2018 Hyundai Tucson Dashboard Warning Lights Guide
A range of dashboard warning lights are included with the 2018 Hyundai Tucson to notify drivers of potential problems or faults. Here’s a quick rundown of some typical warning lights you may come across. Usually, an issue with the engine or emission control system is indicated by this light. It may be anything from a loose gas cap to a more significant engine problem. These are just a handful of the warning lights that may appear on the dashboard of a 2018 Hyundai Tucson. Knowing the meanings of these lights might help you react effectively to any problems that may emerge while driving. The owner’s manual for your car is the best source of precise information and directions.
2023 – 2024 Hyundai Tucson Review, Specs, Price and Mileage (Brochure)
WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
Warning Lights
Information
Make sure that all warning lights are OFF after starting the engine. If any light is still ON, this indicates a situation that needs attention.
Supplemental Restraint System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
- Once you set the ignition switch or the 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 2
Parking Brake & Brake Fluid Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
- Once you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to 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 reservoir is low.
If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low:
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
- With the engine stopped, 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.
If the brakes fail while you are driving, shift to a lower gear for additional engine braking and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
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 the 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.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Information – 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 tripmeter 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.
Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
- Once you turn the ignition switch or the 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 turn 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.
NOTICE
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
Driving with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on may cause damage to the emission control systems which could affect drivability and/or fuel economy.
NOTICE
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates, potential catalyt-ic converter damage is possible which could result in loss of engine power.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Charging System Warning Light
If this warning light comes on while the engine is running, the battery is not being charged. Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use electrically operated controls, such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will quickly discharge the battery.
If there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system:
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
- 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 elec-trical charging system.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
- Once you turn the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- It remains on until the engine is started.
- When the engine oil pressure is low.
If the engine oil pressure is low:
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
- Turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (For more information, refer to “Engine Oil” in chapter 7). If the level is low, add oil as required.
If the warning light remains on after adding oil and restarting the engine or if oil is not available, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical con-cern that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
NOTICE
- Engine Oil Pressure Warning light
To prevent severe engine damage, after the Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light is illuminated and as soon as it is safe to do so, turn the engine off and check the oil level.
If the oil level is low, fill the engine oil to the proper level and start the engine again. If the light stays on with the engine running, 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. Add fuel as soon as possible.
NOTICE
- 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.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
- Once you turn the ignition switch or the 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 (The location of each underinflated tire is displayed on the LCD display).
For more information, 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
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 warning light illuminates :
- When the AEB system is turned off.
- When the radar sensor or cover is blocked with dirt or snow. Check the sensor and cover and clean them by using a soft cloth.
- When there is a malfunction with AEB. In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
- Once you turn 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.
Headlight Warning Light
This warning light illuminates:
This warning light illuminates if the headlamp (Low) is not operating properly. The headlamp (Low) bulb may need to be replaced. If the vehicle is equipped with LED headlamps, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Information
When replacing the bulb, use the same wattage bulb.
For more information, refer to “BULB WATTAGE” in chapter 8.
Master Warning Light
This indicator light illuminates
- When there is a malfunction in operation in any of the following systems:
- Low washer fluid
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD) mal-function (if equipped)
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) malfunction
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Service reminder and so on.
To identify the details of the warning, look at the LCD display.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFLS) Warning Light
This warning light blinks:
- When there is a malfunction with the AFLS.
If there is a malfunction with the AFLS:
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
- 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 turn the ignition switch or the 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:
- Once you turn the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to 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.
Immobilizer Indicator Light (With Smart Key)
This indicator light illuminates for up to 30 seconds:
When the vehicle detects the smart key in the vehicle with the Engine Start/Stop button in the ACC or ON position.
- At this time, you can start the engine.
- The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.
This indicator light blinks for a few seconds:
When the smart key is not in the vehicle.
- At this time, you cannot start the engine.
This indicator light illuminates for 2 seconds and goes off:
If the smart key is in the vehicle and the Engine Start/Stop button is ON, but the vehicle cannot detect the smart key.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
This indicator light blinks:
- When the battery voltage of the smart key is low.
- At this time, you can not start the engine. However, you can start the engine if you press the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop but-ton with the smart key. (For more information, refer to “Starting the Engine” 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 you operate the turn signal indicator.
