Mazda CX-5 Dashboard Warning Lights

This is the dashboard warning lights guide for the Mazda CX-5. Included are the warning lights for the first generation (Mk 1, 2012 – 2017) and the second generation (Mk 2, 2017 – present) and include both petrol and diesel variants.

Dashboard instrument display layout and warning light location may vary depending on the model year and location of your Mazda CX-5.

Symbol	Warning Light Description / Action
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 brake warning light. Description: The following reasons apply if the brake warning light is on: ▷ The electric parking brake (EPB) is applied with the ignition switched to START or ON. The red brake warning light should go out when the parking brake is released. ▷ The brake warning light remaining on when the parking brake is released indicates either: • Low brake fluid • Brake system fault It's advised that you stop driving as soon as possible and check the brake fluid. A loss of brake fluid may indicate a leak in the system. Top up brake fluid if required and only continue driving if the warning light goes out. Check for signs of a leak. Before continuing your journey, contact a Mazda workshop. ▷ If the brake warning light is flashing, it indicates a fault with the electric parking brake. Attempt to apply and release the parking brake. If the warning light remains flashing, contact a Mazda workshop before continuing your journey. Brake + ABS The simultaneous illumination of the BRAKE warning light and the ABS warning light is an indication of the electronic brake force distribution (EBFD) system failure. EBFD varies the amount of brake force on individual wheels which improves the vehicle's braking ability. Along with EBFD failure, ABS will also fail to operate (see below for ABS). It's strongly advised that you do not continue driving and arrange to have the vehicle towed.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 ABS warning light. Description: The illumination of the ABS warning means the 'Anti-lock Braking System' has malfunctioned. This will not affect normal brakes. ABS prevents the wheels from locking when hard braking occurs. With an ABS failure, there's an increased risk of the wheels locking. You can continue driving, but have vehicle checked as soon as possible. Typical cause of ABS failure are: • ABS wheel speed sensor • Weak battery Note The brake assist system will not operate when the ABS warning light is illuminated. Brake assist is an additional brake safety feature that helps to apply the correct amount of brake force to the pedal under emergency braking.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 battery warning light. Description: The battery warning light illuminates briefly as the engine starts as a system check. If the light remains on or comes on while driving, it means there's a fault with the charging system. Typical battery fault light issues are: • Failing battery • Failing alternator • Broken / loose alternator belt • Electrical wiring / connections Note If driving with the battery warning light on, there's a high risk of the engine stopping when the battery charge has depleted. If you are within a short distance of a vehicle repair workshop, switch off any electrical consumers that are not essential and make your way immediately to the workshop.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 oil pressure warning light. Description: The oil pressure warning light illuminating is one of the most critical lights to come one. Low oil pressures means a fault in the engine lubrication system where engine components can be severely damaged. 1. As soon as possible, pull off the road, stop ideally on level ground and switch off the engine. 2. Wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain into the oil pan in the engine. 3. Check engine oil level. If the engine oil level is low, top up. If you do not have any oil, do not continue driving. 4. After topping up with oil, start engine and check warning light. 5. If the warning light remains on even after adding oil, immediately switch off the engine and do not continue driving.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 high engine coolant temperature warning light. Description: The high engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates for the following reasons: ▷ Flashing: Engine coolant temperature is flashing - coolant too hot. Reduce speed and engine load until the warning light goes out. ▷ Illuminates: Engine coolant is now overheating. Pull off the road and switch off the engine. 1. Wait 15 minutes or so for the engine to cool down. 2. Check coolant levels. 3. If coolant level is low top up. Tap water is not ideal but can be used in an emergency. 4. Open the coolant tank using a cloth to avoid scolding steam. Note Continued driving with the coolant warning light on (non-flashing) may result in significant engine damage. Blue engine coolant warning light If equipped, the blue engine warning light indicates that the coolant is cold and not yet up to optimal operating temperature. Avoid high engine load until light goes off.

