2025 Dodge Hornet Warning Lights and Indicator User Guide
This Guide covers 2025 Dodge Hornet Warning Lights & Indicators. Learn the significance of dashboard warning lights, from engine warnings to safety messages, to keep informed and maintain vehicle performance and safety.
2024 Dodge Hornet Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review
Video: 2025 Dodge Hornet Dashboard Indicators
WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
The warning/indicator lights will illuminate in the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautionary and as such must not be considered as exhaustive and/or alternative to the information contained in the Owner’s Manual, which you are advised to read carefully in all cases. Always refer to the information in this chapter in the event of a failure indication. All active telltales will display first if applicable. The system check menu may appear different based upon equipment options and current vehicle status. Some telltales are optional and may not appear.
RED WARNING LIGHTS
Air Bag Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault with the air bag, and will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position. This light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the air bag has been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light is either not on during startup, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Brake Warning Light
If the light remains on when the parking brake has been disengaged, and the fluid level is at the full mark on the master cylinder reservoir, it indicates a possible brake hydraulic system malfunction or that a problem with the Brake Booster has been detected by the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) / Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. In this case, the light will remain on until the condition has been corrected. If the problem is related to the brake booster, the ABS pump will run when applying the brake, and a brake pedal pulsation may be felt during each stop.
The dual brake system provides a reserve braking capacity in the event of a failure to a portion of the hydraulic system. A leak in either half of the dual brake system is indicated by the Brake Warning Light, which will turn on when the brake fluid level in the master cylinder has dropped below a specified level.
The light will remain on until the cause is corrected.
NOTE
The light may flash momentarily during sharp cornering maneuvers, which change fluid level conditions. The vehicle should have service performed, and the brake fluid level checked. If brake failure is indicated, immediate repair is necessary.
WARNING!
Driving a vehicle with the red brake light on is dangerous. Part of the brake system may have failed. It will take longer to stop the vehicle. You could have a collision. Have the vehicle checked immediately.
Vehicles equipped with the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) are also equipped with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). In the event of an EBD failure, the Brake Warning Light will turn on along with the ABS Light. Immediate repair to the ABS system is required.
Operation of the Brake Warning Light can be checked by turning the ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON/RUN position. The light should illuminate for approximately two seconds. The light should then turn off unless the parking brake is applied or a brake fault is detected. If the light does not illuminate, have the light inspected by an authorized dealer.
The light also will turn on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the ON/RUN position.
NOTE
This light shows only that the parking brake is applied. It does not show the degree of brake application.
Battery Charge Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the battery is not charging properly. If it stays on while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction with the charging system.
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This indicates a possible problem with the electrical system or a related component.
Door Open Warning Light
This indicator will illuminate when a door is ajar/open and not fully closed.
NOTE
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Drowsy Driver Detected Warning Light — If Equipped
Once the pop-up message is cleared, it is stored until the condition is no longer true.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fault Warning Light
This warning light will turn on when there’s a fault with the EPS system. Presence of a “Have power steering checked” warning message could indicate a loss of steering angle calibration.
WARNING!
Continued operation with reduced assist could pose a safety risk to yourself and others. Service should be obtained as soon as possible.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a problem with the ETC system. If a problem is detected while the vehicle is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem.
Cycle the ignition when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the transmission is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the vehicle running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.
NOTE
This light may turn on if the accelerator and brake pedals are pressed at the same time.
If the light continues to flash when the vehicle is running, immediate service is required and you may experience reduced performance, an elevated/rough idle, or engine stall and your vehicle may require towing. The light will come on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position and remain on briefly as a bulb check. If the light does not come on during starting, have the system checked by an authorized dealer.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the Air Conditioning (A/C) system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (N) and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off
immediately and call for service.
WARNING!
A hot engine cooling system is dangerous. You or others could be badly burned by steam or boiling coolant. It is recommended to call an authorized dealer for service if your vehicle overheats.
CAUTION!
Driving with a hot engine cooling system could damage your vehicle. If the temperature gauge reads “H”, pull over and stop the vehicle. Idle the vehicle with the air conditioner turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on the “H”, turn the engine off immediately and call an authorized dealer for service.
Hood Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the hood is left open and not fully closed.
NOTE
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Liftgate Open Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when the liftgate is open.
NOTE
If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Do not operate the vehicle until the cause is corrected. This light does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. The engine oil level must be checked under the hood.
Oil Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. Wait for oil temperature to return to normal levels.
Plug Status Fault Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate when a plug status fault is detected (when vehicle not in motion). It will be accompanied by a cluster message indicating the type of fault.
