Suzuki Vitara Dashboard Warning Lights
Here are the dashboard warning lights for the Suzuki Vitara and Grand Vitara (also known as the Suzuki Escudo). Model ranges are for the third generation (Mk 3, 2005 onward) and the current 4th generation (Mk 4, 2015 onward).
Dashboard instrument display layout and warning light location varies depending on the model version and year of manufacture of your Vitara / Escudo. Many of the warning lights briefly come on when ignition key is switched on or start button is pressed to ‘on’ mode as part of the normal self-check.
| Symbol | Warning Light Description / Action |
|---|---|
 | The Suzuki Vitara tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light comes on in yellow and illuminates for 2 possible reasons: ▷ Loss of tyre pressure detected - One or more tyres is significantly under-inflated. Stop as soon as possible to check tyre pressure or replace the wheel. Driving with under-inflated tyres increases fuel consumption, affects the vehicle handling, reduces the tyre tread life and can cause the tyre to overheat and fail. Note If the tyre pressure light fails to come on when the ignition is turned to 'on' or the start button is pressed to 'on' mode, the system may have malfunctioned. ▷ Flashing tyre pressure light - The tyre pressure warning light will flash for 75 seconds then remain on to indicate a malfunction with the TPMS. |
 | The red exclamation mark in a circle is the Suzuki Vitara brake warning light and illuminates for the following reasons: ▷ Parking brake engaged - The warning light illuminates along with a buzzer to remind you that the parking brake is applied. ▷ Low brake fluid level - If the parking brake is fully released and the light remains on, it may indicate low brake fluid levels. ▷ Brake system fault - If the parking brake is fully released and brake fluid levels are adequate, there may be a fault with the brake system. Adding brake fluid If the warning light comes on when driving yet the parking brake is properly released, pull safely off the road and check brake fluid levels. As brake pads wear, fluid levels also drop - this is a normal process. Check the brake fluid level is between the MIN and MAX mark. If it is near the MIN, add fluid. Use DOT4 brake fluid.  Brake system fault If brake fluid levels are already satisfactory or the light remains on after adding fluid, there may be a fault with the brake system. Check that the brake pedal does not feel spongy and that you can safely stop the vehicle. If you determine that the brakes are safe, immediately drive slowly and carefully to a Suzuki workshop for inspection. |
 | The yellow ABS warning light illuminates on the Suzuki Vitara dashboard when a fault has been found in the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). If the ABS warning light stays on while driving: 1. Safely pull off the road. 2. Turn the ignition switch to'lock' or change the ignition mode to 'lock' (off) if you have a button starter. 3. Restart the engine. If the warning light stays on briefly the goes out, ABS is operating normally. If the light remains on, the system is faulty. Is the ABS warning light serious? ABS essentially prevent wheel from locking during harsh braking. This in turn allow the driver to continue to steer as locked wheels prevent this. ABS is a separate system to normal brakes and normal brake will work as usual. However, there is a risk of locking wheels when braking hard. Have the system serviced by a Suzuki workshop as soon as possible. The fault is often sensor related. ABS and brake light If both the ABS and brake light come on together on your Suzuki Vitara dashboard, there's a problem with the rear brake force control function (proportioning valve function). This allows independent and variable braking force for individual wheels. there is a greater chance of the rear wheels locking when braking on a slippery surface. Avoid where possible to brake hard and have vehicle serviced immediately. |
 | This yellow car skidding symbol is the Suzuki Vitara ESP warning light. ESP stands for Electronic Stability Program and is used to provide vehicle stability when cornering and accelerating. The ESP warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ ESP flashes 5 times per second - This means the system is activating and attempting to stabilise the vehicle. One of the following is activated: • Stability control system • Traction control system • Hill descent control system If the ESP warning light flashes, drive carefully. ▷ ESP warning light stays on - This means there's a fault with the system. Switching the ignition or engine start button to 'off' and restarting the engine may clear the fault. This fault may relate to ABS as they share some components. You can continue to drive carefully when ESP is non-functional, but drive carefully as these safety features will be off. Switching off ESP ESP is on by default at each engine start. It can be manually switched off if required. It's only recommended to switch off ESP when you are unable to gain traction when stuck in snow or mud. |
