fuel Reset
Illuminates when the ignition is turned to the ON position and the fuel pump shut-off switch has been triggered. The shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
  1. Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
  2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
  3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset the fuel pump shut-off switch by pushing in the reset button.
  4. Turn the ignition to the ON position. Pause for a few seconds and return the key to the OFF position.
  5. Make a further check for leaks in the fuel system.

The fuel pump shut-off switch is located in the passenger’s foot well, behind the kick panel.
Check fuel cap (gas cap)
Check fuel cap (gas cap)
Displays when the fuel cap may not be properly installed. Continued driving with this display on may cause the Service engine soon warning light to come on.

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