	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 power steering warning light. Description: The steering wheel and exclamation mark is the power steering fault symbol. The power steering warning light may illuminate or flash. Certain conditions such as repeated jerking movements of the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary or moving the steering wheel very slowly can cause the system to enter protective mode. This mode prevent the system from overheating but will make use of the steering very heavy. It's advised to stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and allow the system to cool. If the warning light goes out, then the system has returned to normal. If the warning light remains on, there is a fault with the power steering system. Have it serviced by a Mazda workshop.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 master warning triangle light. Description: The warning triangle containing an exclamation mark is the master warning light. The master warning light typically illuminates along with a message. If a message is not displayed in the dashboard notification area, operate the INFO switch to display the 'Warning' screen. The master warning light illuminates when the following faults occur: • A malfunction in the battery management system has been detected • A malfunction in the brake switch has been detected.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 electronic parking brake warning light. Description: There are two warning lights associated with the electronic parking brake: ▷ Red: The parking brake has been applied . ▷ Yellow: A fault has been detected with the electronic parking brake . Do not drive the vehicle if you are unable to release it. Contact a Mazda workshop.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 apply brake pedal warning light. Description: There are two 'press brake pedal' warning lights: ▷ Red: The red press brake pedal warning light flashes ▷ Red + warning alert: The red press brake pedal warning light flashes and an audible alert sound for around 5 seconds indicating a fault with the Autohold function. Do not continue to use Autohold and contact a Mazda workshop. ▷ Green: The green press brake pedal warning light illuminates indicating that the Autohold switch is activated without the driver's foot being pressed on the brake pedal. Apply the foot brake.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 check engine warning light. Description: The check engine warning light illuminating indicates a fault with the following systems: • The remaining fuel in the fuel tank is very low. • There is a fault with the engine's electrical system. • The engine emissions control system has a fault. • The fuel filler cap is not correctly shut or missing. Flashing check engine warning light If the check engine warning light is flashing, immediately reduce speed and avoid high engine loads. This may indicate engine misfire that can cause damage to the engine emission system or catalytic converter. Have vehicle checked by a Mazda workshop as soon as possible. Regardless of whether the check engine warning light is illuminated constantly or flashing, diagnostic equipment is required to read fault codes. Fault codes or error codes are emitted by the vehicle's ECU to help engineers locate malfunctions. Note If the check engine warning light comes on, do not disconnect the battery cables as this may result in engine damage or fire.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 oil level warning light. Description: This warning light indicates that your engine's oil is at the minimum mark and requires topping up. Add 1 L (0.3 US gal, 0.2 Imp gal) of engine oil. This isn't urgent, but should be carried out as soon as possible. Use the dipstick to check engine oil level. When topping up, ensure you do not overfill and exceed the MAX marker on the dipstick.

	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 AT warning light. Description: The Mazda AT warning light stands for 'automatic transaxle' and it indicates an electrical fault with the system. This essentially means there's possibly a fault with the automatic transmission or differential. Continued driving with the AT warning light on may cause damage to the transaxle. It's advised to stop driving and contact a Mazda workshop.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 4WD warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates or flashes indicating a malfunction with the 4WD / AWD system. The warning message: '4WD System Malfunction' may also display. If the warning light or message illuminate, stop and park the vehicle until the warning light / message goes out. This is often a symptom of the differential oil temperature being excessively high. The 4WD warning light may also come on if there's a significant difference between front and rear wheel rotation speed. For example, when trying to free the vehicle from mud or snow.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 DSC warning light. Description: DSC or 'Dynamic Stability Control' is a stability program that incorporates traction control (TCS), Brake Assist and other features that help to reduce oversteer and understeer. The DSC warning light may flash or remain on: ▷ Flashing: This means the DSC is operating and stabilising the vehicle. ▷ Always on: If the DSC light is always on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system may have a malfunction and they may not operate correctly. The DSC system uses ABS wheel sensors and a fault may be associated with this. You can continue driving with this fault, but during certain circumstances, the vehicle may not be as stable.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 air bag warning light. Description: As a system check, the Mazda air bag warning light should illuminate briefly when the ignition is switched on. If the warning fails to illuminate at all, constantly flashes or stays on, it indicates a fault with the air bag / seat belt pretensioner system. Have the system serviced by a Mazda workshop as soon as possible.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 tyre pressure warning light. Description: The tyre pressure warning light illuminates or flashes and may provide an audible alert: ▷ Illuminates: This means the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) has determined that one or more tyres has a loss of pressure. If the warning light illuminates, gently reduce speed and avoid harsh steering or braking manoeuvres. To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can check the visual condition of your tyres. Determine whether you have enough air in the tyre to proceed to a place where air may be added or whether changing the wheel is required. ▷ Flashing: This means there's a fault with the TPMS or a tyre has been fitted that does not have a sensor inside, such as the spare for example. If you have changed vehicle tyres: 1. After the tyres have been changed, switch the ignition ON, then back to ACC or OFF. 2. Wait for about 15 minutes. 3. After 15 minutes, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 16 mph (25 km/h) for 10 minutes and the tyre pressure sensor ID signal code will be registered automatically.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 key warning light. Description: The key and exclamation mark warning light comes on or flashes in red or amber or white. A warning message may also be displayed. ▷ Message: Keyless System Malfunction If this warning message illuminates, there is a problem with the keyless entry & push button start system and the engine may not start. In this instance, try starting it using the emergency operation which requires pressing and holding the push button start until the engine starts. ▷ Red key warning light flashing This indicates a problem with the keyless entry & push button start system and requires starting the engine using the emergency operation as above . ▷ Red key warning light flashing This may indicate that they battery inside the key is dead and requires replacing. ▷ Red key warning light flashing This indicates that they key is not within operational range of the vehicle. ▷ Red key warning light flashing The key is inside the vehicle but is placed in areas difficult for the vehicle to detect. ▷ Red key warning light flashing A key from another vehicle manufacturer is within range of the vehicle. ▷ Red key warning light flashing The key is taken out of the vehicle without the ignition being switched off.

