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2025 Ford F-150 Dashboard Lights & Symbols
It can be scary when certain symbols appear on your truck's instrument cluster, but we're here to go over the common Ford F-150 dashboard symbols and meanings so you can be better informed when these icons are displayed. These lights often indicate an issue with your Ford truck that requires your attention, but this is not always the case; some, such as the green "4WD" symbol, aren't an issue at all. This symbol means your 4WD system is engaged and working as intended. So, familiarize yourself with the key symbols by reading this guide, and let the trained technicians at Tom Wood Ford fix any issues that arise.
The Warning Light Colors
Like the colors of a traffic light, green, yellow, and red warnings indicate three varying causes for concern.
A green symbol indicates that one of the truck's internal systems is functioning as intended. Depending on the specific symbol, a yellow light means that you should proceed cautiously or stop driving altogether until the issue is addressed. Meanwhile, a red light almost always indicates a critical system failure or malfunction and should be addressed immediately.
Whether the warning light is red or yellow, a professional mechanic should take a look to determine the origin of the problem. At our Ford service center, our technicians are fluent in the meaning of these symbols and how to manage the issues they indicate.
Battery Warning Light
One of the Ford F-150 dashboard symbols that can indicate various issues is the battery warning light that appears in red and resembles a typical rectangular car battery. This symbol indicates an issue with your car's electrical system, ranging from a weak or failing battery to a faulty alternator. If you are properly trained and equipped, test your battery at home to determine if it has lost its ability to hold a charge. If it's something worse than that, our technicians can get to work on repairing the internal electrical systems. Either way, don't drive the truck until the issue is solved: Electrical issues can leave you stranded.
Powertrain Fault Warning (Wrench Icon)
Of all the possible Ford F-150 dashboard symbols, the wrench symbol is one of the most critical indicators that something is wrong. It points to an issue with one or more systems that form your vehicle's powertrain, which can indicate anything from low oil pressure in the engine to faulty electronics in the transmission. We recommend pulling over immediately and contacting our Ford service center to arrange for your Ford truck to be brought to our facility for a diagnostic inspection.
Other Green Ford F-150 Dashboard Symbols
Here is a list of several potential green Ford F-150 dashboard symbols:
- Four-Wheel Drive Indicator: This symbol indicates that 4WD is engaged.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator: This symbol appears as a small vehicle in front of a speedometer and lights up when your truck's Adaptive Cruise Control system activates.
- Blind Spot Monitor Indicator: This symbol appears as a small car in another car's blind spot and blinks on when the Blind Spot Monitor is activated.
- Cruise Control Indicator: This symbol, a small speedometer, signifies your cruise control is on.
- Fog Lamp Indicator: This symbol resembles a headlamp with intersecting lines in front and indicates that your fog lights are switched on.
- Traction and Stability Control: The image appears as a car swerving on a winding road, and it will switch on when your traction control system is triggered. For example, if your Ford truck loses grip in mud or on an icy surface.
- Hill Descent Indicator: When driving down a steep hill, you may see a truck driving down a steep slope as the symbol when the Hill Descent Control feature is activated.
- Auto Start-Stop Indicator: Appearing at a capital A surrounded by an arrow, this logo will pop up when the auto start-stop feature is activated.
Red or Yellow Ford F-150 Dashboard Symbols
- Check 4x4 Warning: This logo appears as a wrench and will say "Check 4x4" to indicate a 4WD system malfunction.
- Brake System Indicator: This symbol appears when your parking brake is activated and appears as the letter P inside two circles. However, if it appears and the parking brake is not engaged, it indicates an issue with your brake system, such as low brake fluid. Do not drive the truck in this case; seek diagnosis and repair immediately.
- Electric Park Brake Warning: This curved arrow in a circle symbol pops up to notify you of a problem with your parking brake.
- Service Engine Soon: This logo lights up as a small engine and indicates one or more engine issues. As the name suggests, you should service your engine soon to prevent damage.
- Engine Coolant Temperature Warning: If you see a small thermometer logo that appears immersed in water, your engine is overheating. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so and have your truck towed to our service center.
- Transmission Tow/Haul Warning: If you see the words "TOW HAUL" appear on your Ford F-150 dashboard lights system, there is an issue with your towing system.
- Engine Oil Warning: This illuminated leaking oil-can symbol specifies an issue with your engine oil level or pressure. Either situation can lead to engine damage, so pull over and turn off the engine as soon as you can.
- Low Tire Pressure Warning: An exclamation point inside a flat tire icon indicates dangerously low air pressure in one or more tires. If you see this symbol, pull over immediately and decide if you can fill the tires; if not, call for roadside service.
We hope this guide to Ford F-150 dashboard symbols and meanings has brought you more peace and confidence to get behind the wheel of your truck. Visit or contact Tom Wood Ford if you have any concerns or questions about the new Ford F-150 for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exclamation light on my Ford F-150?
The exclamation light on your F-150 dash typically indicates that the tire pressure is low in one or more of your truck's tires. This is one of the most important Ford F-150 dashboard symbols you could receive, as ignoring it could lead to increased wear or potentially a tire blowout. Contact us for assistance if you see this symbol or any other Ford F-150 warning lights.
What do the gauges on my Ford F-150 dash mean?
The gauges on your Ford F-150 truck's dash mean varying things; some are vehicle info readouts, while some display complex warnings. The 2025 Ford F-150 dash symbols and warnings can involve anything from a loose gas cap to severe engine damage. Whenever a non-green warning light appears on the dash of your F-150, contact a Ford dealership and schedule a diagnostic service as soon as possible.
What is the wrench symbol on the dashboard of a Ford F-150?
The wrench symbol on the dashboard of your F-150 is the Powertrain Fault Warning. This warning is one of the more severe 2025 Ford F-150 dashboard symbols. When it illuminates, you should stop driving immediately and bring your vehicle in (ideally via a tow truck) for diagnosis and repair. Continuing to drive while the Ford F-150 wrench light is illuminated can cause serious damage.
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