Lincoln MKS Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Brake System

Parking brake is engaged, or if on while driving with it released, brake fluid is low or the brake system has a malfunction.
What to do: Check that the parking brake is released; otherwise have the system checked immediately by an authorized dealer. PDF page 88

Other warnings and indicators

Battery

If it illuminates while driving, it indicates a charging system malfunction.
What to do: Switch off unnecessary electrical equipment and have the system checked by an authorized dealer immediately. PDF page 88

Anti-Lock Braking System

If it illuminates 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 your authorized dealer. PDF page 88

Service Engine Soon Indicator

The OBD-II system has detected a malfunction, which may be temporary, such as a loose fuel inlet, poor fuel or driving through deep water.
What to do: If it stays on, have the vehicle serviced at the first available opportunity. PDF page 141

Stability and Traction Control Light

Flashes when the systems activate, lights briefly at start-up, and stays steadily on if a problem occurs in either system.
What to do: If steady, make sure traction control wasn't switched off, then have the system serviced by an authorized dealer immediately. PDF page 156

Low Tire Pressure Telltale

One or more tires are significantly under-inflated. If it flashes about a minute then stays on, the TPMS has a malfunction.
What to do: Stop and check tires as soon as possible and inflate to proper pressure. Check the telltale after replacing tires or wheels. PDF page 289

Seatbelt Warning Lamp

Lights with a chime when the driver's safety belt is not fastened with the ignition on.
What to do: Buckle the driver's safety belt to turn off the lamp and chime. PDF page 35

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

OFF means the front passenger frontal airbag is disabled; ON means it is enabled and may inflate.
What to do: If an adult is seated and OFF is lit, have them sit upright for two minutes after restart; otherwise they should ride in the rear. PDF page 43

Stability and Traction Control Off Light

Lights briefly at engine start-up and stays on when you switch the traction control system off. PDF page 156

Direction Indicator

Lights when a turn signal or hazard flasher is on. Staying on or flashing faster can mean a burned out bulb.
What to do: Check for a burned out bulb if it stays on or flashes faster. PDF page 88

Door Ajar

Displays when the ignition is on and any door is not completely closed. PDF page 88

Cruise Control

Lights when you switch the cruise control feature on. PDF page 88

Summarized in our own words from the 2016 Lincoln MKS 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.