A lit dashboard warning light can make any drive tense, especially in a Jaguar, where dozens of systems talk to each other. Some warnings require immediate attention, while others instruct you to stop immediately. The key is knowing which is which.
Here are seven of the most common Jaguar warning lights you will see and what to do in each case.
1. Check Engine Light
This amber engine icon flags anything from a loose gas cap to a failing sensor or misfire. If the light is steady and the car drives normally, you can usually continue, but schedule an inspection soon to prevent bigger issues. If the light flashes, misfires are likely. Ease off the throttle and avoid hard acceleration, since raw fuel can damage the catalytic converters. A scan of live data and stored codes points directly to the cause.
2. Battery Or Charging System Warning
A red battery symbol means the alternator is not charging or voltage is low. Turn off nonessential accessories like the rear defroster and seat heaters, then head for service before the car stalls. Modern Jaguars depend on stable voltage for steering, braking support, and transmission control, so do not push your luck. Testing the alternator output, belt condition, and primary grounds will tell whether you are looking at a belt issue, a failing alternator, or a poor connection.
3. Oil Pressure Warning Light
A red oil can icon means pressure dropped below safe limits. Pull over safely and shut the engine off as soon as you can. Running with low oil pressure risks rapid engine damage. Once parked, check the oil level after a short cool-down. If the level is fine, the problem may be a failed pressure sensor or a pickup restriction, but do not repeatedly restart the experiment. This is a tow-to-shop situation, not a drive-on-and-hope scenario.
4. Coolant Temperature Warning
A red thermometer or high-temperature message tells you the engine is overheating. Turn the heater to hot and the fan to high to shed heat, then find a safe place to stop. Do not remove the coolant cap when the engine is hot. Common causes include a weak electric fan, a stuck thermostat, low coolant from a small leak, or debris blocking the radiator and condenser. A pressure test and fan-command check are the quickest ways to confirm the fault.
5. Brake System And ABS Warning
A red “BRAKE” or brake symbol points to low fluid, a hydraulic fault, or the parking brake being applied. An amber ABS icon means the anti-lock function is disabled, but basic braking may still work. If both lights appear together, traction and stability features can be affected as well. Check that the parking brake is fully released. If the pedal feels soft, stop driving and have the car towed. Leaks, a failing wheel speed sensor, or a sticking caliper are common finds.
6. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
An amber tire symbol with an exclamation mark means one or more tires are low. Cold weather can drop pressure a few psi and trigger the light, but punctures are common, too. Set pressures to the door-jamb sticker when tires are cold, then recheck in a day. If the light returns quickly, have the tire inspected for a slow leak at the tread, valve, or bead. A flashing TPMS light at startup usually points to a sensor battery or communication fault.
7. Stability Control And Traction Control Light
The amber skidding-car icon flashes when the system is actively correcting wheel slip. That is normal in rain, snow, or gravel. If the icon stays on, a fault has disabled the system. You may notice reduced traction or a warning about reduced stability. Wheel speed sensors, steering angle calibration, and yaw sensors are typical suspects. Clearing debris from sensor rings and confirming alignment often restores proper operation.
Schedule A Jaguar Warning-Light Diagnostic With Jeff's Automotive, Inc In Easton, PA
If a light is on, do not guess. Our technicians read codes, check live data, and test the exact system involved so you get a repair that lasts. We handle everything from charging faults and misfires to brake and stability warnings, and we confirm the fix with a proper road test.
Schedule a visit with Jeff’s Automotive, Inc in Easton, PA, and drive away with a quiet dashboard and confidence in your Jaguar.