 | The Suzuki Vitara hill descent system (when activated) automatically applied the brakes when going down a slope to allow the driver to concentrate on steering. The warning light is illuminated when the hill descent system is switched on. Hill descent flashing light The possible reasons for the hill descent warning light to flash are: ▷ Hill descent is operating when travelling downhill, the brake lights are applied and the hill descent and the warning light flashes. ▷ When the hill descent button is pressed and immediately begins to flash, hill descent control will not be activated. ▷ If the hill descent warning light flashes when you haven't operated the control switch, there is a fault with the system. |
 | The Suzuki Vitara oil pressure warning light comes on in red while driving for the following reasons: ▷ Low oil level; ▷ Low oil pressure. Checking the oil level Park on a level surface and using the dipstick (1), remove it from the engine, wipe it clean and replace it. Remove it once again and check that the oil level is between the Min and Max mark. Add engine oil (2) if the oil level falls to close to the Min mark.  Low oil pressure If there is already an acceptable level of oil in the engine or if the warning light still remains on after adding oil, it means there'd low engine oil pressure. The low pressure may result in engine component lubrication failure and could lead to critical engine failure. Avoid driving and contact a Suzuki workshop. |
 | If the Suzuki Vitara red battery warning light comes on when driving, it's an indication that the charging system has malfunction. It's possible that the engine may switch off after a period of time. To prolong engine activity, immediately switch off any non-essential systems that consume electric and make your way to a repair workshop. Possible faults ▷ Loose or corroded connections ▷ Faulty battery ▷ Faulty alternator / generator Low battery charge If you are not going to use your vehicle for a month or longer, it's recommended to disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal to help prevent discharge.  |
 | The red Suzuki Vitara airbag warning light will come on and stay on if there's a problem with the airbag system or seat belt pretensioner system. There is a risk that the airbag or seat belt pretensioner system may not deploy in the event of an accident. Have system serviced as soon as possible. ▷ Ensure the area under the front seats is clear of obstacles and that all cables and connections are securely in place. |
 | The Suzuki Vitara has an emissions control system that regulate exhaust emissions. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) otherwise known as the 'check engine light' will come on and stay on when a fault is detected. The MIL may stay on or flash. ▷ Stays on - This means there's a fault with emissions control. This is a non-critical fault but you should have the emissions system serviced as soon as possible. Continual driving may result in damage. You may notice an increase in fuel use and poor engine performance. ▷ Flashing - If the MIL is flashing, the situation is more urgent. This may be a sign of engine misfiring that can result in emission system damage including the catalytic converter. Have system checked immediately. Note This warning light may also indicate a fault with the automatic transaxle system. The transaxle warning light may also come on. |
 | The cog and exclamation mark symbol is the transaxle warning light and indicates a problem with the Suzuki Vitara automatic transaxle system. TCSS models For versions of the Suzuki Vitara with twin clutch system (TCSS): ▷ The transaxle gear cannot be changed even if you shift the gear level. ▷ The transaxle gear automatically changes to 'N' when the vehicle stops along with the gear selector position indicator displaying 'N'. ▷ The engine stalls when the vehicle stops. ▷ You are unable to start the engine. Flashing transaxle warning light Under these circumstances, the clutch is under heavy load and is overheating. The transaxle warning light flashes along with an audible alert: ▷ Traveling uphill, you alternate between stop and start. ▷ Traveling uphill, you hold the vehicle at a stop using only the creeping function. ▷ You depress the accelerator pedal along with the brake. ▷ You depress the accelerator pedal without releasing the parking brake. Under these conditions, stop in a safe place and switch off the engine. Allow time for the clutch too cool and do not continue until the warning light has gone off. |
