Porsche Dashboard Warning Lights: A comprehensive visual guide
Porsche Dashboard Warning Lights – if you have a Porsche vehicle, you know they are lurking there, just below the surface, waiting for an opportune time to reveal themselves. But never fear, this amalgamation of lights, symbols, and messages is only there to help you.
As helpful as Porsche Dashboard Warning Lights can be, we realize that they probably should come with a secret decoder ring and a carton of rich chocolate Ovaltine. Fortunately, they do (well maybe not the Ovaltine). Your Porsche owner’s manual contains an illustrated description of all the dashboard warning lights and their meanings.
Below, we present you with a handy visual guide that clearly shows where each of the Porsche dashboard warning lights is located and what it indicates. If the image is unclear, or the print too small, click on it for an enhanced view:
While the information above may be helpful, if you have landed on this article, we realize that you may not have access to your owner’s manual. Further, there is a pretty good chance you are sitting in a parking lot, reading this on your mobile device, and wondering what to do next. To help out in that eventuality, we have taken the time to re-create the “Overview of warning messages” from pages 149-156 of the Porsche Cayenne’s guidebook in an easy to read, mobile-friendly, format. Just scroll down to find the specific warning lights and corresponding action you should take if one of them illuminates:
Porsche Dashboard Warning Lights: Visual overview of warning messages
Light:
Warning:
Steering faulty
Steering faulty
Meaning:
Steering lock engaged. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Steering lock engaged. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Ignition lock faulty
Ignition lock faulty
Meaning:
Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
System fault
System fault
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Key not recognised in vehicle
Key not recognised in vehicle
Meaning:
Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Light:
Warning:
Turn ignition key to the left for 2 seconds
Turn ignition key to the left for 2 seconds
Meaning:
To lock the steering, turn the ignition key to the left and hold for 2 seconds.
To lock the steering, turn the ignition key to the left and hold for 2 seconds.
Light:
Warning:
Key: replace battery
Key: replace battery
Meaning:
Replace the remote-control battery.
Replace the remote-control battery.
Light:
Warning:
Move steering wheel
Move steering wheel
Meaning:
Turn the steering wheel so that the steering wheel lock can engage/disengage.
Turn the steering wheel so that the steering wheel lock can engage/disengage.
Light:
Warning:
Key not found
Key not found
Meaning:
Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Make sure that you have the remote control with you.
Light:
Warning:
Move selector lever to position P
Move selector lever to position P
Meaning:
Tiptronic S: The vehicle could roll away. The ignition key can be withdrawn only in Tiptronic selector lever position P.
Tiptronic S: The vehicle could roll away. The ignition key can be withdrawn only in Tiptronic selector lever position P.
Light:
Warning:
Press brake pedal
Press brake pedal
Meaning:
Apply the brake when starting.
Apply the brake when starting.
Light:
Warning:
Move selector lever to position P or N
Move selector lever to position P or N
Meaning:
Tiptronic S: The vehicle can be started only in position P or N.
Tiptronic S: The vehicle can be started only in position P or N.
Light:
Warning:
Depress clutch
Depress clutch
Meaning:
Manual transmission: Depress clutch pedal when starting.
Manual transmission: Depress clutch pedal when starting.
Light:
Warning:
Immobilizer active
Immobilizer active
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Check left static cornering
light
Check left static cornering
light
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check right static cornering
light
Check right static cornering
light
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check dynamic cornering light
Check dynamic cornering light
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer. If the warning message appears, the high beam indicator light on the speedometer flashes additionally.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer. If the warning message appears, the high beam indicator light on the speedometer flashes additionally.
Light:
Warning:
Check dipped beam
Check dipped beam
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check trailer lights
Check trailer lights
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check direction indicators
Check direction indicators
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check high beam
Check high beam
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check licence plate light
Check licence plate light
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check fog lights
Check fog lights
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check reversing lights
Check reversing lights
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check front side lights
Check front side lights
Meaning:
Check bulb.
Check bulb.
Light:
Warning:
Check headlight beam adjustment
Check headlight beam adjustment
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Daytime driving lights off
Daytime driving lights off
Meaning:
Daytime driving lights switch off when the ignition is switched-off. Switch on lights by light switch if necessary
Daytime driving lights switch off when the ignition is switched-off. Switch on lights by light switch if necessary
Light:
Warning:
System fault headlamp
System fault headlamp
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Check passenger seat setting
Check passenger seat setting
Meaning:
Weight sensing is impaired on the passenger’s seat (Advanced Airbag). Correct the seating position, set the backrest upright, do not support weight on the armrests, or lift on the handles.
