Table of Contents

2023 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Warning Lights and Indicators User Guide

This detailed tutorial decodes 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz warning lights and indicators. Learn what each dashboard indicator indicates and how to drive safely and more reliably.

2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Specs, Price, Features, Mileage And Review

Video: 2023 Hyundai Santa-Cruz Warning Indicators

Warning and Indicator Lights

Information
Make sure that all warning lights are OFF after starting the engine. If any light is still ON, this indicates a situation that needs attention.

Seat belt warning light
This warning light informs the driver that the seat belt is not fastened.
For more details, refer to the “Seat Belts” section in Chapter 3.

Airbag warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you turn the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- It illuminates for approximately 3~6 seconds and then goes off.
When there is a malfunction with the SRS.
If the Air Bag warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Parking brake warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The parking brake & brake fluid warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and will then turn off once the parking brake is released.
Whenever the parking brake is applied.
Whenever the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low
- If the warning light illuminates with the parking brake released, it indicates the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.

If the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low:

Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required (For more details, refer to the “Brake Fluid” section in chapter 9). After adding brake fluid, check all brake components for fluid leaks. If a brake fluid leak is found, or if the warning light remains on, or if the brakes do not operate properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Dual-diagonal braking system
Your vehicle is equipped with dual-diagonal braking system. This means you still have braking on two wheels even if one of the dual systems should fail. With only one of the dual systems working, more than normal pedal travel and greater pedal pressure is required to stop the vehicle. Also, the vehicle will not stop in as short a distance with only a portion of the brake system working. If you experience a malfunction with the brake system while driving, attempt to slow your vehicle by coasting or by using engine braking. You may be able to reduce your vehicle speed by manually downshifting to a lower gear. Use Manual Shift Mode using either the gear shift lever or the paddle shifters (if equipped) to shift to a lower gear.

WARNING
Parking Brake & Brake Fluid warning light Driving the vehicle with a warning light ON is dangerous. If the Parking Brake warning light illuminates with the parking brake released, it indicates that the brake fluid level is low. If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position
- The ABS warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
Whenever there is a malfunction with the ABS. Note that the hydraulic braking system will still be operational even if there is a malfunction with the ABS. If the ABS warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning light
When the ABS warning and Parking Brake warning lights are on simultaneously, this may indicate a problem with the Electronic Brake Force Distribution system. If both the ABS warning light and the Parking Brake warning light remain illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

WARNING
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning light When both ABS and Parking Brake warning lights are on, the brake system will not work normally and you may experience an unexpected and dangerous situation during sudden braking. If this occurs, avoid high-speed driving and abrupt braking. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

NOTICE
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system warning light
When the ABS warning light is on or both ABS and Parking Brake warning lights are on, the speedometer, odometer, or trip meter may not work. Also, the MDPS warning light may illuminate and the steering effort may increase or decrease. If both the ABS warning light and the Parking Brake warning light remain illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The electric power steering warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
Whenever there is a malfunction with the electric power steering.
If the MDPS warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Charging system warning light
This warning light illuminates: When there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system.

If there is a malfunction with either the alternator or electrical charging system:

Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
Turn the engine off and check the alternator drive belt for looseness or breakage.
If the belt is adjusted properly, there may be a problem in the electrical charging system.
If the Charging system warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Engine Oil Level Warning Light
The engine oil level warning light illuminates when the engine oil level should be checked.
If the warning light comes on, check the engine oil level as soon as possible and add engine oil as required. Slowly pour the recommended oil little by little into a funnel. (Oil refill capacity: approximately 0.6 ~ 1.0 􀀁) Use only the specified engine oil. (Refer to “Recommended lubricants and capacities” in Chapter 2.) Do not overfill the engine oil. Make sure the oil level is not above F (Full) mark on the dipstick.

WARNING
When the engine oil level warning light appears, it is necessary to check if you have replaced the Engine oil according to the maintenance schedule in Chapter 9. If it has not been checked and followed, the engine oil must be replaced first.

Information

If you travel approximately 18~37 miles (30~60 km) after the engine warms up, after adding the engine oil, the warning light will go off.
If you cycle the ignition from OFF to ON 3 times within 10 seconds, the warning light will go off immediately. However, when you turn off the warning light without adding the engine oil, the light will reappear again after traveling approximately 18~37 miles (30~60 km) after the engine warms up.