 | The key symbol is the Suzuki Vitara engine immobiliser / keyless push start warning light. It comes on initially with the ignition briefly and should go out. The electronic key or keyless push start remote controller both have electronic identification code programmed into them. If the immobiliser warning light flashes when the ignition is switched on, the engine will not start. ▷ If the engine fails to start, always set the ignition to 'OFF' then try again. ▷ Ensure the batteries in key or keyless controller do not require replacing. There are several possible faults that may prevent your vehicle from starting due to immobiliser issues including the antenna ring around the ignition, key registration (key may require programming) or a faulty ECU. Diagnostic equipment is required to bring up fault codes to locate the issue. |
 | The Suzuki Vitara power steering warning light constantly stays on meaning there is a fault with the system. You can continue to drive, but many notice that more effort is required to turn the wheel at low speeds. Temporary fault The electric power steering system has a control system that prevents it from overheating. This is not a fault but a temporary reduction in power assistance. The system may implement this when: ▷ The steering wheel is consistently being operated to excess. ▷ The steering wheel is kept in a fully turned position for long periods. When the system has cooled down, normal operation will resume. |
 | The radar brake support system measures the distance to the vehicle ahead by radar and issues a warning in an attempt to avoid a crash. To further help avoid a collision, brake support will be provided. The Suzuki Vitara radar brake support warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ Flashes - The warning light flashes when the system is operational. ▷ Stays on - The radar is not functioning. The radar brake support warning light will illuminate and the master warning light may flash. This could be due to: • A fault with the radar • A fault with ABS or ESP preventing the system from operating. The ABS and/or ESP warning lights will also come on. • A fault with the brake control systems. • When the radar unit is covered in dirt. Keep the radar clean Always keep the radar unit clean and clear of road debris to ensure it can operate. In this instance, you may receive the message: Radar brake support not active by sensor.  |
 | The Suzuki Vitara adaptive cruise control warning light comes on when a fault has been detected with the system. ▷ Adaptive cruise control may not operate correctly in bad weather such as heavy rain, snow or fog. ▷ Always ensure the radar at the front of the vehicle (see above) is clean. |
 | The automatic headlight leveling system uses sensors to detect is the vehicle is leaning forwards or backwards and adjusts the headlights accordingly. They also rotate to aid viewing of the road when traveling round corners. The Suzuki Vitara automatic headlight leveling system warning light comes on when a fault has been detected. Often the module, the wiring harness from the lights to the module or a faulty sensor requires replacement. |
 | The light bulb containing an exclamation mark is the LED headlights fault warning light. |
 | The Suzuki Vitara 4wd warning light comes on for the following reasons: ▷ A problem has been detected with the four-mode 4wd system. In this circumstance, the system will automatically be deactivated. Flashing 4wd warning light The 4wd drive warning light begins flashing when: ▷ Wheels of different diameters are fitted to the vehicle. ▷ Drive train components are overheating due to spinning of a drive wheel in mud or show. What to do If the 4wd warning light is flashing, pull off the road and remain stationary while leaving the engine running at idle (except for the case of different sized wheels). When the warning light goes out, the system will resume as normal. |
 | The oil and spanner warning light is the Suzuki Vitara oil change request warning light. If the warning light begins flashing, you should change the oil and filter immediately. Continuous driving without changing the engine oil and filter may result in engine damage. When the oil and filter has been changed, the warning light must be reset in order to monitor the next change. |
 | The Suzuki Vitara glow plug warning light comes on if the engine coolant temperature is cool enough and when the ignition is switched to 'on'. The glow plugs warning light goes out when heated enough for engine start. Note In warm ambient temperatures, the glow plug warning light may illuminate very briefly or not at all. |
