Volvo C70 Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Warning symbol

A fault that could affect drivability. Lights above 5 mph with an explanatory message in the information display.
What to do: Stop the car soon in a suitable place, read the message, follow its instructions or contact a Volvo technician. PDF page 58

Brake failure warning light

Possible brake system problem, such as low brake fluid, when it comes on while driving or braking.
What to do: Stop as quickly as safely possible, open the hood and check brake fluid level. If below MIN, do not drive; have car towed. PDF page 62

Oil pressure warning light

Low engine oil pressure when it comes on while driving. It may flicker at idle after hard driving, which is normal.
What to do: Stop the engine immediately and check oil level. If normal and the light stays on after restart, have the car towed. PDF page 61

SRS system warning light

Fault detected in a seat belt lock or pretensioner, airbag or inflatable curtain; on while driving or over 10 seconds after start.
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

The charging system may have a fault when the light comes on with the engine running.
What to do: Have the charging system checked by an authorized Volvo workshop. PDF page 61

Amber: check soon

Information symbol

Alerts you to a message in the information display; lights below 5 mph, or for open hood or trunk.
What to do: Read the message; erase it by pressing the READ button, or it disappears automatically. PDF page 58

Other warnings and indicators

Malfunction indicator light

The OBDII computer senses an engine, transmission, electrical or emission condition that may need correcting.
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 Monitoring System

One or more tires significantly under-inflated. If it flashes about a minute then stays on, the system has a malfunction.
What to do: Stop and check tires soon and inflate to proper pressure. Check the telltale after changing tires or wheels. PDF page 203

Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) indicator light

Staying on after the 10-second self-test means a system fault, with the SRS light on and a PASS. AIRBAG OFF SERVICE URGENT message. PDF page 31

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

Seat belt reminder

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

Turn signal indicator for trailer

Flashes with the trailer turn signals. If it does not flash when signaling, a turn signal on the trailer or car is faulty. PDF page 61

Stability system DSTC

Flashes when the Dynamic Stability and Traction control system is actively working to stabilize the car. PDF page 60

Rear fog light

The rear fog light is on. PDF page 60

Alarm indicator light

Flashing every two seconds means 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 137

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp

Stays on to show the passenger's side front airbag is disabled. PDF page 31

Summarized in our own words from the 2013 Volvo C70 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.