Dashboard Indicators: 2016 Hyundai Accent Warning Lights Guide
The 2016 Hyundai Accent Dashboard Indicators and Warning Lights Guide is an important tool for drivers because it helps them understand the different warnings and messages coming from the dashboard. This guide gives a full picture of all the different signs, warning lights, and symbols that may come on during operation. Its goal is to improve safety and efficiency. Each sign holds important information that is needed to keep the vehicle running at its best, such as warning drivers of possible maintenance issues or drawing attention to serious safety concerns. By carefully reading these dashboard signs, drivers can avoid any problems before they happen and make sure their driving experience is safe and smooth. With clear pictures and easy-to-understand text, this guide gives Hyundai Accent users the tools they need to read their dashboard indicators with confidence and ease, which improves safety and peace of mind on the road.
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Warnings and indicators
All warning lights are checked by turning the ignition switch ON (do not start the engine). Any light that does not illuminate should be checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. After starting the engine, check to make sure that all warning lights are off. If any are still on, this indicates a situation that needs attention. When releasing the parking brake, the brake system warning light should go off. The fuel warning light will stay on if the fuel level is low.
ECO indicator
Active ECO system When the active ECO is operating the ECO indicator is green.
For more detailed information, refer to “Active ECO” in Chapter 5.
WARNING
Don’t keep watching the indicator while driving. It will distract you while driving and cause an accident that results in severe personal injury.
Airbag warning light
This warning light will illuminate for approximately 6 seconds each time you turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
This light also comes on when the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) is not working properly. If the SRS airbag warning light does not come on, or continuously remains on after operating for about 6 seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON position or start the engine, or if it comes on while driving, have the SRS inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light
This light illuminates if the ignition switch is turned ON and goes off in approximately 3 seconds if the system is operating normally.
If the ABS warning light remains on, comes on while driving, or does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, this indicates that there may be a malfunction with the ABS. If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. The normal braking system will still be operational but without the assistance of the anti-lock brake system.
If the ABS warning light turns on while driving
- Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the engine.
- Turn on the engine again.
- If the warning light illuminates and turns off in approximately 3 seconds, the system is operating normally.
If the warning light does not turn off, have your vehicle checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) system warning light 
If these two warning lights illuminate at the same time while driving, your vehicle may malfunction with the ABS and EBD systems.
In this case, your ABS and regular brake system may not work normally. Have the vehicle checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
If both ABS and brake warning lights are on and stay on, your vehicle’s brake system will not work normally during sudden braking. In this case, avoid high-speed driving and abrupt braking. Have your vehicle checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
NOTICE
If the ABS warning light or EBD warning light is on and stays on, the speedometer or odometer/trip meter may not work. In this case, have your vehicle checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
Seat belt warning
The driver’s seat belt warning light and chime will activate to the following table when the ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
- The warning pattern repeats 11 times with intervals of 24 seconds. If the driver’s seat belt is buckled, the light will stop within 6 seconds and the chime will stop immediately.
- The light will stop within 6 seconds and the chime will stop immediately.
Turn signal indicator
The blinking arrows on the instrument panel show the direction indicated by the turn signals. If the arrow comes on but does not blink, blinks more rapidly than normal, or does not illuminate at all, a malfunction in the turn signal system is indicated. Your dealer should be consulted for repairs.
High beam indicator
This indicator illuminates when the headlights are on and in the high beam position or when the turn signal lever is pulled into the Flash-to-Pass position.
Tail light indicator
This indicator illuminates when the tail lights are on.
Engine oil pressure warning light
This warning light indicates the engine oil pressure is low. If the warning light illuminates while driving:
- Drive safely to the side of the road and stop.
- With the engine off, check the engine oil level. If the level is low, add oil as required.
If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, call an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
CAUTION
If the engine is not stopped immediately after the engine oil pressure warning light is illuminated, severe damage could result.
If the oil pressure warning light stays on while the engine is running, serious engine damage may result. The oil pressure warning light comes on whenever there is insufficient oil pressure. In normal operation, it should come on when the ignition switch is turned on, and then go out when the engine is started. If the oil pressure warning light stays on while the engine is running, there is a serious malfunction. If this happens, stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so, turn off the engine, 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 any instance where the oil light stays on when the engine is running, the engine should be checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer before the car is driven again.
Parking brake & brake fluid warning light
Parking brake warning
This light is illuminated when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the START or ON position. The warning light should go off when the parking brake is released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the warning light remains on, it may indicate that the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
If the warning light remains on:
- 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. Then check all brake components for fluid leaks.
- Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are found, the warning light remains on or the brakes do not operate properly. Have the vehicle towed to any authorized HYUNDAI dealer for a brake system inspection and necessary repairs.
Your vehicle is equipped with a dual-diagonal braking system. This means you still have braking on two wheels even if one of the brake circuits is damaged or malfunctions. With only one of the circuits working, more than normal pedal travel and greater pedal pressure are required to stop the car. Also, the car 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 car as soon as it is safe to do so. To check bulb operation, check whether the parking brake and brake fluid warning light illuminates when the ignition switch is in the ON position.