 | Often water can accumulate in diesel fuel tanks and if it gets in the engine, can cause damage. Filter on diesel engines are used to separate the water from the fuel. The Suzuki Vitara water in fuel filter warning light comes on because the filter requires the water draining and/or the filter changing. This is often a task that a vehicle workshop does, though it can be done yourself by locating the filter and draining the water. |
 | The DPF or diesel particulate filter warning light illuminates on the Suzuki Vitara dashboard when the filter requires cleaning, or 'regenerating'. It means the filter is clogged with diesel soot and particulate matter. The filter is usually cleaned automatically but may require driver assistance on occasions. Cleaning the diesel particulate filter To clean the Suzuki Vitara diesel particulate filter, do the following: 1. Keep the vehicle in motion (choose a road that does not require stopping) 2. Keep at a speed of 31 mph (50 km/h) or more. 3. And/or keep the engine speed (RPM) at a speed higher than 2,000 rpm. 4. The light will go out when the process is complete. DPF fault If the light remains on after cleaning, have the vehicle DPF system serviced. Damage may result otherwise. Note Frequent short trips are not ideally suited to diesel engine and increase the frequency of a clogged DPF. |
 | The 'A' symbol is the Suzuki Vitara Eng A-Stop system, or automatic engine stop start system. This warning light will come on when the engine has been automatically stopped by the system. There are certain requirements that must be met in order for this system to correctly operate. To find out what these requirements are and why your stop start system is not working, see Suzuki Vitara stop start not working. |
 | The triangle containing an exclamation mark is the Suzuki Vitara master warning light. The master warning light flashes to bring attention to indicator and warning messages. Other warning lights may illuminate alongside the master warning symbol. |
 | This zig zag warning light comes on when there's a problem with the Suzuki Vitara injection system. There may also be a noticeable loss of engine performance as the engine enters 'limp mode'. You will require diagnostic equipment in order to fault find, but things to check are: • Check the fuel filter is drained and clear. • Check the DPF requires cleaning. • Faulty / old battery with insufficient charge. |
 | The Suzuki Vitara red stop engine warning light indicates a serious fault with the injection system. Depending on the fault, the engine may automatically switch off or enter reduced power mode. This can be an issue related to a heavily clogged diesel particulate filter (DPF). You will require a diagnostic code scanner to locate the problem. |
The best dash explanation ever. Simple easy to understand first class
Injection warning light is on and am about 6 hours away from home. With injection warning light on is it still safe to drive.
Hi Paula,
Yes it should be OK to continue driving. The fault doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a fault with the injection system, it can be valve, sensor, emissions problem. You’ll need to have diagnostics done ASAP.
The cog and exclamation mark symbol light is on , what need to be done? can I drive ?
Hello Wael,
It is usually okay to drive for a short time with the transmission warning light on, but over longer periods you may risk damage. It’s advised that you have the fault looked at as soon as possible.
many thanks, the light is off now I drove after that 90 miles
My wife has a 2011 Grand Vitara.
The door openswitches and the red light all function correctly, but she has an erroneous DOOR OPEN message on her dash pop up for no reason. What to do?
Hi Steve, a common problem with the Grand Vitara causing the door open warning is a loose door striker. Check to see if these are loose.
My Suzuki vitara 2016 won’t start and the dashboard says ESP Service. Everything comes on until I try to start the car then nothing it all just switches off.
Hi Penny,
ESP, Electronic Stability Program helps the car to remain stable when cornering and doesn’t usually prevent the engine from starting. From what I have read, there does seem to be some low battery voltage issues that can cause the fault. A modified ESP actuator is available for those experiencing the fault.
I have seen The red P mark in a circle is the Suzuki Vitara dashboard what can i do?
The parking brake warning light if remaining on when the parking brake is released can mean you are low on brake fluid. Check the brake fluid reservoir.
hi, my 2019 Vitara start-stop light keep flashing on my dashboard even after i’ve changed my car battery.
how to reset this?
thanks.
Hi Tan
If the start stop warning light is flashing, it most likely means there’s a fault : Suzuki Vitara Stop Start Not Working
I ran out of petrol and after it was refilled i noticed the transaxel light came on and remained on. what should I do to rectify this problem? 2016 model.
