MG3 Dashboard Warning Lights

Vehicle Information Display

The MG3 vehicle information display screen provides the following information:

• Odometer
• Trip A
• Trip B
• Ambient Temperature
• Fuel Range to Empty
• Instantaneous Fuel Consumption
• Average Fuel Consumption
• Average Speed
• Next Service

On your MG3, short press (less than 2s) the button at the end of steering wheel stalk repeatedly to display above information in cycle.

Gear Shift Indicator

Displays the current gear position of the transmission: R (Reverse) N (Neutral) and forward gears 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. When the Up or Down arrow is displayed at the left side of the gear position, it indicates the driver to upshift or downshift when the conditions permit.

Odometer

The odometer displays the total distance the car has travelled.

Trip Meter

Displays the distance the car has travelled since last reset. Trip A and Trip B are two independent mileage records with the range of 0～ 999.9 miles, and they will automatically reset when the distance exceeds 999.9 miles. Trip A and Trip B can be reset independently to allow the car to record each trip distance separately.

Ambient Temperature

Displays the ambient temperature outside of the vehicle.

Fuel Range

Displays the remaining distance you can travel before the fuel gauge reads empty. The distance will change when the vehicle is refuelled. The ‘fuel range to empty’ calculation is based on a combination of average fuel consumption and remaining fuel quantity recorded by the computer for last journey.

Fuel Consumption

Instantaneous Fuel Consumption
Instantaneous fuel consumption is automatically calculated by the car. When the car is stationary or the vehicle speed is very low, ‘Instantaneous Fuel Consumption’ will display “—MPG”.

Average Fuel Consumption
Displays the average fuel consumption of the distance travelled since last reset (the average fuel consumption is calculated by dividing the amount of fuel used by the distance travelled). The consumption value can be reset at any time to record the average fuel consumption for a particular journey or driving conditions.

Average Speed

Displays the average speed from the current journey or since last reset. The average speed can be reset at any time to record the average speed for a particular journey or driving conditions.

Next Service

The spanner symbol along with the remaining miles displays the MG3 service interval announcement. The estimated distance in miles for when the service is due is also displayed.

 Main Beam

This blue symbol illuminates when the headlights are switched to main beam

 Engine Stop Start System

This warning light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. If the Start-Stop intelligent fuel saving system is activated, this symbol illuminates in green to inform the driver that the engine is controlled by the Start-Stop intelligent fuel saving system.

When MG3 Start-Stop intelligent fuel saving system is currently unavailable, this symbol flashes three times and then switches off. The engine automatic stop start system may be unavailable due to the following conditions:

Engine Auto Stop Conditions

• Vehicle is stationary. (Vehicle speed is 0 mph or km/h).
• The vehicle speed prior to stopping exceeded 6 mph (10 km/h).
• Gearbox must be in neutral and clutch pedal is released.
• The driver’s door is closed and seat belt is secured.
• The bonnet is closed.

Stop/Start Prohibited

The MG3’s engine will not automatically switch off under the following conditions:

• The engine coolant temperature has fallen below a specified limit.
• Front defrost system is on.
• Battery charge is below the specified limit.
• The vacuum in the braking system is below the specified limit.
• Starter motor temperature is above the specified limit.
• Reverse gear selected or has been selected prior to parking.
• Heating or cooling demand is too great.
• High altitude areas.

Engine Immobiliser System

This warning light is the MG3 immobiliser symbol and illuminate in red to indicate two possible issues:

• If the immobiliser warning light remains constantly lit, this indicates that there is an immobiliser verification failure and could be an invalid key inserted into the ignition switch. It may also be due to a fault with the electronic key (may require replacing or reprogramming), a fault with the receiver unit in the steering column or a problem with the immobiliser module.
• If the immobiliser warning light flashes in red along with an audible alert, it means that the battery in the electronic key requires replacing. Please note, this warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on.

Side Lights

This green symbol illuminates when the side or headlights are switched on.

Rear Fog Lights

This symbol illuminates in yellow when the rear fog lights are switched on.

Doors Open

This red warning light indicates that the vehicle doors, bonnet or tailgate are not closed. The warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on. If a door, bonnet or tailgate remains open once the vehicle speed has exceeded 3 MPH (5 km/h), the warning light will flash accompanied by an audible warning. The warning will continue until  closed correctly or 30 seconds has expired.