WARNING
Driving a vehicle with a warning light on is dangerous. If the brake warning light remains on, have the brakes checked and repaired immediately by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) indicator
Low tire pressure telltale / TPMS malfunction indicator
The low tire pressure telltale/TPMS malfunction indicator comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
The TPMS malfunction indicator will illuminate after it blinks for approximately 1 minute when there is a problem with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System. If this occurs, have the system checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
For details, refer to the “TPMS” in section 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 on tires with low pressure 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 feel any vehicle instability, immediately take your foot off the accelerator, apply the brakes gradually and with light force, and slowly move to a safe position off the road.
Charging system warning light
This warning light indicates a malfunction of either the generator or the electrical charging system.
If the warning light comes on while the vehicle is in motion:
- Drive to the nearest safe location.
- With the engine off, check the generator drive belt for looseness or breakage.
- If the belt is adjusted properly, a problem exists somewhere in the electrical charging system. Have an authorized HYUNDAI dealer correct the problem as soon as possible.
NOTICE
When the charging system warning light comes on or the voltage is low (when the alternator (or battery) does not operate normally or it malfunctions), the steering wheel may get heavy and become difficult to operate and may require increased steering effort.
Front fog light indicator (if equipped)
This light comes on when the front fog lights are ON.
Trunk lid/tailgate open warning light
This warning light illuminates when the trunk lid/tailgate is not closed securely with the ignition in any position.
CAUTION
Before driving the vehicle, you should confirm that the door/hood/tailgate/trunk lid is fully closed. Also, check there is no door/hood/tailgate/trunk lid open warning light or message displayed on the instrument cluster.
Door open warning light
This indicator illuminates when a door is not closed securely.
Key reminder warning chime (if equipped)
If the driver’s door is opened while the ignition key is left in the ignition switch (ACC or LOCK position), the key reminder warning chime will sound. This helps prevent you from locking your keys in the vehicle. The chime sounds until the key is removed from the ignition switch or the driver’s door is closed.
Low fuel level warning light
This warning light indicates the fuel tank is nearly empty. When it comes on, you should add fuel as soon as possible. Driving with the fuel level warning light on or with the fuel level below “E” can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter.
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Malfunction indicator light (MIL) (check engine light)
This indicator light is part of the Engine Control System which monitors various emission control system components. If this light illuminates while driving, it indicates that a potential malfunction has been detected somewhere in the emission control system.
This light will also illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position and will go out in a few seconds after the engine is started. If it illuminates while driving, or does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position, take your vehicle to your nearest authorized HYUNDAI dealer and have the system checked.
Generally, your vehicle will continue to be drivable but have the system checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer promptly.
CAUTION
- Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light illuminated may cause damage to the emission control systems which could affect drivability and/or fuel economy.
- If the Malfunction Indicator Light illuminates or blinks, potential catalytic converter damage is possible. This could result in loss of engine power. Have the Engine Control System inspected as soon as possible by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) indicator
The ESC indicator will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON but should go off after approximately 3 seconds. When the ESC is on, it monitors the driving conditions. Under normal driving conditions, the ESC light will remain off. When a slippery or low traction condition is encountered, the ESC will operate, and the ESC indicator will blink to indicate the ESC is operating.
The ESC indicator stays on when the ESC may have a malfunction. Take your car to an authorized HYUNDAI dealer and have the system checked.
ESC OFF indicator
The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned ON but should go off after approximately 3 seconds. To switch to ESC OFF mode, press the ESC OFF button. The ESC OFF indicator will illuminate indicating the ESC is deactivated.
Cruise indicator (if equipped) CRUISE indicator
The indicator light illuminates when the cruise control system is enabled.
The cruise indicator light in the instrument cluster is illuminated when the cruise control ON-OFF button on the steering wheel is pushed.
The indicator light turns off when the cruise control ON-OFF button is pushed again. For more information about the use of cruise control, refer to “Cruise control system” in section 5.
Cruise SET indicator
The indicator light illuminates when the cruise function switch (SET- or RES+) is ON.
The cruise SET indicator light in the instrument cluster is illuminated when the cruise control switch (SET- or RES+) is pushed. The cruise SET indicator light does not illuminate when the cruise control switch (CANCEL) is pushed or the system is disengaged.
Electric power steering (EPS) system warning light
This indicator light comes on after the ignition key is turned to the ON position and then it will go out.
This light also comes on when the EPS needs repairs. If it comes on while driving, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
Steering effort may increase significantly if this lamp illuminates. See the EPS system in this section.
Engine coolant temperature warning light
The warning light illuminates if the temperature of the engine coolant is above 257±4.5°F (125±2.5°C).
Do not continue driving with an overheated engine. If your vehicle overheats, refer to “Overheating” in section 6.
NOTICE
If the engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates, it indicates overheating that may damage the engine.
