Are you an owner or potential buyer of an Isuzu truck? This is a great selection for both on and off-road driving, however, it’s crucial for you to know what every warning light on an Isuzu truck signifies before you hit the roads.
Your Isuzu truck communicates with you through the dashboard symbols. Your actions should depend on that information to drive safely on the road and reduce the maintenance cost.
This article focuses on the most common Isuzu truck warning lights that every driver should know. Read on for details!
Daytime Running Lights Indicator
Two versions of daytime running lights indicator exist. The first one is a three-letter acronym, DRL, whereas the other consists of small dots or lines radiating from an oval-shaped figure. The green color means the lights are active and working as expected, while amber indicates a fault, regardless of the type.
Daytime running light stays on at all times as long as the engine is running. They enhance your visibility while on the road or notify other road users about your presence. These lights are usually low-beam Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that do not illuminate the road ahead.
Engine Alarm (Shutdown) Warning Light
It is a clockwise-facing circular arrow with X on it. It comes on when there is a critical engine fault that requires shutdown. Alarm beeps may accompany this warning indicator.
Typical causes of the engine shutdown warning indicator include overheating, low or lack of oil pressure, electrical power loss, and many emission-related problems. Park the truck and turn off the engine when you see it. You can then contact the dealer or mechanic for diagnosis. Do not drive your truck with this light on the dashboard.
Idling Stop Indicator
Idling stop or auto start/stop system comes on when you activate it by flipping a switch on the dashboard. It automatically shuts down the engine when it stays idle for some time. That is usually the case when there is heavy traffic or when you stop at the stop sign. It saves fuel and minimizes carbon footprints.
In Isuzu vehicles, the symbol is IDLE STOP. It shows green if active and turns off if you set it otherwise by flipping a switch on the dashboard. An amber color may indicate a system fault. Other vehicle models show it as a letter A cycled by a clockwise-facing arrow.
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Reduce Engine Power Indicator
This Isuzu truck warning light is an amber engine block with a downward-facing arrow. Reduced engine power, also known as the limp mode in some models, means your car won’t accelerate even when you step on the gas pedal to the floor. It is a safety feature to prevent further engine damage. You will have just enough engine power to take you to an auto repair shop or drive you back home. Your car is safe at this reduced power, but you should take it to a mechanic for further diagnosis and fixing.
Service Vehicle Soon Indicator
Service vehicle soon (SVS) indicator is an amber light of a car and a wrench or spanner inside it. The Isuzu D-Max model is a generic fault indicator that we cannot associate with any fault. You require a specialized diagnostic tool to find the code that points at the possible cause. That may not be within your reach. So, take your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as you can to diagnose and fix the problem.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
DEF warning light on Isuzu D-Max is an amber symbol consisting of a wavy line, smoke trail, and fluid drops. It comes on to warn you of different issues. Check the message center for any information regarding the actual cause.
The Isuzu truck warning light comes on if the diesel fluid level is low or diesel fluid quality is low. It is safe to drive your truck for a few miles. But the further you go, the riskier it becomes. Please visit an auto repair shop to fix it as soon as possible.
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ABS Warning Light
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) does just what its name suggests. It prevents wheels from locking, giving you steering control under heavy load or slippery road conditions. The symbol is an amber circle enclosed in braces with ABS or just the acronym.
ABS warning light temporarily comes on when you start the engine. It stays on for about 30 seconds and turns off once the system check is complete. But if it persists, it indicates a problem with the ABS. You can reset it by stopping and then restarting the engine after a few minutes. If it doesn’t go off, visit an auto repair shop for fixing. It is safe to drive your truck, but you risk wheel locking.
Exhaust Brake Indicator
An exhaust brake indicator is an amber light that illuminates a circle with a smoke trail inside brackets. It functions when you activate them by toggling a switch on the dashboard. They prevent the truck from moving downhill too fast when pulling a loaded trailer.
These Isuzu truck warning lights operate in two modes. The first mode is the Full-Strength indicated by an amber exhaust brake dashboards indicator. If you toggle the switch again, it will go to an Automatic or Smart Exhaust Brake shown by AUTO below the dashboard warning light. Toggling a third time will turn the exhaust brake off, and OFF appears below the indicator.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Temperature Warning Light
The ATF temperature warning light is a red gear and a thermometer inside it. It comes on when the transmission fluid temperature is higher than recommended. That may be the case when the cooling system is not functioning appropriately.
