Every Kia owner will eventually see a warning light appear on their dashboard. These lights are your car’s way of communicating potential issues — some minor, some critical.
In this guide, we’ll explain every Kia warning light and symbol, what they mean, and how the Carista OBD2 scanner helps you diagnose and clear faults quickly.
Understanding Kia Dashboard Symbols and Colors
Kia uses a universal color system for dashboard indicators and warning light symbols:
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Red symbols: Urgent issues that require immediate attention.
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Amber or yellow symbols: Warnings that need diagnosis soon.
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Green or blue symbols: Informational indicators for normal operations.
Each Kia dashboard symbol serves a purpose — from alerting you about engine trouble to confirming that your headlights or cruise control are active.
Common Kia Warning Light Symbols and Their Meanings
1. Check Engine Light Symbol
Symbol: Engine icon
Meaning: Indicates a fault in the engine or emission system.
Action: Use the Carista OBD2 scanner to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and pinpoint the issue.
2. Battery Warning Light Symbol
Symbol: Battery icon
Meaning: The charging system isn’t working properly.
Action: Inspect the alternator, battery, and cables. Confirm charging voltage with Carista.
3. Oil Pressure Warning Symbol
Symbol: Oil can icon
Meaning: Low oil pressure or insufficient oil level.
Action: Stop immediately. Check oil levels and refill if necessary. If the symbol stays on, scan with Carista for oil pump or sensor faults.
4. Brake System Warning Symbol
Symbol: Circle with exclamation point or “BRAKE” text
Meaning: Low brake fluid or brake system malfunction.
Action: Check brake fluid level. Run diagnostics with Carista to detect ABS or hydraulic issues.
5. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Symbol
Symbol: Horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark
Meaning: One or more tires have low pressure.
Action: Inflate tires to the recommended PSI. Use Carista to reset the Kia TPMS symbol if it stays illuminated.
6. ABS Warning Light Symbol
Symbol: “ABS” letters inside a circle
Meaning: Fault in the anti-lock braking system.
Action: Braking remains functional but without ABS assistance. Diagnose the issue with Carista to find sensor or module faults.
7. Airbag (SRS) Warning Light Symbol
Symbol: Seated person with a circle (representing an airbag)
Meaning: There’s a malfunction in the airbag or seatbelt tensioner system.
Action: Use Carista to scan for SRS-related fault codes. Do not ignore this Kia safety symbol.
8. Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Symbol
Symbol: Thermometer in water
Meaning: Engine overheating or coolant system issue.
Action: Stop immediately, let the engine cool, and check coolant levels. Carista can confirm cooling fan or thermostat faults.
9. Power Steering Warning Light Symbol
Symbol: Steering wheel with an exclamation mark
Meaning: Electric power steering (EPS) fault.
Action: Steering may feel heavy. Scan with Carista for EPS error codes.
10. Transmission Temperature Warning Symbol
Symbol: Gear with thermometer
Meaning: Transmission fluid temperature too high.
Action: Stop driving and let the transmission cool. If it recurs, use Carista to scan for overheating or sensor issues.
11. ESC (Electronic Stability Control) Symbol
Symbol: Car with squiggly lines underneath
Meaning: ESC system active or malfunctioning.
Action: If it stays on, diagnose with Carista to detect yaw or wheel speed sensor problems.
12. Hill-Start Assist Warning Symbol
Symbol: Car on incline
Meaning: Hill-start assist system malfunction.
Action: Use Carista to check for brake control or module errors.
13. Low Fuel Symbol
Symbol: Fuel pump icon
Meaning: Low fuel level.
Action: Refuel as soon as possible. Continuous driving on low fuel can damage the fuel pump.
Why Car Enthusiasts Use Carista OBD2 for Kia Warning Light Symbols
The Carista OBD2 scanner is a must-have tool for decoding Kia car warning symbols and maintaining your vehicle efficiently. It offers professional-grade diagnostics accessible through a smartphone app.
Key Advantages:
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Reads and clears manufacturer-specific Kia error codes
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Resets Kia warning light symbols after repairs
Carista empowers Kia owners to handle diagnostics confidently — without dealership fees or guesswork.
Check Your Vehicle Compatibility
Want to see if your car is supported?
Check the full compatibility list on our website: https://carista.com/en/supported-cars
FAQs About Kia Warning Light Symbols
Q1: Can I reset Kia warning symbols without fixing the issue?
You can clear them temporarily, but they’ll return if the fault persists. Always repair the cause before resetting with Carista.
Q2: What does it mean if multiple Kia warning light symbols appear at once?
This usually indicates a low battery voltage or communication fault. A Carista scan will identify the exact issue.
Q3: Can Carista read all Kia dashboard symbols?
Yes. Carista accesses all major control modules including engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, and body control systems.
Q4: Why does my TPMS symbol stay on after refilling tires?
It may require recalibration. Carista can reset the Kia TPMS symbol quickly through the diagnostic interface.