	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 HBC warning light. Description: HBC or 'High Beam Control', or automatic headlights switched main bean to low beam automatically. This warning light illuminates indicating a fault with the system. Before having your vehicle checked, ensure the area at the top centre of the windscreen where the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is located is clear and clean. If after cleaning the area and the warning light remains on, there may be a fault with the HBC system.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 BSM warning light. Description: BSM or Blind Spot Monitoring assists the driver by checked both sides of the vehicle to the rear before making a lane change. A warning is issued if the system detects a vehicle. The blind spot monitoring warning light illuminates and remains on if a fault is detected with the system. Check to ensure the rear bumper is clean from dirt or snow to ensure functionality of the system.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 cruise control warning light. Description: This radar cruise control with stop and go warning light illuminates along with a message when the system has a fault. Ensure the radar area on the front of the vehicle and the camera area at the top of the windscreen is clear of any obstructions such as dirt or snow.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 LAS warning light. Description: This warning light indicates a fault with Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). As with many of the other system, it uses the the forward sensing camera located at the top centre of the windscreen. Ensure the area is clean. If the vehicle is parked under direct sunlight on a hot day, the camera module may overheat. When the module has cooled, the system will resume.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 LED headlight warning light. Description: This warning light illuminates if there's a fault with the LED headlights.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 SBS warning light. Description: Smart Brake Support (SBS) uses the front radar and camera to warn the driver of a risk of collision. If the driver takes too long to react, automatic braking occurs to reduce the impact. If the warning light illuminates, ensure the radar emblem and camera at the top on the windscreen areas are clean.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 fuel cap warning light. Description: The loose fuel filler cap warning light illuminates if the fuel cap is loose or missing. If pressure in the fuel tank is too low, the check engine warning light may also illuminate.

	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 security warning light. Description: The car and lock symbol is the security indicator warning light. The warning light flashes every two seconds indicating that the immobiliser system is armed. If there's a fault with the system and the immobiliser light is flashing while driving, do not switch off the engine as you will not be able to start it again. Instead, make your way directly to a Mazda workshop to have the system serviced. Alternatively, the warning light may flash due to the key being located in an area difficult for the system to detect. Move the key to see if this resolves the issue. If the key is within lose proximity to electrical devices such as a mobile phone, it may interfere with the signal. Other faults with the security system can be related to old vehicle batteries that are not holding their charge. Check also that the battery inside the key fob is not running low on charge.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 spanner / wrench warning light. Description: The spanner / wrench warning light turns on under the following conditions: • When the preset maintenance / vehicle service period has arrived. • When it’s time to replace the engine oil.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 DPF warning light. Description: DPF stands for 'diesel particulate filter' and the warning light comes on when the filter requires cleaning. The cleaning process is usually done automatically without driver knowledge, however, frequent short journeys may result in the filter becoming clogged with soot more frequently. If the DPF warning light comes on: • Drive the vehicle at a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h) or more. • Ideally choose a road that doesn't require slowing down or stopping. • Continue driving until the warning light goes off. This takes around 15 to 20 minutes. • If the warning light remains on, seek assistance from a Mazda workshop. If the filter becomes too saturated with soot, damage may occur.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 glow plugs warning light. Description: The diesel glow plugs warning light illuminates when the ignition is switched on and goes out when the engine is ready to start. During warmer weather or climates, the glow plugs light illuminates very briefly. Flashing glow plugs light If the glow plugs light remains constantly on or flashes, it indicates a malfunction. There are many potential faults related to a flashing glow plugs warning light. Diagnostic equipment is required to read fault codes.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 i-stop warning light. Description: 'i-stop' is Mazda's version on engine start stop technology. There is a fault with the i-stop system if the warning light flashes or remains on. On certain occasions, the Mazda CX-5 i-stop system is not working due to a system pre-check not being passed. For a list of the conditions that must be met in order for automatic engine stop to take place, see Mazda i-stop not working.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 i-ELOOP warning light. Description: i-ELOOP is a brake energy regeneration technology that helps to save fuel. The amber warning light illuminates if there's a fault with the system.
	Warning light name: Mazda CX-5 AdBlue warning light. Description: The AdBlue warning light may illuminate if too much fluid was added, or AdBlue fluid is running low. Top up with AdBlue fluid as soon as possible. In this instance with the warning light illuminated, vehicle speed may be restricted. Flashing AdBlue warning light The flashing AdBlue warning light may indicate a fault with the system. In this instance, the engine may stop running. Have your vehicle checked at a Mazda workshop immediately.