Hi fuel pump light comes on flashing and fuel indicator arm stays on E
This is not the fuel pump warning light that indicates you need fuel
Fuel pump sign comes on flashing and fuel needle stays on E despite being full of fuel
This is not the fuel pump sign with the arrow indicating fuel refill side
Can you turn off the Radar brake support system? It’s very sensitive and annoying as always going off, thanks
You should have a radar brake support OFF button on your dash. If you press and hold the button, you’ll hear an audible chime and the radar brake support OFF warning light will illuminate.
How long I should hold the button?
Hi Jurkis,
The button for the radar brake support? Continue to press it until you hear the audible alert. Also, ensure the front radar (located on the vehicle’s front grille) is clean.
Hi ABS and ESP warnings came on after stopping to fill with fuel, can I drive? No services open due to Xmas holidays. Suzuki Escudo
Hi Mandy,
Yes you can continue to drive. The car’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) will not be functioning. ABS helps you to steer the vehicle while under heavy braking. ESP (Electronic Stability Control) helps with the car’s stability – understeer, traction control etc. So if you drive safely, you shouldn’t need either of these systems. But of course, they are useful in case of an emergency situation, so it does need fixing. Both ABS and ESC rely on wheel speed sensors. There’s on located at each wheel and these sensors are prone to damage due to their location.
My vitara brezza diesel amt showing transaxle warning light, when I stopped the vehicle I could not restart and the cog and exclamation matk alarm exists. Next day morning the warning light went off automatically and no other issues. Do I have to check up with the service center. Please advise
Hello Premachandran,
If you were driving in such a way that may cause the light to come on, vehicle under heavy load for example, then it may be fine once normal driving resumes. If you were driving under normal conditions when the light came on, I would recommend having it checked out as it may be something simple that could prevent escalation into a more serious and expensive problem. Usually a fault code is stored, so they should be able to locate where the fault it.
Hi my vitara tells me to hold the steering wheel with both hands it also sometimes gives the speed limit as 130 or 80 also the radar braking light come on randomly when no one is around I took it to the garage and they laughed at me saying there was no such warning they came with me on a drive and nothing happened so they said it’s the way in drive but that doesn’t explain everything did I imagine the warning hold the steering wheel with two hands it’s happened a few times now
Hi Debbie,
I would think that the warning regards keeping your hands on the steering wheel is part of the lane keeping assist / lane departure warning or lane centering assist if your Vitara has it. Cars are slowly heading towards autonomous driving and have certain levels associated with this. So a level 2 in autonomous driving (5 being full driving automation) offers some level of automation but requires that the driver has their hands on the steering wheel to take control. It’s a safety precaution. You may have to do a little investigating on your Vitara and its settings to see what system is issuing the warning. Turning off the system will deactivate the warning, but it’s probably best to leave safety systems alone.
In terms of the speed limit warnings, it sounds like part of the Vitara’s speed alert warning system. This allows you to manually adjust speed limits, simply for safety so that you get an alert if you exceed the limit. Again, take a look in the settings to see what you can change.
The radar brake warning light will be part of the radar brake support system. The system can provide automatic braking in the event that the system detects a imminent collision. It’s something you need to have looked at just in case the system activates the brakes unintentionally. The system relies on a radar mounted in the front grille and a camera mounted behind your rear view mirror. Ensure the radar and windscreen are clean to aid operation of the systems. You can also adjust the radar’s sensitivity so that it warns you less. If after cleaning and adjusting the setting you still have problems, best to have it checked out.
Suzuki Vitara 2016 DDI . Steering wheel warning light stayed on constantly and car would not start. car had been in direct sunlight for 1/2 hour. After 30mins the car started and runs again without any problem. Any reason for this?
Hi John,
It would have been an overheating issue. Not too uncommon on a hot day, particularly when the car’s been in direct sunlight. Doesn’t take much for components to overheat. Safety systems often prevent operation of said system to prevent damage and once, cooled, they operate again.
