Lincoln MKZ Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Brake System Warning Lamp

Comes on when the parking brake is applied with ignition on, or when there is a brake fault or low brake fluid level.
What to do: Make sure the parking brake is off. If the lamp stays on, have the vehicle checked as soon as possible. PDF page 108

Other warnings and indicators

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Lamp

Engine coolant temperature is high.
What to do: Stop as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let it cool. PDF page 108

Engine Oil

Lit while running, it indicates a malfunction. It also comes on briefly when the ignition is switched on.
What to do: Stop safely, switch off the engine, check the oil level; if oil is sufficient, have the vehicle checked soon. PDF page 109

Battery

If lit while driving, it indicates a malfunction.
What to do: Switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and have the system checked by your dealer immediately. PDF page 107

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Lamp

Lit while driving, it indicates an ABS malfunction. Normal braking continues without ABS unless the brake warning lamp is also lit.
What to do: Have the system checked by your authorized dealer. PDF page 107

Front Airbag

Indicates a malfunction if it fails to light at startup, keeps flashing or stays on.
What to do: Have the system checked by your authorized dealer. PDF page 109

Low Tire Pressure Warning Lamp

Tire pressure is low. Flashing indicates a system malfunction.
What to do: Check tire pressure as soon as possible. If it flashes or fails to light at ignition, have the system checked by your dealer. PDF page 109

Electric Park Brake

Lights or flashes when the electric parking brake malfunctions. PDF page 108

Fasten Seatbelt Warning Lamp

Lights and a chime sounds until the seatbelts are fastened.
What to do: Fasten the seatbelts. PDF page 109

Low Fuel Level Warning Lamp

Fuel level is low or the tank is nearly empty.
What to do: Refuel as soon as possible. PDF page 109

Direction Indicator

Shows the left or right direction indicator or hazard flasher is on. Staying on or flashing faster suggests a burned out bulb.
What to do: Check for a burned out bulb. PDF page 108

Door Ajar

Shows when the ignition is on and any door is not completely closed. PDF page 108

Hood Ajar

Shows when the ignition is on and the hood is not completely closed. PDF page 109

Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Lamp

Windshield washer fluid is low. PDF page 109

Blind Spot Monitor

Lights when the feature is switched off or along with a message. PDF page 108

Auto Hold Unavailable

Auto Hold is on but cannot hold the vehicle stationary. PDF page 107

Cruise Control Indicator

Lights when the system is switched on. PDF page 108

Headlamp High Beam Indicator

High beams are on; it flashes when the headlamp flasher is used. PDF page 109

Automatic Headlamp High Beam Indicator

The system has automatically turned the high beams on. PDF page 107

Lane Keeping System Lamp

Lights when the system activates. PDF page 109

Passenger airbag status indicator

Shows whether the front passenger airbag is ON (enabled) or OFF (disabled).
What to do: If ON lights with a child restraint installed, switch the vehicle off, remove and reinstall the restraint per its instructions. PDF page 51

Green: system on

Auto Hold Active

The system is holding the vehicle stationary.
What to do: To switch off, press the brake pedal and the Auto Hold button. PDF page 200

Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator

White means the system is on; green means it is engaged. PDF page 107

Summarized in our own words from the 2020 Lincoln MKZ owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.