2018 Hyundai Santa FE Warning and Indicator lights Guide

2018 Hyundai Santa FE Warning and Indicator Lights Guide

A wide range of dashboard symbols and warning indicators are included with the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe to help keep drivers aware of the condition of the car. These symbols guarantee the vehicle’s safety and optimum operation by acting as visual cues for various system alerts. Icons for tire pressure, battery life, engine problems, and other topics are frequently used as warning indicators. It is essential to become familiar with these symbols in order to respond to possible problems in a timely and efficient manner. For comprehensive instructions on deciphering and resolving particular dashboard symbols to ensure a seamless and secure driving experience, consult the owner’s manual of the vehicle.

2024 Hyundai SANTA FE Review, Specs, Price, and Mileage (Brochure)

Warning and Indicator lights

Information Make sure that all warning lights are OFF after starting the vehicle. If any light is still ON, this indicates a situation that needs attention. Airbag Warning Light This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 6 seconds and then goes off.
• When there is a malfunction with the SRS. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Seat Belt Warning Light This warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened. For more information, refer to the “Seat Belts” in chapter 3.

Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light This warning light illuminates:

• When the POWER button is in the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds.
  • It remains on if the parking brake is applied.
• When the parking brake is applied.
• When the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
  • If the warning light illuminates with the parking brake released, it indicates the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.

If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low:

1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. With the vehicle turned off, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required (For more information, refer to “Brake Fluid” in chapter 7). After adding brake fluid, check all brake components for fluid leaks. If a brake fluid leak is found, or if the warning light remains on, or if the brakes do not operate properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Dual-diagonal braking system Your vehicle is equipped with dual-diagonal braking systems. This means you still have braking on two wheels even if one of the dual systems should fail. With only one of the dual systems working, more than normal pedal travel and greater pedal pressure is required to stop the vehicle. Also, the vehicle will not stop in as short a distance with only a portion of the brake system working. WARNING Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light Driving the vehicle with a warning light ON is dangerous. If the Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light illuminates with the parking brake released, it indicates that the brake fluid level is low. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When there is a malfunction with the ABS (The normal braking system will still be operational without the assistance of the anti-lock brake system). In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) System Warning Light These two warning lights illuminate at the same time while driving:

• When the ABS and regular brake system may not work normally. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

WARNING Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) System Warning Light When both ABS and Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Lights are on, the brake system will not work normally and you may experience an unexpected and dangerous situation during sudden braking. In this case, avoid high speed driving and abrupt braking. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. NOTICE Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) System Warning Light When the ABS Warning Light is on or both ABS and Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Lights are on, the speedometer, odometer, or trip meter may not work. Also, the EPS Warning Light may illuminate and the steering effort may increase or decrease. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning Light This warning light illuminates:

•  Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When there is a malfunction with the EPB. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

NOTICE Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning Light The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Warning Light may illuminate when the Electronic Stability control (ESC) Indicator Light comes on to indicate that the ESC is not working properly (This does not indicate malfunction of the EPB). Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Warning Light This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It remains on until the engine is started.
• When there is a malfunction with the EPS. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It remains on until the engine is started.
• When there is a malfunction with the emission control system.

In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. CAUTION  Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Driving with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on may cause damage to the emission control systems which could effect drivability and/or fuel economy. CAUTION Gasoline Engine If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates, potential catalytic converter damage is possible which could result in loss of engine power. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. Charging System Warning Light (for 12-volt battery) This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It remains on until the engine is started.
• When there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system.

If there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system:

1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and check the alternator drive belt for looseness or breakage. If the belt is adjusted properly, there may be a problem in the electrical charging system. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light This warning light illuminates:

• When the engine oil pressure is low.

If the engine oil pressure is low:

1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (For more details, refer to “Engine Oil” in section 7). If the level is low, add oil as required. If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not avail-able, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

CAUTION  Engine Oil 

• If the engine does not stop immediately after the Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light is illuminated, severe damage could result.
• If the warning light stays on while the engine is running, it indicates that there may be serious engine damage or malfunction. In this case,

1. Stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. Turn off the engine and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, fill the engine oil to the proper level.3. Start the engine again. If the warning light stays on after the engine is started, turn the engine off immediately. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Low Fuel Level Warning Light This warning light illuminates: When the fuel tank is nearly empty. If the fuel tank is nearly empty: Add fuel as soon as possible. CAUTION Low Fuel Level Driving with the Low Fuel Level warning light on or with the fuel level below “E” can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter (if equipped). Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Low Tire Pressure Warning Light This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. For more details, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in chapter 6.