Weight sensing is impaired on the passenger’s seat (Advanced Airbag). Correct the seating position, set the backrest upright, do not support weight on the armrests, or lift on the handles.
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Airbag faulty. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Airbag faulty. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Seat belt
Seat belt
Meaning:
Fasten seat belt.
Fasten seat belt.
Light:
Warning:
Caution flat tyre
Check tyres
Caution flat tyre
Check tyres
Meaning:
Tire Pressure Monitoring detects a pressure loss of at least 6 psi (0.4 bar) or a larger leak. Stop in a suitable place and check tires. Change wheel if necessary.
Tire Pressure Monitoring detects a pressure loss of at least 6 psi (0.4 bar) or a larger leak. Stop in a suitable place and check tires. Change wheel if necessary.
Light:
Warning:
Check spare wheel required pressure: 3.4 bar/50 psi
Check spare wheel required pressure: 3.4 bar/50 psi
Meaning:
Appears about every 6 months. Check if the pressure of the mounted spare wheel matches the required pressure manually, as it is not monitored electronically.
Appears about every 6 months. Check if the pressure of the mounted spare wheel matches the required pressure manually, as it is not monitored electronically.
Light:
Warning:
Tyre pressure too low
Add air
Tyre pressure too low
Add air
Meaning:
Tire Pressure Monitoring detects a pressure loss of at least 4 psi (0.3 bar). Correct tire pressure at the next opportunity.
Tire Pressure Monitoring detects a pressure loss of at least 4 psi (0.3 bar). Correct tire pressure at the next opportunity.
Light:
Warning:
Collapsible spare wheel/sealing set max. 50 mph (80 km/h)
Collapsible spare wheel/sealing set max. 50 mph (80 km/h)
Meaning:
Observe maximum permitted speed.
Observe maximum permitted speed.
Light:
Warning:
Collapsible spare wheel
Required pressure: 3.5 bar/51 psi max. 50 mph (80 km/h)
Collapsible spare wheel
Required pressure: 3.5 bar/51 psi max. 50 mph (80 km/h)
Meaning:
Information on driving with a collapsible spare wheel after selection in spare wheel menu. Observe maximum speed of max. 50 mph or 80 km/h and required pressure of 51 psi or 3.5 bar.
Information on driving with a collapsible spare wheel after selection in spare wheel menu. Observe maximum speed of max. 50 mph or 80 km/h and required pressure of 51 psi or 3.5 bar.
Light:
Warning:
System not active
System not active
Meaning:
Tire Pressure Monitoring faulty. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer. Select new set of wheels in the tire pressure menu after changing the wheels.
Tire Pressure Monitoring faulty. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer. Select new set of wheels in the tire pressure menu after changing the wheels.
Light:
Warning:
System not active
Brief disturbance
System not active
Brief disturbance
Meaning:
External interference (e.g. wireless headphones) or excessive temperature (over 248 °F/120 °C) at the wheel transmitters. Tire Pressure Monitoring will reactivate itself.
External interference (e.g. wireless headphones) or excessive temperature (over 248 °F/120 °C) at the wheel transmitters. Tire Pressure Monitoring will reactivate itself.
Light:
Warning:
System not active
Too many wheel transmitters
System not active
Too many wheel transmitters
Meaning:
Tire Pressure Monitoring detects more than 4 wheel transmitters (e.g. winter wheels in the luggage compartment). Tire Pressure Monitoring will reactivate itself after the additional wheel transmitters have been removed.
Tire Pressure Monitoring detects more than 4 wheel transmitters (e.g. winter wheels in the luggage compartment). Tire Pressure Monitoring will reactivate itself after the additional wheel transmitters have been removed.
Light:
Warning:
No monitoring
System learning
No monitoring
System learning
Meaning:
After the tire type and size are selected in the tire pressure menu, Tire Pressure Monitoring re-learns the tires.
After the tire type and size are selected in the tire pressure menu, Tire Pressure Monitoring re-learns the tires.
Light:
Warning:
Wheel change?
Make new selection
Wheel change?
Make new selection
Meaning:
The tire type and size of the changed tires have not been updated for Tire Pressure Monitoring. The display changes when the vehicle is stationary: Select corresponding tire type and tire size.
The tire type and size of the changed tires have not been updated for Tire Pressure Monitoring. The display changes when the vehicle is stationary: Select corresponding tire type and tire size.
Light:
Warning:
When vehicle stops: Hit selection
When vehicle stops: Hit selection
Meaning:
The message appears after driving off if the warning “Flat tyre” has been cleared but the selection on the display SELECTION AFTER WARNING has not been made properly. Make selection on the multi-purpose display when the vehicle is stationary.
