Warning Lights Symbols: Hyundai Santa Fe 2023 Guide

Warning Lights Symbols: Hyundai Santa Fe 2023 Guide

Understanding the meanings of warning lights is very important when it comes to car safety and functionality, and the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe does a great job of making this clear with its many lit-up signs. These symbols are very important because they let drivers know about different conditions and possible problems with the car. Every icon on Santa Fe’s dashboard, from the well-known “check engine” light to more specialized alerts like “monitoring tire pressure” and “adaptive cruise control status,” shows important data that is needed to drive safely and efficiently. With a focus on clarity and speed, Hyundai made these warning lights easy to understand so drivers can quickly assess and deal with any problems that come up during their trip. By making the dashboard symbols easier to understand, Santa Fe gives drivers the tools they need to feel confident on the road. 

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Warning and indicator 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.

Seat belt warning light
This warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened.
For more details, refer to the “Seat Belts” section in Chapter 3.

Airbag warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you turn the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • It illuminates for approximately 3~6 seconds and then goes off.
• When there is a malfunction with the SRS.
  In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Parking brake warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The parking brake & brake fluid warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and will then turn off once the parking brake is released.
• Whenever the parking brake is applied.
• Whenever 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 engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required (For more details, refer to the “Brake Fluid” section in chapter 9). 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 system. 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 are 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.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position
  • The ABS warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with the ABS.
  Note that the hydraulic braking system will still be operational even if there is a malfunction with the ABS.
  If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning light
When the ABS warning and
Parking Brake warning lights are on simultaneously, which may indicate a problem with the Electronic Brake Force Distribution system.
If this occurs, have the 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.
If this occurs, avoid high-speed driving and abrupt braking.
Have the 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.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The electric power steering warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with the electric power steering.
  If the MDPS warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Charging system warning light
This warning light illuminates: 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.
   If this occurs, have the 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:

• Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
• Turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (For more details, refer to the “Engine Oil” section in Chapter 9). If the level is low, add oil as required.

If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. Continued driving with the warning light on may cause engine failure.

Information
When engine oil pressure decreases due to insufficient engine oil, etc., the Engine Oil Pressure warning light will illuminate. In addition, the enhanced engine protection system which limits engine power will be activated. When the engine oil pressure is restored, the warning light and the enhanced engine protection system will turn off after the engine is restarted. However, for gasoline 2.5 GDI engine and 2.5 turbo engine, when the engine oil pressure is restored, the warning light and the enhanced engine protection system will turn off after the engine is restarted.

NOTICE
If the engine does not stop immediately after the Engine Oil Pressure warning light is illuminated, severe damage could result.

Low fuel level warning light
This warning light illuminates: When the fuel tank is nearly empty. Add fuel as soon as possible.

 

NOTICE
Driving with the Low Fuel Level warning light on or with the fuel level below “E” or “- – -” on the Distance to Empty indicator can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
This indicator light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The malfunction indicator light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with either the emission control system or the engine or the vehicle powertrain.
  If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

NOTICE

• Driving with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on may cause damage to the emission control system which could affect drivability and/or fuel economy.
• If the enhanced engine protection system becomes activated operation due to a lack of engine oil, engine power will be limited. If such a condition continues repeatedly, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will illuminate.

NOTICE
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates, potential catalytic converter damage is possible which could result in loss of engine power.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

Exhaust system (GPF) warning light (for gasoline engine, if equipped)

 

• This warning light illuminates when accumulated soot reaches a certain amount.
• When this warning light illuminates, it may turn off after driving the vehicle at more than 50 mph (80km/h) for about 30 minutes (above 3rd gear with 1500 ~ 4000 engine rpm).
  If this warning light blinks despite the procedure (at this time LCD warning message will be displayed), have the GPF system checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

NOTICE
If you continue to drive with the GPF warning light blinking for a long time, the GPF system can be damaged and fuel consumption can worsen.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The EPB warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with EPB.
  If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Information
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 a malfunction of EPB.

AUTO HOLD indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

 

• [White] When you activate Auto Hold by pressing the AUTO HOLD switch.
• [Green] When you stop the vehicle completely by depressing the brake pedal with Auto Hold activated.
• [Yellow] Whenever there is a malfunction with the Auto Hold function.
  If the AUTO HOLD indicator light remains YELLOW while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

For more details, refer to the “Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)” section in chapter 6.

Low tire pressure warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The low tire pressure warning light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. (The location of the underinflated tires is displayed on the cluster display.)

For more details, refer to the “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” section in chapter 8.
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.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.
For more details, refer to the “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” section in chapter 8.

