Renault Master Dashboard Warning Lights

The Renault Master is a large commercial van that’s now in it’s third generation. These Renault Master dashboard warning lights cover the third generation / Mk 3 van and display each symbol along with a description of its meaning.

In most cases, there will also be advice, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations on what to do. Please note, some warning lights may come on independently or may illuminate with other warning lights.

Stop Warning Light

The Renault Master stop warning light comes on when a serious fault has been detected. If the stop light illuminates while driving, it means you should safety stop as soon as possible, switch off the engine and do not restart it. The stop warning light may be accompanied by another warning light and/or a message on the dashboard.

Spanner Warning Light

The Renault Master spanner warning light comes on when a non-critical fault has been detected. If the spanner light illuminates while driving, it means you can continue driving the van, but should seek immediate service by driving to an authorised repair shop. The spanner warning light may be accompanied by another warning light and/or a message on the dashboard.

Battery Warning Light

The Renault Master warning light illuminates while driving indicating that the charging circuit has discharged. Continued driving may result in a loss of certain vehicle functions and after a period, the engine may stall. If a repair shop is close, switch off any non-essential system that may draw electric and make your way immediately to have the van serviced. Common faults include:

• Electric wiring
• Alternator
• Alternator drive belt
• Battery issues

Coolant Warning Light

The Renault Master coolant warning light comes on when the engine is running too hot. If the engine coolant warning light comes on along with the stop light it means you should safely pull off the road and allow the engine to cool by leaving the engine to idle for a minute or two until the warning lights go off.

If the coolant and stop lights remain lit, switch off the engine and allow several minutes for the coolant to cool. Only after the engine has cooled, check coolant levels and top up if required. This may indicate a leak in the coolant system, or other issues such as water pump problems.

Brake Warning Light

This red exclamation mark symbol is the Renault Master brake warning light and illuminates either due to the handbrake being applied or if it remains lit when the handbrake is fully released, a brake circuit fault. If the brake light comes on along with the stop light it means that the brake fluid level is too low. You should stop the van as soon as it’s safe to do so and check brake fluid level.

Check brake fluid levels frequently (reservoir tank figure 1 in diagram) when the van is on a level surface and the engine is switched off. It is normal for brake fluid levels to drop as the brake pads become worn, but levels should never fall below the ‘MIN’ marker. If the brake light remains lit even after adding fluid, it may indicate a fault in the brake system. Avoid driving and contact an approved repair shop.

Tyre Pressure Warning Light

The Renault Master tyre pressure warning light comes on to indicate a loss in tyre pressure. A pressure sensor is located in each of the tyres. If the tyre pressure light initially flashes, then remains lit, it means there’s a problem with the tyre pressure monitoring system.

The tyre pressure warning light along with the spanner fault light and a message ‘Check Tyre Sensors’ will illuminate simultaneously. This may indicate that a wheel has been fitted that does not contain a sensor (such as the spare). The tyre pressure warning light may also flash if certain equipment that does not correspond to Renault’s recommendations is fitted, such as tyres, wheels etc.

Checking Tyre Pressures

The tyre pressures must be adjusted when cold and recommended pressures can be found inside the driver’s door. If tyre pressures cannot be checked when the tyres are cold, the recommended pressures must be increased by 0.2 to 0.3 bar (3 PSI).

Resetting the Tyre Pressure System

Ensure all tyres are first adjusted in accordance with the tyre pressure label found inside the driver’s door. Reset the Renault Master tyre pressure system as follows:

1. Switch the ignition on.
2. Repeatedly press either button on the end of the windscreen wiper stalk to select Tyre Pressure Acquisition.
3. Press and hold the button on the end of the windscreen wiper stalk for around 3 seconds the start the reset initialisation.
4. You’ll see displayed the message TP Acquisition Launched to indicate the reset request for the tyre pressure reference value has been taken into account.
5. The tyre pressure reset procedure will be carried out after a few minutes of driving.

Engine Warning Light

The Renault Master engine warning light is part of the emissions control system. The engine warning light may illuminate along with the spanner fault light . The engine warning light is generic, meaning that there are many possible reasons for the fault to emerge. Some of the most common faults include:

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
• Oxygen sensor
• Mass Airflow sensor
• Catalytic converter fault
• Fuel injectors

You can usually continue driving in the engine warning light comes on, but if the engine light begins flashing, reduce engine speed and avoid harsh acceleration. A flashing engine light may result in damage to the catalytic converter. The only way to diagnose the engine warning light is to use diagnostic scanners which pull stored fault codes. A diagnostic fault code scanner can either be purchased, and most vehicle repair workshops have this equipment. See reasons why the engine light is on for more information.

