Volvo C30 Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Warning symbol

A fault that could affect the car's drivability; a message explaining it appears in the information display.
What to do: Stop the car as soon as possible, read the message, follow its instructions or contact a Volvo technician. PDF page 58

Amber: check soon

Information symbol

Alerts the driver to a message in the information display; lights at speeds below 5 mph.
What to do: Erase the message by pressing the READ button, or it disappears automatically. PDF page 58

Other warnings and indicators

Brake failure warning light

Possible brake problem, such as low brake fluid, when it comes on while driving or braking.
What to do: Stop as quickly as possible in a safe place, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. PDF page 61

Oil pressure warning light

Low engine oil pressure when it comes on while driving.
What to do: Stop the engine immediately and check the oil level. If normal and light stays on after restart, have the car towed to a Volvo technician. PDF page 61

SRS system warning light

Fault detected in a seat belt lock or pretensioner, front or side airbag, or inflatable curtain; stays on or comes on while driving.
What to do: Have the system inspected by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible. PDF page 61

Generator warning light

Charging system problem when the light comes on while the engine is running.
What to do: Have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo workshop. PDF page 61

Malfunction indicator light

The engine, transmission, electrical or emission systems have a condition that may need correcting; ignoring it can hurt economy and damage components.
What to do: Have the car checked by a trained and qualified Volvo service technician as soon as possible. PDF page 60

Anti-lock Brake system (ABS)

Malfunction of the ABS system; the standard braking system still works.
What to do: Drive the vehicle to a trained and qualified Volvo service technician for inspection. PDF page 60

Tire pressure warning light

One or more tires significantly under-inflated; if it flashes about a minute then stays on, the TPMS has a malfunction.
What to do: Stop and check your tires as soon as possible and inflate them to the proper pressure. PDF page 204

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) indicator light

Passenger's front airbag is disabled; if it stays on with the SRS light, a system fault was detected. PDF page 30

Fuel level warning light

Fuel level is low.
What to do: Refuel the vehicle as soon as possible. PDF page 60

Parking brake applied

The parking brake is applied. PDF page 61

Stability system DSTC

Flashes when the stability and traction control system is actively working to stabilize the car. PDF page 60

Seat belt reminder

A front seat occupant has not buckled their seat belt. PDF page 61

Alarm indicator light

Flashes every two seconds when armed; rapid flashing before ignition on means the alarm was triggered.
What to do: If a fault message appears, contact your Volvo retailer to have the alarm inspected. PDF page 139

Rear fog light

The rear fog light is on. PDF page 60

Summarized in our own words from the 2013 Volvo C30 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.