Warning light identification - Renault Kwid

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Warning light identification – Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid is one of South Africa's most popular small entry level city cars. With so many of these out there we thought it best to give you an idea of what the warning lights on the dashboard mean should they pop up while driving.

Be Warned

In all modern cars, and even older ones, the array of warning lights installed will light up when you turn on the ignition, before starting the car. Once you have started the car, most of them should disappear, excepting ones like the handbrake and seatbelt warning lights.

The Renault Kwid is a very basic entry-level car, and the number of warning lights installed on the dashboard reflects this basic specification of the small Renault. The warning lights are located in the instrument panel, to the left of the main gauges for speed, fuel, engine revs and so on.

These are the warning lights that will flash up when you start the car, and what they mean. If they glow once you are on the move, you need to stop immediately (as soon as it is safe to do so) and attend to the problem.

warning light identification - renault kwid

1. Handbrake light

This light glows red and is an indication that you have activated the handbrake. As soon as you release the handbrake, the light will go off. If not, the handbrake is sticking in the on position, and you should consult your dealer for attention.

2. Battery discharge warning light

This light will glow when the battery charging system is malfunctioning. It means that if you continue to drive the car, the battery will lose its charge and the engine will soon cease to run. It can be caused by something as simple as a loose wire or a more serious fault with the alternator, or charging regulator systems. Consult your dealer as soon as possible.

3. Coolant and engine oil warning light

In terms of the potential for facing expensive repairs, this is the most serious warning light. Problems with the coolant system can cause major damage to the engine. A lack of oil, or fault with the oiling system can likewise cause huge internal engine damage. If you see this light, stop the car as soon as you can pull off the road safely, and switch off. Call your dealer’s emergency breakdown number immediately.

4. Steering assistance system malfunction

This light will come on if the electric power assistance for the steering system malfunctions. If it does, the steering will become very heavy and the car will be difficult, if not impossible, to steer safely. Consult your dealer immediately.

5. General Warning light

This is a general warning light. This light will glow to warn you of other malfunctions in the car’s system. It will also glow if there is a problem with your car’s immobiliser, in which case Renault recommends you try using the spare key, to see if the fault light goes away. It glows orange when a minor fault is detected, and red if the fault is serious. If it glows red, stop the car and call the dealer’s emergency service.

6. Exhaust gas monitor warning

This icon is in the form of a car’s engine. But it doesn’t necessarily indicate a general engine fault. It will glow when your car’s fuelling system is not in good order, with the fuel injection settings delivering either too much or too little fuel. The sensor that measures exhaust gas is picking up a fault with incorrect fuel mixture, or a problem with a clogged exhaust system. Consult your dealer.

7. Seat belt warning light

This light will glow until you have buckled up your seat belt. It will also glow if there is a front seat passenger and this passenger is not buckled it. It will be accompanied by a warning chime. When you click the belt buckle home, the light should go off.

8. Low fuel warning light (Not shown in image)

There is also a warning light to warn of a low fuel level. This light is located in the main instrument cluster. We weren’t able to show this on the graphic as our Kwid “sample car” had a full tank of fuel!

Stuart JohnstonStuart Johnston is one of South Africa's best-known motoring journalists and has been writing about cars and motor-related events for four decades. He has also presented car reviews on numerous television channels and is a prolific contributor to AutoTrader on all sorts of motoring topics. Stuart has a huge love for classic cars and currently owns a 1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 and a Mk II VW Golf GTi in pristine condition. View News & Reviews