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.

Forward Safety warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The Forward Safety warning light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
For more details, refer to the “Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)” section in chapter 7.

The Lane Safety indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

 

• [Green] When Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are satisfied.
• [White] When Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are not satisfied.
• [Yellow] Whenever there is a malfunction with Lane Keeping Assist. If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

For more details, refer to the “Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)” section in chapter 7.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light
This warning light illuminates:
Whenever there is a malfunction with the 4WD system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
For more details, refer to “4 Wheel Drive (4WD)” section in chapter 6.

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.

NOTICE
Do not use 4WD LOCK mode on dry paved roads or highways, it can cause noise, vibration or damage of 4WD-related parts.

LED headlight warning light
This warning light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The LED headlight warning light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with the LED headlight.
  If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This warning light blinks:
Whenever there is a malfunction with an LED headlight-related part.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

NOTICE
Continuous driving with the LED Headlight warning light on or blinking can reduce LED headlight life.

Icy road warning light
This warning light is to warn the driver the road may be icy.
When the temperature on the outside temperature gauge is approximately below 4°C (40°F), the Icy Road warning light and Outside Temperature Gauge blink and then illuminate. Also, the warning chime sounds 1 time.
You can activate or deactivate Icy Road Warning function from the User Settings menu in the cluster LCD display.
Select:

• Setup – User Settings – Cluster – Icy Road Warning

Information
If the Icy Road warning light appears while driving, you should drive more attentively and safely refraining from over-speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking or sharp turning, etc.

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Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The Electronic Stability Control indicator light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
• Whenever there is a malfunction with the ESC system.
  If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This indicator light blinks:
While ESC is operating. For more details, refer to the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” section in Chapter 6.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF indicator light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The ESC OFF indicator light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When you deactivate the ESC system by pressing the ESC OFF button.

For more details, refer to the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” section in Chapter 6.

Immobilizer Indicator Light (without smart key) (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:

 

• When the vehicle detects the immobilizer in the key with the ignition switch in the ON position.
  • At this time, you can start the engine.
  • The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.

This indicator light blinks:

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

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 the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This indicator light blinks:

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

Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

 

• When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
  • The downhill brake control indicator light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
• When you activate the system by pressing the DBC button.

This indicator light blinks:
When the Downhill Brake Control system is operating.

This indicator light illuminates yellow:
Whenever there is a malfunction with the Downhill Brake Control system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
For more details, refer to the “Downhill Brake Control (DBC)“ section in chapter 6.

AUTO STOP indicator light
This indicator light illuminates When the engine enters the Idle Stop mode of the ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system.
When the engine automatically starts, the AUTO STOP indicator on the cluster Illuminates to white.
For more details, refer to the “ISG (Idle Stop and Go) system” section in Chapter 6.

Information
When the engine automatically starts by the ISG system, some warning lights (ABS, ESC, ESC OFF, EPS, or Parking brake warning light) may turn on for a few seconds. This happens because of low battery voltage. It does not mean the system has malfunctioned.

Turn signal indicator light
This indicator light blinks: When you operate the turn signal indicator stalk.
If any of the following occur, 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 any of these conditions occur, have the 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.

High Beam Assist indicator light
This indicator light illuminates: When the high beam is on with the light switch in the AUTO position.

 

• White: When High Beam Assist is ready to operate.
• Green: When High Beam Assist is operating.

If your vehicle detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, High Beam Assist will switch the high beam to low beam automatically.
For more details, refer to “High Beam Assist (HBA)” section in chapter 5.

Cruise Indicator Light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates: When the cruise control system is enabled.
For more details, refer to “Smart Cruise Control (SCC)” in chapter 7.

SPORT Mode Indicator Light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates When you select “SPORT” mode as drive mode.
For more details, refer to “Drive Mode Integrated Control System” in Chapter 6.

SMART Mode Indicator Light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates: When you select ”SMART” mode as drive mode.
For more details, refer to “Drive Mode Integrated Control System” in chapter 6.

Master warning light
This warning light illuminates: When there is a malfunction in operation in any of the following systems:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist malfunction (if equipped)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist radar blocked (if equipped)
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning malfunction (if equipped)
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning radar blocked (if equipped)
• LED headlight malfunction (if equipped)
• High Beam Assist malfunction (if equipped)
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go malfunction (if equipped)
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go radar blocked (if equipped)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) malfunction

To identify the details of the warning, look at the LCD.

FAQs

Useful Links

View Full PDF: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe User Guide | Auto User Guide

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Cluster Guide: 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Dashboard Instruction