If you've ever wondered what the lights on your Hilux dashboard mean, look no further, we'll breakdown what those lights mean.
The Toyota Hilux needs no introduction when it comes to reliability and capability. Our esteemed colleagues have tested a myriad of Hiluxes, of which you can check the reviews for them all here.
The current generation Hilux realised that the bakkie market evolved significantly. Rather than just utilitarian usage, luxury elements and other dynamics are desired nowadays. In spite of these desires from the customer base, still, the Hilux is as reliable and robust as ever, whether you go after petrol or diesel variants. Even with the most recent sporty Hilux GR-S, the Hilux remains a top-of-mind choice for whatever lifestyle you lead. If you’re keen on a Hilux, you can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings. When you’re ready to sell your current car quick and easy, try out our Instant Offer tool. However just so you’re aware, here are some dashboard warning lights to look out for.
Dashboard warning lights
It’s worth noting that the Hilux has 3 types of instrument cluster displays. No multi-information display, a basic multi-information display and a large multi-information display. Some warning lights may only appear on some multi-information displays. We’ll discuss warning lights which inform the driver of malfunctions in the vehicle.
1. Brake System Warning Light
This has a warning buzzer. This light indicates that you potentially have low brake fluid, a malfunction in the brake system, in diesel engines a low negative pressure in the vacuum tank. You must immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.
2. Charging system warning light (If equipped)
There’s a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system. Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place.
3. Low engine oil pressure warning light (If equipped)
The engine oil pressure is too low. A warning buzzer comes on. However, the warning may come on if the vehicle is parked on a slope. You’ll have to move to a level surface and see if the light goes off. Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place.
4. Malfunction indicator lamp.
A warning buzzer sounds and the light may stay on or flash. It could mean a few things; a malfunction in the engine control system, throttle control system, automatic transmission control (If you have an automatic model) or boost pressure in a turbo-diesel engine is abnormally high. The vehicle will need to be inspected.
5. SRS warning light.
A malfunction in the SRS airbag system or seatbelt pre-tensioner system. The vehicle will need to be inspected.
6. ABS warning light
A malfunction in the ABS system or brake assist system. The vehicle will need to be inspected.
7. Slip Indicator
A malfunction has occurred in one of the following systems: VSC system, trailer sway control system, TRC/A-TRC system or downhill control system if it’s equipped. The vehicle will need to be inspected. The light will flash when any of the aforementioned systems other than the hill-start assist system are under operation.
8. Four Wheel Drive Indicator light (If the vehicle is 4WD)
A warning buzzer will sound with the light coming on. When the differential oil temperature is too high, the light will flash rapidly and the buzzer will sound. Turn the front-wheel drive control switch to H2 and wait until the warning light goes off. Another instance may be a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system when the light flashes rapidly and the buzzer doesn’t sound. In that instance, the vehicle will need to be inspected.
9. Low-speed four-wheel drive indicator (If the vehicle is 4WD)
The light will flash rapidly if there’s a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system.
10. Rear differential lock indicator lock (If equipped)
The light will flash rapidly if there’s a malfunction in the rear differential lock system.
11. Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning light (In automatic transmission vehicles)
Light comes on when the transmission fluid temperature is too high. When this light flashes, stop the vehicle immediately in a safe place, shift the gear selector to P and wait until the light goes off. If the light switches off, you can start the vehicle again, if the light doesn’t switch off, you may have to contact your Toyota dealer.
12. Fuel System warning light (If equipped)
A warning buzzer will sound with the light coming on. This may mean the amount of water in the fuel filter has reached the specified level or the fuel filter may need to be replaced.
13. DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) system warning light (For diesel engines)
A warning buzzer will sound along with the warning light coming on as there’s a malfunction in the system. Indicates the amount of deposits in the DPF catalytic converter has reached the max level. Regenerating the filter is needed. If your Hilux doesn’t have a DPF system switch, regenerating the filter will require driving continuously at around 60kmh for example for around 30 minutes or avoiding short trips and allowing the engine to run for long periods. If your Hilux has a DPF system switch then a full manual regeneration is required. That warrants a whole other article for this.
14. Brake Override System warning light (If equipped)
The accelerator and brake pedal are being depressed at the same time if this warning light comes on. To stop this, release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal. There could also be a malfunction in the system and you’ll need a Toyota dealer to inspect the car immediately.
15. Cruise Control indicator (If equipped)
A malfunction in the cruise control system has occurred.
16. Open door warning light (If equipped)
The doors are not fully closed and a warning buzzer will sound along with a light coming on.
17. Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light
A warning buzzer will sound and light will come on indicating the driver and or passenger seat belts aren’t fastened.
18. Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder lights (If equipped)
A warning buzzer will sound with a light coming on indicating the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts. This light will appear on the centre panel.
19. Low fuel level warning light
The fuel level is low and has reached 12.0l.
20. Low engine oil level warning light (If equipped)
The engine oil level is low. This light may also come on if the vehicle is parked on a slope, move the vehicle to a level surface and see if the light goes off. The engine oil level needs to be checked and topped up if necessary.
21. Master warning light (If equipped)
A warning buzzer will sound and the light will come on flashing to indicate the master warning light has detected a malfunction in the vehicle.
22. Parking brake indicator.
A warning buzzer will sound along with the light coming on warning the driver to release the parking brake.
Keyword: Toyota Hilux (Current Generation) Dashboard Warning Lights