Airbag Warning Light

The Renault Master airbag warning light remaining constantly lit indicates a fault with the system. It means that the airbag and seat belt pretensioners may not activate during an impact. On rare occasions, the fault can trigger the airbags without a collision taking place. Certain diagnostic code readers are capable of reading airbag fault codes. Common reasons for the airbag light staying on include:

• Slight collision resulting in no damage but affecting the sensors
• Seatbelt sensor fault
• Cables and connectors for the seatbelt pretensioner system becoming undone under seats
• Airbag clock spring

ABS Warning Light

The Renault Master ABS warning light stays lit indicating a fault with the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). ABS is an additional braking safety system that helps to prevent the wheels from locking during heavy braking. In this instance, brakes will work as normal, but without the ABS features. The most common reason for the ABS fault is due to one of the wheel speed sensors (one located at each wheel) being faulty.

Brake Assist Warning Light

The Renault Master emergency brake assist system supplements the ABS and helps reduce stopping distances by applying maximum brake force. Emergency brake assist and active emergency brake assist both use the ABS and as a result, if there’s a fault with the ABS, the brake assist function may not operate. If a fault is detected, the emergency brake assist warning light along with the spanner fault light and a message ‘Check ABS’ will illuminate simultaneously.

Active emergency braking uses a sensor located on the front of the van’s grille to calculate the distance separating the your van from the vehicle in front and alerts the driver if there is a risk of a front-end collision. The active emergency brake assist warning light flashes in red to alert the driver to brake. If the driver fails to brake, the system will automatically apply braking. Ensure the sensors on the vehicle’s front grille is clear to avoid faults.

Traction Control Warning Light

The Renault Master traction control, or ‘grip’ control warning light comes on along with a message depending on the road surface that is driven on. The light, along with ‘Standard Highway Mode’ message illuminates when driving on normal, dry, light rain or snow conditions. If soft ground is detected, the warning light along with the message ‘Variable Highway Mode’ comes on. This mode allows for optimal driving conditions on soft ground.

The traction control system uses ABS and in addition, is reliant on tyres. When they need to be replaced, only tyres of the same make, size, type and profile should be used. Tyres fitted to the vehicle should either be identical to those fitted originally or conform to those recommended by your approved dealer.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

The red oil pressure warning light may come on the Renault Master’s dashboard if the oil level is low. If the oil light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it’s safe to do so and switch off the engine immediately. Check oil levels and if low, add oil as required.

If oil levels are normal or if the oil pressure warning light remains lit after adding oil, do not continue driving and switch odd the engine. This may be a symptom of low oil pressure which can cause significant engine damage. In this situation, you may have to arrange for recovery.

Engine Standby Warning Light

The green engine standby information light illuminates on the Renault Master’s dashboard when the engine has automatically switched off as part of the auto engine start-stop system. The conditions for engine standby must be met in order for engine shut off to initiate. If conditions aren’t met, the engine standby unavailable warning light  will illuminate . Conditions that prevent the engine from entering standby include:

• Reverse gear is engaged
• The bonnet is open or not properly shut
• The outdoor temperature is too low or too high (less than around 0 °C or higher than around 35 °C)
• The battery is not sufficiently charged (most common reason)
• The difference between the vehicle interior temperature and the automatic climate control instruction is too high
• The ‘Clear View’ function is activated
• The engine coolant temperature is too low
• Automatic diesel particle filter (DPF) cleaning is underway
• The ‘Fast Idle Speed’ function is activated

Diesel Filter Warning Light

The water in diesel filter warning light illuminates when water has been detected in the diesel fuel. The filter may require emptying or a new filter may be required. The message ‘Check Fuel Filter’ may also illuminate on the dashboard. Continued driving with the water in diesel filter warning light may result in damage.

Brake Pads Warning Light

The Renault Master low brake pads warning light illuminate when the vehicle’s brake pads are low and require replacing. As a rough estimate, you’ll have around 1000 mile before the pads become dangerous, though this does vary for many factors. See low brake pads warning light for further information.

ESC Warning Light

There are various sensors that make up the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. By use of sensors, ESC helps to correct understeer and vehicle traction. In the event of correction, the ESC warning light will flash. If the ESC warning light remains constantly lit along with the spanner fault light and a message ‘Check ESC’, it means there’s an operating fault. Along with a sensor in the steering wheel, ESC uses wheel speed sensors which are prone to damage.

Lane Departure Warning Light

Using a camera mounted at the top-centre of the windscreen, the lane departure warning system warns the driver if they cross a continuous or broken line without activating the direction indicator lights. In this instance, the warning light illuminates and possibly an audible alert to warn the driver. In the event of a fault, the spanner fault light and a message ‘Lane Departure Check’ illuminates. Ensure the windscreen is not obscured by dirt, mud, snow, condensation, etc.

Reagent Level Warning Light

A level gauge on the Renault Master’s dashboard indicates the current level of reagent and warning when levels are getting low. When low, the warning light illuminates along with a beep. You’ll also receive a message indicating how many miles are remaining. Top up with AdBlue to avoid issues. In the event of a fault, the warning light illuminates along with the spanner fault light and a message.