Engine Stop Start Fault

This warning light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. If the Start-Stop intelligent fuel saving system has a fault, this light illuminates yellow. Seek an MG authorised workshop for diagnostics.

ABS Fault

The purpose of the MG3 ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is to prevent the wheels from locking while braking, thereby enabling the driver to retain steering control of the car.

This warning light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. If the light fails to extinguish or illuminates whilst driving, a fault has occurred with the ABS system. If an ABS failure occurs while driving, ABS operation will be suspended, but normal braking will still be available. One of the more common reasons for an ABS failure is due to one of the four wheel speed sensors malfunctioning. OBD-II diagnostic tools are requires to scan for fault codes.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

The MG3 Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) purpose is to make use of sensors, one inserted into each tyre valve to constantly monitor tyre pressures and alert the driver is pressure loss is detected. The driver will be alerted to pressure loss via the yellow symbol illuminating on the dashboard.

If a fault with the TPMS itself occurs, the warning light will flash for approximately one minute, then remain constantly lit. In this situation, diagnostics is required. Under certain conditions the warning light may illuminate when a fault is not present, these conditions include:

• A non recommended tyre fitted (including spare tyre).
• A tyre fitted that does not contain a pressure sensor
• A damaged pressure sensor
• A sensor battery exhausted
• Rough terrain driving for excessive periods.
• Bending or mountain type terrain driving for excessive periods.
• TPMS will not respond immediately if a tyre ‘blows out’.
• TPMS radio interference

Resetting the MG3 Tyre Warning Light

The MG3 tyre pressure warning system is ‘self learning’, which means that after adjusting tyres pressures, the TPMS automatically resets itself after driving the car for a period of time.

Stability Control System

The MG3 Stability Control System (SCS) is designed to assist the driver in control of driving direction. The SCS is automatically enabled after the engine is started. When SCS detects that the vehicle is not moving in the intended direction, it will intervene by applying brake force to selected wheels or through the engine management system to prevent sliding and assist in bringing the car back to the right direction. This helps to correct understeer or oversteer.

This warning light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. If this light does not extinguish or illuminates during driving, it indicates the SCS has a failure. If this light flashes during driving, it indicates the system is operating to assist the driver.

As with ABS, SCS is largely dependent on wheel speed sensors and is a common problem if one goes wrong. The Stability Control System may be disabled in the event of an engine malfunction. An engine fault is noted by the illumination of the engine warning light.

Stability Control System / Traction Control OFF

The MG3 Stability Control System (SCS) and traction control system (TCS) can be manually switched off via the button just ahead of the gear lever. The system is automatically enabled again once the engine has been restarted. It’s recommended to keep the systems enabled at all time. It can however prove beneficial to switch off the system when attempting to free the vehicle from snow.

Traction Control System OFF

The MG3 Traction Control system (TCS) is designed to improve wheel traction, thereby helping the driver to maintain control of the car in situations where one or both of the driving wheels are spinning (for example, if one wheel is on ice and the other on tarmac).

TCS monitors the driving speed of each wheel individually. If wheel spin is detected on one wheel, the system automatically brakes that wheel, transferring torque to the opposite, non-spinning wheel. If both wheels are spinning, the system will reduce engine speed in order to regulate wheel rotation until traction is regained.

Direction Indicator / Hazard Lights

The left and right direction indicators are represented by green directional arrows located at the top of the dashboard instrument display. The warning lights flash synchronised with the exterior left or right direction indicator lights whenever they are operating. If the hazard warning lights are operated, both warning lights will flash together. If either warning light flashes very rapidly, this means that one of the front or rear direction indicator light bulbs has failed.

Engine Coolant Temperature

This warning light is used to indicate the temperature of engine coolant. The MG3 engine coolant light consists of two colours; blue and red.

System Check

The warning light illuminates as a system check when the ignition is switched on.

Blue Coolant Light

If the MG3 engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates blue, it indicates that the coolant temperature is low. A blue coolant light means to avoid high engine speeds and to drive gently until the coolant is up to the correct operational temperature. When this temperature is reached, the blue warning light will go off.

Red Coolant Light

If the MG3 engine coolant temperature warning light illuminates in red, it indicates that the coolant temperature is high. If the coolant temperature continues to rise, the warning light will flash accompanied by an audible warning.

Continued driving may cause severe engine damage. Stop as soon as possible and allow time for the engine to cool. Check for coolant leaks, open the bonnet and check drive belts and coolant levels. Add coolant if required.