Fuel cap open warning indicator (if equipped)
This warning light indicates the fuel filler cap is not tightened securely.
Always make sure that the fuel filler cap is tight.
HAZARD WARNING FLASHER
The hazard warning flasher should be used whenever you find it necessary to stop the car in a hazardous location. When you must make such an emergency stop, always pull off the road as far as possible.
The hazard warning lights are turned on by pushing in the hazard switch. This causes all turn signal lights to blink. The hazard warning lights will operate even though the key is not in the ignition switch.
To turn the hazard warning lights off, push the switch a second time.
LIGHTING
Battery saver function (if equipped)
- The purpose of this feature is to prevent the battery from being discharged. The system automatically turns off the parking lights when the driver removes the ignition key and opens the driver-side door.
- With this feature, the parking lights will be turned off automatically if the driver parks on the side of the road at night.
If necessary, to keep the lights on when the ignition key is removed, perform the following:- Open the driver-side door.
- Turn the parking lights OFF and ON again using the light switch on the steering column.
CAUTION
If the driver gets out of the vehicle through other doors, the battery saver function does not operate. Therefore, it causes the battery to be discharged. In this case, make sure to turn off the lamp before getting out of the vehicle.
Headlight delay (if equipped)
If you turn the ignition switch to the ACC or OFF position with the headlights ON, the headlights (and/or tail lights) remain on for about 5 minutes. However, if the driver’s door is opened and closed, the headlights are turned off after 15 seconds. The headlights can be turned off by pressing the lock button on the transmitter twice or turning the light switch to the OFF or AUTO position. However, if you turn the light switch to the AUTO position when it is dark outside, the headlights will not be turned off.
Headlight welcome function (if equipped)
When the headlight switch is in the ON or AUTO position and all doors (and tailgate) are closed and locked, if you press the door unlock button on the transmitter, the headlights will come on for about 15 seconds. If the headlight switch is in the AUTO position, the function can only operate at night. At this time, if you press the door unlock button again or the door lock button on the transmitter, the headlights will turn off immediately.
Tail lamp warning chime (if equipped)
If you turn the ignition switch to the OFF position with the tail lamps ON and the driver’s door in an open position, the warning chime will sound.
To stop the chime, perform one of the following:
- Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
- Turn the tail lamps OFF.
- Close the driver’s door.
CAUTION
To prevent the battery from being discharged, make sure to turn off the lamp before getting out of the vehicle.
Lighting control
The light switch has a Headlight and a Parking light position. To operate the lights, turn the knob at the end of the control lever to one of the following positions:
- OFF position
- Parking light position
- Headlight position
- Auto light position (if equipped)
FAQs
This warning light typically indicates issues with the vehicle’s brake system, such as low brake fluid or a malfunction in the brake system.
When the battery warning light illuminates, it signifies a problem with the charging system. You should have the battery and charging system checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
If the engine temperature warning light comes on, it means the engine is overheating. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool down. Check coolant levels and inspect for any leaks before continuing your journey.
The steering system warning light indicates an issue with the power steering system. It could be due to a low-power steering fluid or a malfunction in the system. Check the fluid levels and consult a professional if the light persists.
When the oil pressure warning light illuminates, it means there’s low oil pressure in the engine. Immediately pull over, turn off the engine, and check the oil level. Do not continue driving until the issue is resolved to avoid engine damage.
The airbag warning light indicates a fault in the airbag system. It’s crucial to have this addressed promptly by a qualified technician to ensure the airbags deploy correctly in case of an accident.
When the tire pressure warning light illuminates, it means one or more tires are underinflated. Check the tire pressure of all tires, including the spare, and inflate them to the recommended levels as soon as possible.
The ABS warning light indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system. While normal braking should still function, it’s advisable to have the ABS checked by a professional to ensure optimal braking performance.
When the fuel warning light comes on, it means the fuel level is low. Refuel at the nearest gas station to avoid running out of fuel while driving.
The door ajar warning light indicates that one or more doors are not fully closed. Ensure all doors are securely shut before driving to prevent accidents or damage to the vehicle.
The check engine light illuminates when the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system detects a problem with the engine, emissions, or other vital components. It’s advisable to have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional technician to determine the exact issue.
The traction control system warning light signifies a problem with the vehicle’s traction control system. It’s recommended to have the system inspected to ensure proper functionality, especially in adverse driving conditions.
The washer fluid warning light indicates that the washer fluid level is low. Refill the washer fluid reservoir as soon as possible to maintain visibility while driving, especially in dirty or inclement conditions.
The glow plug indicator light is specifically for diesel engine models and illuminates to indicate the glow plugs are heating up or that there’s an issue with the glow plug system. If it remains lit while driving, have the system inspected by a professional.
The immobilizer system warning light indicates a problem with the vehicle’s anti-theft system. If the light remains on, it may prevent the engine from starting. Have the system checked by a qualified technician to diagnose and resolve the issue.
Useful Links:
View Full PDF: 2016 Hyundai Accent Owner’s Manual | Auto User Guide
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