If any of the following occurs, there may be a malfunction with the turn signal system.
- The turn signal indicator light illuminates but does not blink
- The turn signal indicator light blinks rapidly
- The turn signal indicator light does not illuminate at all
If either of these conditions occur, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
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.
Light ON Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:
When the tail lights or headlights are on.
Front Fog Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:
- When the front fog lights are on.
Cruise Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:
When the cruise control system is enabled.
For more information, refer to “Cruise Control System” in Chapter 5.
Cruise SET Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:
When the cruise control speed is set.
For more information, refer to “Cruise Control System” in Chapter 5.
SPORT Mode Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:
When you select “SPORT” mode as drive mode.
For more information, refer to “Drive Mode Integrated Control System” in chapter 5.
ECO Mode Indicator Light (for Automatic transmission)
This indicator light illuminates :
When you select “ECO” mode as drive mode.
For more information, refer to “LCD Display” in this chapter.
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:
- [Green] When you activate the lane departure warning system by pressing the LDWS button.
- [White] When system operating conditions are not satisfied or when the sensor does not detect the lane line.
- [Yellow] When there is a malfunction with the lane departure warning system.
In this case, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
For more information, refer to “Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)” in chapter 5.
All Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:
- Once you turn 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 transfer a portion of the drive torque to the rear wheels for increased traction on wet pavement, snow-covered roads or when driving off-road.
CAUTION
AWD Lock Mode
Do not use the AWD lock mode on dry paved roads. Doing so can cause abnormal noise or vibration, and may damage the AWD system.
Downhill Brake Control (DBC) Indicator Light
This warning light illuminates:
- Once you turn 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
The red battery light stands for a charging system issue. It can be the result of an electrical problem, a bad alternator, or both. It is recommended that you have a mechanic check it out right away.
Engine or emissions system issues are usually indicated by the check engine light. It might be something as simple as a loose gas cap or something more catastrophic. It is advised to run a diagnostic scan to pinpoint the precise problem.
Usually, this symbol denotes a fault with the braking system, like low brake fluid or an ABS malfunction. It’s critical that the brakes are examined as soon as feasible.
This warning light denotes an issue with the electric power steering system. Low power steering fluid or a system malfunction could be to blame. To prevent potential steering problems, immediate attention is required.
The answer is that it denotes low oil pressure. Low oil levels or an issue with the oil pump could be the cause of this. Low oil pressure while driving can seriously harm an engine, so stop and check the oil level right away.
The engine is overheating, as shown by the thermometer symbol. As soon as possible, stop the car, allow it to cool, and then check the coolant levels. Severe harm might result from driving with an overheating engine.
Low tire pressure is indicated by this warning light. To avoid tire damage or a blowout, check your tires’ pressure and inflate them to the proper level as soon as you can.
An issue with the anti-lock braking system is indicated by the ABS light. Even if basic braking will still function, it is advised to have a professional inspect the system to guarantee safe operation.
The yellow engine symbol is a check engine light, often known as a malfunction indication light (MIL). It suggests that there is an issue with the engine or emissions system that needs to be quickly identified and fixed.
The yellow wrench symbol usually denotes an issue with the electronic throttle control system. A mechanic’s inspection of the system is recommended to avoid any potential driving difficulties.
The red seatbelt symbol serves as a reminder to passengers to buckle up. Before driving, make sure all passengers are securely fastened.
The symbol denotes low windshield washer fluid. Fill up the washer fluid reservoir to guarantee that you can see clearly while driving.
It denotes a low fuel level. As soon as you can, refuel to prevent unexpected gas shortages.
The green “Auto Hold” symbol denotes the presence of the Auto Hold feature. Auto Hold is helpful in traffic and on slopes as it holds the car stopped without requiring constant application of the brake pedal.
The green “Eco” symbol denotes that the car is using less gasoline and is therefore encouraging environmentally beneficial driving practices.
Useful Links
View Full PDF: 2018 Hyundai Tucson Owner’s Manual| Auto User Guide
2023 – 2024 Hyundai Tucson Review, Specs, Price and Mileage (Brochure)
Instrument Cluster: Hyundai Tucson 2018 Display Screen Guide