Flashing Blue Light

A flashing blue engine coolant warning light may indicate a faulty temperature sensor.

Airbag Fault Symbol

This warning light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. If this light does not extinguish or illuminates during driving, it indicates an airbag restraint system fault has been detected, then an audible warning will be given. An SRS (supplemental restraint system) or seat belt fault may mean the components may not be deployed in the event of an accident.

Common reasons for an airbag fault can include a problem with the sensors, low battery charge, wiring under the front seats have become dislodged, problems with seat belts, airbag module or the airbag clock spring.

Battery Charge Fault

Under normal operating conditions, the red battery light illuminates when the ignition is switched on and goes off once the engine has started. If the light remains on, or comes on while driving, it means there’s a fault with the electrical charging system. If driving, you may have limited time before the engine shuts off. Immediately switch off any non-essential electrical consumers and make your way to the closest vehicle repair workshop. Reasons for the battery warning light can include:

• Malfunctioning alternator
• Wiring / battery terminals issues
• Failing battery
• Drive belts

Brake System Symbol

This red warning light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. Subsequent illumination may indicate:

• The parking brake is on
• The brake fluid level is low
• Electronic brake force distribution failure

If the parking brake is inadvertently left applied, the light will flash and an audible warning will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 3 MPH (5 km/h). If the warning light remains on after the parking brake has been released, it indicates that the brake fluid level is low, or there is a failure in the braking system. It’s advised to stop the car as soon as safety permits and contact an MG authorised repairer.

When the ignition is switched off and the driver’s door is opened, if the parking brake is not applied, the parking brake alarm will be activated. The warning light will flash accompanied by an audible warning.

Engine Oil Symbol

This warning light illuminates when the ignition is switched on and extinguishes when the engine is running. If the light remains on or illuminates continuously when driving, it may indicate low engine oil pressure. This symbol does not represent low oil levels, however, low engine oil levels can cause low pressure.

If this oil light comes on while driving, stop the car when safe to do so and switch off the engine. Driving with low oil pressure means that not all engine components are being lubricated, therefore serious damage may occur. Check engine oil levels using the dipstick. If low, top up but only continue to drive if the low engine oil pressure warning light goes out.

Buckle Your Seat Belt Symbol

This warning light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. If a seat belt for the driver’s or front passenger seat remains unfastened, this red warning light will remain illuminated. If the seat belt for driver’s or front passenger seat remains unfastened once the vehicle speed has exceeded 15 MPH (25 km/h), the seat belt warning light will flash accompanied by an audible alert. This warning will continue until either the seat belt is fastened correctly or 90 seconds has elapsed.

Engine Emissions Malfunction Warning Lamp

Under normal working conditions, the engine emissions malfunction warning light illuminates when the ignition is switched on and extinguishes as soon as the engine is running. If it stays lit, or comes on while you’re driving, an emissions fault has been detected.

This is the first of the MG3 engine warning lights. This lights up to warn the driver that there’s an emissions related fault within the engine. When the engine management system detects a malfunction, a fault code is created and stored. An OBD-II diagnostic tool should then be used to search for fault codes and the tool will provide the whereabouts of the specific fault.

If the engine light is illuminated, you can normally continue driving, but continued driving over an extended period may see the fault worsen and vehicle unreliability may occur. If the engine light is flashing, reduce speed and avoid harsh acceleration. Continued driving with a flashing engine light will result in damage to the emissions system. 

Cruise Control Symbol

This cruise control light illuminates and extinguishes as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on. This symbol varies in colour depending on the situation:

• Yellow: The cruise control system is active.
• Green: The cruise master switch is pressed, but no speed is set.
• Flashing Yellow: A fault is detected with the cruise control system.

When the cruise control system is active, the cruise set target value will be displayed on the instrument message centre until the actual speed reaches the cruise set value. Then the LCD screen will return to previous interface.

Engine Malfunction Warning Lamp

This is the second of the MG3 engine warning lights. This lights up to warn the driver that a engine fault has occurred, but is not related the the emissions system. Engine warning lights are generic and illuminate for many possible malfunctions. Due to this, OBD-II diagnostic tools are required to scan for fault codes that are stored each time the engine light comes on.

As with the engine emissions malfunction warning light, you can usually continue driving, but have your MG3 checked at a MG workshop as soon as possible before the problem deteriorates.