This warning light remains ON after blinking for approximately 60 seconds, or repeatedly blinks ON and OFF in 3-second intervals: When there is a malfunction with the TPMS. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. For more information, refer to “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” in chapter 6. WARNING Low tire pressure

• Significantly low tire pressure makes the vehicle unstable and can contribute to loss of vehicle control and increased braking distances.
• Continued driving or low-pressure tires will cause the tires to overheat and fail.

WARNING Safe Stopping

• The TPMS cannot alert you to severe and sudden tire damage caused by external factors.
• If you notice any vehicle instability, immediately take your foot off the accelerator pedal, apply the brakes gradually with light force, and slowly move to a safe position off the road.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Warning light  This indicator light illuminates:

• When there is a malfunction with the AEB.

In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. For more information, refer to “Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)” in chapter 5. All Wheel Drive (AWD) Warning Light  This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When there is a malfunction with the AWD system. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) Warning Light  This warning light blinks:

• When the POWER button is in the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When there is a malfunction with the AFLS.

If there is a malfunction with the AFLS:

1. Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and restart the engine. If the warning light remains on, you have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Indicator Lights Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When there is a malfunction with the ESC system. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This indicator light blinks: While the ESC is operating. For more information, refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in chapter 5. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates:

• When the POWER button is in the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When you deactivate the ESC system by pressing the ESC OFF button.

For more information, refer to “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” in chapter 5. This indicator light illuminates for 2 seconds and goes off:

• When the vehicle can not detect the smart key which is in the vehicle while the Engine Start/Stop Button is ON. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This indicator light blinks:

• When the battery of the smart key is weak.
  • At this time, you can not start the engine. However, you can start the engine if you press the Engine Start/Stop Button with the smart key. (For more details, refer to “Starting the Engine” in section 5).
• When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

• indicator ON) if you press the POWER button with the smart key.(For more information, refer to “Starting the vehicle” in chapter 5).

• When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Turn Signal Indicator Light This indicator light blinks:

• When using the turn signals.

If any of the following occurs, there may be a malfunction with the turn signal system. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

• The indicator light does not blink but illuminates.
• The indicator light blinks more rap-idly.
• The indicator light does not illuminate at all.

High Beam Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates:

• When the headlights are on and in the high beam position
   
• When the turn signal lever is pulled into the Flash-to-Pass position.

Smart High Beam indicator  This warning light illuminates :

• When the high beam is on with the light switch in the AUTO light position.
   
•  If your vehicle detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, the Smart High Beam system will switch the high beam to low beam automatically.

For more details, refer to “Smart High Beam” in this chapter. Front Fog Indicator Light  This indicator light illuminates:

• When the front fog lights are on.

Light ON Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates:

• When the tail

AUTO HOLD Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates:

• [White] When you activate the auto hold system by pressing the AUTO HOLD button.
   
• [Green] When you stop the vehicle completely by depressing the brake pedal with the auto hold system activated.
   
• [Yellow] When there is a malfunction with the auto hold system.
  In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

For more details, refer to “Auto Hold” in chapter 5. All Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
   
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
     
• When you select AWD Lock mode by pressing the AWD LOCK button.
   
  • The AWD LOCK mode is to increase the drive power when driving on wet pavement, snow-covered roads and/or off-road.

CAUTION AWD Lock Mode Do not use AWD LOCK mode on dry paved roads or highway, it can cause noise, vibration or damage of AWD-related parts. Cruise Indicator Light This indicator light illuminates:

• When the cruise control system is enabled.

For more details, refer to “Cruise Control System” in section 5. Cruise SET Indicator Light  This indicator light illuminates:

• When the cruise control speed is set.

For more details, refer to “Cruise Control System” in section 5. Downhill Brake Control (DBC) Indicator Light This warning light illuminates:

• Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position
  • It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes  off
•  When you activate the DBC system by pressing the DBC button.

This warning light blinks

• When the DBC is operating.

This warning light illuminates yellow:

• When there is a malfunction with the DBC system.

In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. For more details, refer to “Downhill Brake Control (DBC) System” in chapter 5.

FAQs

Useful links

View Full PDF: 2018 Hyundai Santa FE Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide

2024 Hyundai SANTA FE Review, Specs, Price, and Mileage (Brochure)

Fixing a blown fuse: 2018 Hyundai Santa FE Fuse Diagram Guide