Ford Taurus Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Brake System

Comes on when the parking brake is engaged with ignition on. If on while driving with parking brake off, brake fluid is low or the brake system has a fault.
What to do: Check that the parking brake is released; if it is, have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately. PDF page 84

Engine Coolant Temperature

The engine coolant temperature is high.
What to do: Stop the vehicle as soon as possible, switch off the engine and let it cool. PDF page 85

Engine Oil

If on with the engine running or while driving, it indicates a malfunction.
What to do: Stop safely, switch off the engine and check the oil level. Do not continue driving if it stays on with correct level; see a dealer. PDF page 85

Battery

If on while driving, it indicates a malfunction.
What to do: Switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately. PDF page 84

Amber: check soon

Service Engine Soon

The on-board diagnostics has detected an emissions control system malfunction. If blinking, engine misfire is occurring that could damage the catalytic converter.
What to do: If blinking, drive moderately and have the vehicle serviced immediately. If steady, have it serviced at the first opportunity. PDF page 86

Other warnings and indicators

Front Airbag

If it fails to illuminate at start-up, keeps flashing or stays on, it indicates a malfunction.
What to do: Have the system checked by an authorized dealer. PDF page 85

Anti-Lock Braking System

If on while driving, the ABS has a malfunction. Normal braking continues without ABS unless the brake warning lamp is also on.
What to do: Have the system checked by an authorized dealer. PDF page 84

Powertrain Fault

The system has detected a powertrain or AWD fault.
What to do: Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible. PDF page 86

Low Tire Pressure Warning

Tire pressure is low. If it flashes, the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction.
What to do: Check tire pressure as soon as possible. If it flashes, have the system checked by an authorized dealer. PDF page 86

Low Fuel Level

The fuel level is low or the tank is nearly empty.
What to do: Refuel as soon as possible. PDF page 86

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

OFF shows the front passenger frontal airbag is disabled; ON shows it is enabled and may inflate.
What to do: If ON with a child restraint installed, turn off the vehicle and reinstall the restraint. If an adult sees OFF, have them sit upright and restart. PDF page 43

Door Ajar

Shows when the ignition is on and any door is not completely closed. PDF page 85

Low Washer Fluid

The windshield washer fluid is low. PDF page 86

Direction Indicator

Left or right turn signal or hazard flasher is on. If it stays on or flashes faster, a bulb may be burned out.
What to do: Check for a burned out bulb. PDF page 85

Blind Spot Monitor

Illuminates when the feature is switched off or along with a message. PDF page 84

Automatic High Beam Control

Illuminates when the feature is on. PDF page 84

High Beam

High beam headlamps are on; it flashes when the headlamp flasher is used. PDF page 85

Cruise Control

Illuminates when the feature is switched on. PDF page 85

Lane Keeping Aid

Lights when the lane keeping system is activated. PDF page 85

Front Fog Lamps

Lights when the front fog lamps are switched on. PDF page 85

Parking Lamps

Illuminates when the parking lamps are switched on. PDF page 86

Green: system on

Adaptive Cruise Control

White when the system is switched on; green when the system is engaged. PDF page 84

Summarized in our own words from the 2019 Ford Taurus 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.