NOTICE
If the light comes on continuously after adding the engine oil and traveling approximately 18~37 miles (30~60 km) after the engine warms up, have the system checked by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. Even if this light doesn’t come on after the engine has started, the engine oil level should be periodically checked and topped up if required.

Engine oil pressure warning light
This warning light illuminates: When the engine oil pressure is low.

If the engine oil pressure is low:

Drive carefully to the nearest safe location and stop your vehicle.
Turn the engine off and check the engine oil level (For more details, refer to the “Engine Oil” section in Chapter 9). If the level is low, add oil as required. If the warning light remains on after adding oil or if oil is not available, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer. (Continued driving with the warning light on may cause engine failure.)

Information
When engine oil pressure decreases due to insufficient engine oil, etc., the Engine Oil Pressure warning light will illuminate. In addition, the enhanced engine protection system which limits engine power will be activated. When the engine oil pressure is restored, the warning light and the enhanced engine protection system will turn off after the engine is restarted. However, for gasoline 2.5 GDI engine and 2.5 turbo engine, when the engine oil pressure is restored, the warning light and the enhanced engine protection system will turn off after the engine is restarted.

NOTICE
If the engine does not stop immediately after the Engine Oil Pressure warning light is illuminated, severe damage could result.

Low fuel level warning light
This warning light illuminates: When the fuel tank is nearly empty. Add fuel as soon as possible.

NOTICE
Driving with the Low Fuel Level warning light on or with the fuel level below “E” or “- – -” on the Distance to Empty indicator can cause the engine to misfire and damage the catalytic converter.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)
This indicator light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The malfunction indicator light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
Whenever there is a malfunction with either the emission control system or the engine or the vehicle powertrain. If the MIL warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

NOTICE

Driving with the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on may cause damage to the emission control system which could affect drivability and/or fuel economy.
If the enhanced engine protection system becomes activated operation due to a lack of engine oil, engine power will be limited. If such a condition continues repeatedly, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp will illuminate.

NOTICE
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates, potential catalytic converter damage is possible which could result in loss of engine power. If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The EPB warning light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
Whenever there is a malfunction with EPB.
If the EPB warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Information
The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning light may illuminate when the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light comes on to indicate that the ESC is not working properly. This does not indicate a malfunction of EPB.

AUTO HOLD indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

[White] When you activate Auto Hold by pressing the AUTO HOLD switch.
[Green] When you stop the vehicle completely by depressing the brake pedal with Auto Hold activated.
[Yellow] Whenever there is a malfunction with the Auto Hold function.
If the AUTO HOLD indicator light remains YELLOW while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

For more details, refer to the “Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)” section in Chapter 6.

Low tire pressure warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The low tire pressure warning light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
When one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated. (The location of the underinflated tires is displayed on the cluster display.)

For more details, refer to the “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” section in chapter 8. This warning light remains ON after blinking for approximately 60 seconds, or repeatedly blinks ON and OFF in 3-second intervals: When there is a malfunction with the TPMS. If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer as soon as possible. For more details, refer to the “Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)” section in chapter 8.

WARNING
Safe Stopping

The TPMS cannot alert you to severe and sudden tire damage caused by external factors.
If you notice any vehicle instability, immediately take your foot off the accelerator pedal, apply the brakes gradually with light force, and slowly move to a safe position off the road.

Forward Safety warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The Forward Safety warning light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
Whenever there is a malfunction with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist.

If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
For more details, refer to the “Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)” section in chapter 7.

The Lane Safety indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

[Green] When Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are satisfied.
[White] When Lane Keeping Assist operating conditions are not satisfied.
[Yellow] Whenever there is a malfunction with Lane Keeping Assist. If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

For more details, refer to the “Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)” section in chapter 7.

2024 Hyundai SANTA CRUZ Specs, Price, Features, Mileage And Review

All Wheel Drive (AWD) warning light
This warning light illuminates: Whenever there is a malfunction with the AWD system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
For more details, refer to the “All Wheel Drive (AWD)” section in chapter 6.