Driving with the ATF warning light on is a bad idea. It can cause more damage to your transmission system. Pull off the road and shut down the engine to let it cool. You can call a mechanic to assess the situation or carefully drive to the nearest auto repair shop for a detailed diagnosis.
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Brake System Warning Light
The brake system warning light in Isuzu D-Max is a word symbol illuminating as BRAKE. It comes on momentarily when you start the engine and goes off. If it stays on, it means you engage the handbrake or partially disengage. If none of these is true, there is a problem with the braking system. Do not drive your truck in that case because of a possible brake failure. Call your mechanic to fix it.
Overdrive Off Indicator Light
An overdrive off warning light is a letter D inside a square shape with a diagonal line crossing from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner. You usually use overdrive on long, flat, open roads where you can maintain constant high speeds. If you don’t use it, you deactivate the system by toggling a switch on the dashboard. This Isuzu truck warning light will appear to show you that the overdrive is off. But if you see it when overdrive is active, there may be a fault in the system that you should fix.
Brake Booster Warning Light
Brake booster warning light illuminates as BRAKE BOOSTER on the Isuzu D-Max dashboard. The truck needs the brake booster to increase the braking force you apply on the pedal to the master cylinder. Brake pedals may become much harder to depress if it fails and the warning light appears. You should fix the problem to avoid using much force when stepping on the brakes. It may be unsafe for long rides.
Battery Discharge Warning Light
The battery discharge warning light is a red symbol of the typical car battery you find in all vehicles. It comes on when the battery is not charging. That may result from a faulty alternator, damaged car battery, corroded battery terminal, or circuit problems. You can troubleshoot this problem if you are a DIYer. Otherwise, call a mechanic for help.
Cruise Set Indicator
The cruise set indicator is a green symbol of a speedometer with an arrow indicating the set speed limit. The word SET also appears below it. You will see this symbol on the dashboard when you manually set and activate it by pressing a cruise control symbol. This system allows you to maintain a set speed on an open road or a highway without putting your foot on the gas pedal.
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Turn Signal
The turn signal indicators in Isuzu are the typical green arrows you will find in any car. The left-pointing arrow lights green when you toggle the switch for a left turn, while the right-pointing one lights green when you again toggle the switch for a right turn. If you press the hazard button, both turn signals flash.
Hazard Warning Light
The hazard warning indicator is a red triangular light on the dashboard. It also acts as a button that usually lights red when you press it. Pressing this button will witch all your turn signals on. They will flash at the same rate. Always remember to turn on the hazard light if your truck has a mechanical problem or a breakdown to alert other road users.
Water Separator Light
The water separator light on an Isuzu is a can with an inlet and outlet with a dripping liquid. It comes on momentarily when you turn on the engine. If it stays on, it means the water separator requires draining. It sometimes comes on when driving. In that case, pull off the road and drain water from the fuel filter immediately.
Check 4WD Warning Light
It is a word symbol illuminating as CHECK 4WD. It also comes on when you turn on the ignition key. If it stays on or comes on when driving, the 4WD system has a fault. Take your truck to the mechanic to fix it before hitting the roads.
Fuel Filter Light
This Isuzu truck warning light is an old-school pump and a hose and two rows of dots sandwiched by two vertical bars below it. It momentarily comes on when you turn the ignition. It should go off. But if it stays on or comes on when driving, there is clogging or fault with the fuel filter.
Engine Overheat Indicator
Engine overheat indicator is a red symbol of a thermometer and two wavy lines. It shows that your truck’s engine is overheating, which can be due to a low coolant level or a faulty cooling system. Whatever the cause, pull off the road immediately and shut down the engine to let it cool. Check your coolant or engine oil level and refill as necessary. If they are okay, you may need to contact your mechanic for further diagnosis and problem-solving.
The Verdict
Your Isuzu truck is suitable for both on- and off-road uses. You should keep your eye on the instrument panel and message center for any symbols to perform proper follow-ups. We have only provided every driver with the most common Isuzu truck warning lights. Your manual has more information you can refer to for a deep understanding of these warning lights.
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