Abs light is on
All the time and the garage said its ok they couldn’t find anything wrong with the car suzuki vitara should I just forget about it
Hi John,
No, you shouldn’t just forget about it. If the ABS light is constantly on, it means your anti-lock braking system is not working. In the event of emergency braking, ABS can help to reduce stopping distances, but the main point is that it allows you to continue to steer the car (with locked wheels you cannot control the steering).
An ABS fault is usually due to a wheel speed sensor gone bad, but it could also be something else such as a control unit. There’s obviously something wrong else the light wouldn’t be on. Not only does this render your vehicle potentially less safe than it could be, having a fault light on will affect your resale value and MOT. The garage saying there’s nothing wrong isn’t good enough.
Master warning indicator
Why is this indicator coming on occasionally and going off immediately ?
Hi Leonard,
Are you having no other messages or light come up? Best thing to do is check tire pressures, engine oil and all fluids are up to correct level. For serious faults, there’ll usually be a dedicated warning light. If it’s still occurring after maintenance and no other messages or lights, you’ll likely need diagnostics to check for fault codes.
2018 turbo diesel – red stop engine warning light has come on when trying to start my car after being in idle and the car just turning off like in description. New turbo, new EGR, new DPF which has now been turned off and hollowed out, new boost module etc so I’m curious as to why this is happening?
I’ve run my scan tool and no codes can be found.
Welcome
can you help me
While driving the car, a continuous warning sound sounded without any warning messages. I stopped the car, turned off the engine, then started the car and worked normally without any change in its movement while continuing to drive, but a warning appeared.
indicator light transmission box. what to do
Thanks
Hi mah abdeh,
Transmission warning lights usually come on due to an overheating issue. Overheating usually occurs either due to the transmission having a high workload (high speeds towing or carrying a heavy load) but a transmission can also overheated due to a lack of transmission fluid, or that the fluid has deteriorated. Other problems can relate to sensors, gearing problems etc. If the light stays on, it’s something that you’ll want to have looked at sooner rather than later. Transmissions are very expensive. I would have the car booked in for diagnostics, check for fault codes and have transmission fluid checked.
Hi there,
I’ve got a Suzuki Vitata 2009 Model and now the EPS, ASB, ((B)) all come on and stay on as long as the engine is on. I’ve noticed nothing different since that happens. I’ve also taken the car to the local mechanic who could not determine what was wrong with the car. Could you please help? thank you
MN
Hi Minh,
Many things including the power steering (EPS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) are linked to wheel speed sensors (1 on each wheel). This could be the problem and it’s usually quite an easy fix. Damaged wheel speed sensors are quite a common issue. Did the mechanic run a diagnostic check? It’s a tool they plug into your car to scan for fault codes. This would be the first thing to do.
my car is a Suzuki Vitara GLX 2018. First time this happened. While driving, the Hill hold Disable ESP system light appeared and stays on. The slip indicator light stays on. This only appears after few minutes of driving ; only when the car is moving. Brought it to the service center and they said they did some calibration, but the after a few days, the hillhold disable ESP system indicator light was back again. Could you please help? Thank you
Hi tradad.
Did they carry out diagnostics? All the systems that you mention are all reliant on wheel speed sensors. These sensors are prone to damage and one may require replacement. there’s one on each wheel. There should be fault codes that a diagnostic tool will read. I should ask them about this.
Hi I have a suzuki ignis and have a yellow warning “function temporarily disabled cam vis”
Hi Tracey,
It’s when the front-facing camera (the one at the top-centre of your windscreen) view is obscured. This can be for various reasons. A dirty windscreen, or snow or ice obscuring the camera view. Road glare, such a the sun reflecting off water on the road and condensation that can form inside the compartment where the camera is housed. When the windscreen is cleaned, or whatever is causing the obstruction is gone, the message should go.