You may receive one of the following messages if a fault is detected:
- Service Charging System – If you see a service charging system message, it is recommended to unplug and plug in again, or try a different charging station. If an issue continues, contact an authorized dealer.
- Issue Detected Check External Charging Station – If you see an issue detected message, the charging station might be powered off, have an internal fault or be scheduled to charge later. It is recommended to try a different charging station. If an issue continues, then contact an authorized dealer.
NOTE
- Older or non-compliant J1772 EVSE models may not support charging of this vehicle. If this vehicle does not charge, it may be connected to a non-compliant Level 2 EVSE, and will flash indicators. Please identify this failure to the site operator and/or EVSE provider.
- Before this vehicle can be driven, the EVSE Charging Cord must be disconnected from the vehicle.
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light
Service Hybrid System Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when service to the hybrid electric system is needed. It will be accompanied by a message in the cluster. If the telltale stays on or continues to come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
SOS Battery Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal a fault with the SOS Battery system. If the light stays on or comes on during driving, we recommend you drive to the nearest service center and have the vehicle serviced immediately.
Traction Battery Fault Warning Light
Torque Limited Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when vehicle acceleration is limited due to a reduction in engine or electric motor performance or if the vehicle has run out of gas and the thermal engine cannot be activated. If the telltale stays on or continues to come on, contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Transmission Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
This light will illuminate (together with a message in the instrument cluster display and a buzzer) to indicate a transmission fault. Contact an authorized dealer if the message remains after restarting the engine.
Vehicle Security Warning Light — If Equipped
YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) Fault Warning Light
This light alerts the driver that the AVAS system is not functioning properly. If the light stays on contact and authorized dealer for service.
Auto Liftgate Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal when there is a fault detected with the Auto Liftgate.
Fuel Level Sensor Failure Warning Light
Active Speed Limiter Fault Warning Light— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to signal when there is a fault detected with the Active Speed Limiter.
Blind Spot Detection Fault Warning Light
This light alerts the driver that there is a fault in the Blind Spot Detection system.
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
If the ABS light remains on or turns on while driving, then the Anti-Lock portion of the brake system is not functioning and service is required as soon as possible. However, the conventional brake system will continue to operate normally, assuming the Brake Warning Light is not also on.
If the ABS light does not turn on when the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position, have the brake system inspected by an authorized dealer.
Drowsy Driver Detected System Fault Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the Drowsy Driver Detected (DDD) system is not operating correctly and requires service. Please see an authorized dealer.
Electric Park Brake Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to indicate the Electric Park Brake is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active Warning Light — If Equipped
If this warning light remains on after several ignition cycles, and the vehicle has been driven several miles (kilometers) at speeds greater than 30 mph (48 km/h), see an authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the problem diagnosed and corrected.
- The ESC OFF Indicator Light and the ESC Indicator Light come on momentarily each time the ignition is placed in the ON/RUN position.
- The ESC system will make buzzing or clicking sounds when it is active. This is normal; the sounds will stop when ESC becomes inactive.
- This light will come on when the vehicle is in an ESC event.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light indicates the ESC is off. Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC system will be on, even if it was turned off previously.
Fuel Cutoff Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate after an accident has occurred, and the system has shut the fuel off.
Fuel Cutoff Failure Warning Light — If Equipped
Fuel Level Sensor Failure Warning Light
This light illuminates when there is a fuel level sensor failure. If this light illuminates, take it to an authorized dealer and have them inspect it.
Lane Keep Assist Warning Light — If Equipped
The Lane Keep Assist Warning Light will be solid yellow when the vehicle is approaching a lane marker. The warning light will flash when the vehicle is crossing the lane marker.
Service Lane Keep Assist Warning Light— If Equipped
Low Fuel Warning Light
The Low Fuel Warning Light will turn on when low fuel is detected in the fuel tank.
Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator (MIL) Warning Light
The MIL is a part of an Onboard Diagnostic System called OBD II that monitors engine and automatic transmission control systems. This warning light will illuminate when the ignition is in the ON/RUN position before engine start. If the bulb does not come on when turning the ignition switch from OFF to ON/RUN, have the condition checked promptly.
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several typical driving styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to alert serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. The vehicle should be serviced by an authorized dealer as soon as possible if this occurs.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter can reach higher temperatures than in normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire if you drive slowly or park over flammable substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, etc. This could result in death or serious injury to the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, severe catalytic converter damage and power loss will soon occur. Immediate service is required.