All Wheel Drive (AWD) LOCK Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates:

Once you set the ignition switch or Engine Start/Stop Button to the ON position.
- It illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
When you select AWD Lock mode by pressing the AWD LOCK button.
- The AWD LOCK mode is to increase the drive power when driving on wet pavement, snow-covered roads, and/or off-road.

NOTICE
Do not use AWD LOCK mode on dry paved roads or highways, it can cause noise, vibration, or damage to AWD-related parts.

LED headlight warning light
This warning light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The LED headlight warning light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
Whenever there is a malfunction with the LED headlight.
If the LED headlight warning light remains illuminated while driving, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This warning light blinks:
Whenever there is a malfunction with an LED headlight-related part.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

NOTICE
Continuous driving with the LED Headlight warning light on or blinking can reduce LED headlight life.

Icy road warning light
This warning light is to warn the driver the road may be icy. When the temperature on the outside temperature gauge is approximately below 40°F (4°C), the Icy Road warning light and Outside Temperature Gauge blink and then illuminate. Also, the warning chime sounds 1 time. You can activate or deactivate the Icy Road Warning function from the User Settings menu in the cluster display.

Select:

Setup – User Settings – Cluster – Icy Road Warning

Information
If the Icy Road warning light appears while driving, you should drive more attentively and safely refraining from over-speeding, rapid acceleration, sudden braking or sharp turning, etc.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The Electronic Stability Control indicator light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
Whenever there is a malfunction with the ESC system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This indicator light blinks:
While ESC is operating. For more details, refer to the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” section in Chapter 6.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF indicator light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The ESC OFF indicator light illuminates for approximately 3 seconds and then goes off.
When you deactivate the ESC system by pressing the ESC OFF button.

For more details, refer to the “Electronic Stability Control (ESC)” section in Chapter 6.

Immobilizer Indicator Light (without smart key) (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates:

When the vehicle detects the immobilizer in the key with the ignition switch in the ON position.
- At this time, you can start the engine.
- The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.

This indicator light blinks:

When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Immobilizer Indicator Light (with smart key)
This indicator light illuminates for up to 30 seconds:

When the vehicle detects the smart key in the vehicle with the Engine Start/Stop button in the ACC or ON position.
- At this time, you can start the engine.
- The indicator light goes off after starting the engine.

This indicator light blinks for a few seconds:

When the smart key is not in the vehicle.
- At this time, you cannot start the engine.

This indicator light illuminates for 2 seconds and goes off:

If the smart key is in the vehicle and the Engine Start/Stop button is ON, but the vehicle cannot detect the smart key.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

This indicator light blinks:

When there is a malfunction with the immobilizer system.
In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

Downhill Brake Control (DBC) indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

When you set the ignition switch or the Engine Start/Stop button to the ON position.
- The downhill brake control indicator light illuminates for about 3 seconds and then goes off.
When you activate the system by pressing the DBC button.

This indicator light blinks:
When the Downhill Brake Control system is operating.

This indicator light illuminates yellow:
Whenever there is a malfunction with the Downhill Brake Control system.
If this occurs, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.
For more details, refer to the “Downhill Brake Control (DBC)“ section in chapter 6.

Turn signal indicator light
This indicator light blinks: When you operate the turn signal indicator stalk. If any of the following occur, there may be a malfunction with the turn signal system.

The turn signal indicator light illuminates but does not blink
The turn signal indicator light blinks rapidly
The turn signal indicator light does not illuminate at all

If any of these conditions occur, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized HYUNDAI dealer.

High beam indicator light
This indicator light illuminates:

When the headlights are on and in the high beam position
When the turn signal lever is pulled into the Flash-to-Pass position.

High Beam Assist indicator light
This indicator light illuminates: When the high beam is on with the light switch in the AUTO position.

White: When High Beam Assist is ready to operate.
Green: When High Beam Assist is operating.

If your vehicle detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, High Beam Assist will switch the high beam to the low beam automatically.
For more details, refer to the “High Beam Assist (HBA)” section in chapter 5.

Cruise Indicator Light (if equipped)
This indicator light illuminates: When the cruise control system is enabled.
For more details, refer to “Smart Cruise Control (SCC)” in chapter 7.