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™/Service Passive Entry Warning Light
Contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to indicate a fault in the Forward Collision Warning System. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Service Stop/Start System Warning Light— If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate when the Stop/Start system is not functioning properly and service is required. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warning Light — If Equipped
Should one or more tires be in the condition mentioned previously, the display will show the indications corresponding to each tire.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a tire puncture occurs, repair immediately using the dedicated tire repair kit and contact an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and
can lead to tire failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the original equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and warning have been established for the tire size equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system operation or sensor damage may result when using replacement equipment that is not of the same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor to become inoperable. After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recommended that you take your vehicle to an authorized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
Towing Hook Breakdown Warning Light —If Equipped
This light illuminates when there is a failure with the tow hook. Contact an authorized dealer for service.
Hybrid Traction Battery Cut-off Warning Light
This telltale will turn on to indicate the Hybrid Traction Battery system is not functioning properly. Contact an authorized dealer if illumination persists.
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) Fault Warning Light
Transmission Temperature Warning Light
This warning light will illuminate to warn of a high transmission fluid temperature. This may occur with strenuous usage such as trailer towing. If this light turns on, stop the vehicle and run the engine at idle or slightly faster, with the transmission in PARK or NEUTRAL, until the light turns off. Once the light turns off, you may continue to drive normally.
WARNING!
If you continue operating the vehicle when the Transmission Temperature Warning Light is illuminated you could cause the fluid to boil over, come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components and cause a fire.
CAUTION!
Continuous driving with the Transmission Temperature Warning Light illuminated will eventually cause severe transmission damage or transmission failure.
YELLOW INDICATOR LIGHTS
Exterior Lights Failure Indicator Light
The telltale will illuminate to indicate a failure on the following lights: Daytime Running Lights (DRL)/parking lights/trailer turn signal indicators (if present)/trailer lights (if present)/side lights/turn signal indicators/low beam/reversing light/brake lights/license plate lights.
The failure may be caused by a blown bulb or an interruption of the electrical connection. For bulb replacement.
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Indicator Light — If Equipped
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) OFF Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light illuminates to indicate that Forward Collision Warning is off.
Immobilizer Fail / VPS Electrical Alarm Warning Light
This telltale will illuminate when the vehicle security system has detected an attempt to break into the vehicle.
NOTE
After cycling the ignition to the ON/RUN position, the Vehicle Security Warning Light could illuminate if a problem with the system is detected. This condition will result in the engine being shut off after two seconds.
GREEN INDICATOR LIGHTS
Active Speed Limiter SET Indicator Light
Cruise Control SET Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the Cruise Control is set to the desired speed.
Hold ‘n Go Indicator Light — If Equipped
Hold ’n Go keeps your vehicle at a complete stop without you having to keep your foot on the brake pedal. Once engaged a green HOLD indicator will appear in the Instrument Cluster Display.
Automatic Low Beam Indicator Light — If Equipped
Parking/Headlights On Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the parking lights or headlights are turned on.
Plug Status Indicator Light
When plugged in, the green plug indicator light will illuminate if the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) charging plug is securely attached to the charging port. This indicates that the plug is detected, but doesn’t mean it is charging. It may be accompanied with a cluster message indicating the charge status:
- Plugged In And Charging
- Plugged In And Waiting to Charge On A Set Schedule
- Plugged in and Charging Complete
NOTE
The vehicle cannot be driven until it is unplugged.
Turn Signal Indicator Lights
NOTE
Check for an inoperative outside light bulb if either indicator flashes at a rapid rate.
Stop/Start Active Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator light will illuminate when the Stop/Start function is in “Autostop” mode.
E-Drive Electric Mode Indicator Light
This indicator light will illuminate to indicate that the vehicle is in E-Drive Electric Mode.
Ready To Drive Indicator Light
PowerShot Engaged Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that E-Boost mode is currently engaged.
WHITE INDICATOR LIGHTS
Automatic High Beam Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator appears when the automatic high beam headlights are on.
Automatic Low Beam Indicator Light — If Equipped
PowerShot Unavailable Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that E-Boost mode is currently unavailable.
Sport Mode On Indicator Light
This light will turn on when Sport mode on is active.
BLUE INDICATOR LIGHTS
High Beam Indicator Light
Automatic High Beam Indicator Light — If Equipped
This indicator shows that the automatic high beam headlights are on.
GRAY INDICATOR LIGHTS
PowerShot Available Indicator Light
This light alerts the driver that E-Boost mode is currently available.
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