The message appears after driving off if the warning “Flat tyre” has been cleared but the selection on the display SELECTION AFTER WARNING has not been made properly. Make selection on the multi-purpose display when the vehicle is stationary.
Light:
Warning:
Engine temperature too high
Engine temperature too high
Meaning:
Coolant or engine oil temperature is too high. Switch engine off and let it cool. Check coolant or engine oil level. Add coolant or engine oil if necessary.
Coolant or engine oil temperature is too high. Switch engine off and let it cool. Check coolant or engine oil level. Add coolant or engine oil if necessary.
Light:
Warning:
Check coolant level
Check coolant level
Meaning:
Switch engine off and let it cool. Check coolant level. Add coolant if necessary.
Switch engine off and let it cool. Check coolant level. Add coolant if necessary.
Light:
Warning:
Warning battery/generator
Warning battery/generator
Meaning:
Stop in a suitable place and switch engine off. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Stop in a suitable place and switch engine off. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Start engine
Start engine
Meaning:
The battery discharges if the engine is not running and loads are switched on. Start the vehicle or switch the loads off.
The battery discharges if the engine is not running and loads are switched on. Start the vehicle or switch the loads off.
Light:
Warning:
Electric load
Switch-off
Electric load
Switch-off
Meaning:
Vehicle electrical system is overloaded. Certain loads (e.g. heated rear window, seat heating) will be switched off.
Vehicle electrical system is overloaded. Certain loads (e.g. heated rear window, seat heating) will be switched off.
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Stop immediately at a suitable and secure place and check tank cap for proper fastening. If tank cap was fastened correctly, consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Stop immediately at a suitable and secure place and check tank cap for proper fastening. If tank cap was fastened correctly, consult your authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Please refuel
Please refuel
Meaning:
Please refuel
Please refuel
Light:
Warning:
Add washer fluid
Add washer fluid
Meaning:
Add washer fluid
Add washer fluid
Light:
Warning:
Oil level monitoring Failure
Oil level monitoring Failure
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Check oil level
Check oil level
Meaning:
Check the oil level using the oil dipstick as soon as possible and add engine oil if necessary.
Check the oil level using the oil dipstick as soon as possible and add engine oil if necessary.
Light:
Warning:
Oil pressure too low
Oil pressure too low
Meaning:
Immediately stop in a suitable place and switch engine off. Do not continue driving. Check engine oil level. Add oil if necessary. Do not continue driving if the warning light comes on even when the oil level is correct. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Immediately stop in a suitable place and switch engine off. Do not continue driving. Check engine oil level. Add oil if necessary. Do not continue driving if the warning light comes on even when the oil level is correct. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Oil pressure monitoring Failure
Oil pressure monitoring Failure
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Service in 1864 mls (3000 km)
Service in 1864 mls (3000 km)
Meaning:
Service indicator – Bring the vehicle in for service no later than after the distance shown has been covered. Please see the additional information in the “Maintenance” booklet
Service indicator – Bring the vehicle in for service no later than after the distance shown has been covered. Please see the additional information in the “Maintenance” booklet
Light:
Warning:
Service now
Service now
Meaning:
Service indicator – Have your vehicle serviced at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Service indicator – Have your vehicle serviced at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Brake pads
Brake pads
Meaning:
Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the brake pads replaced at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Warning
Brake proportioning
Warning
Brake proportioning
Meaning:
Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at anauthorized Porsche dealer.
Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at anauthorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
ABS failure
ABS failure
Meaning:
Drive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Drive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
PSM failure
PSM failure
Meaning:
Drive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Drive carefully. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Warning
Warning Brake fluid level
Warning
Warning Brake fluid level
Meaning:
Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Stop immediately in a suitable place. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Parking brake
Parking brake
Meaning:
Parking brake not released
Parking brake not released
Light:
Warning:
PSM on
PSM on
Meaning:
Porsche Stability Management was switched on.
Porsche Stability Management was switched on.
Light:
Warning:
PSM off
PSM off
Meaning:
Porsche Stability Management was switched off.
Porsche Stability Management was switched off.
Light:
Warning:
PHC unavailable
PHC unavailable
Meaning:
The Porsche Drive-off Assistant (manual transmission) is not available.
The Porsche Drive-off Assistant (manual transmission) is not available.
Light:
Warning:
Brake booster faulty
Brake booster faulty
Meaning:
Greater brake pedal force necessary. Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Greater brake pedal force necessary. Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Chassis sport
Chassis sport
Meaning:
Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management
Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management
Light:
Warning:
Chassis normal
Chassis normal
Meaning:
Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management
Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management
Light:
Warning:
Chassis comfort
Chassis comfort
Meaning:
Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management
Current setting of Porsche Active Suspension Management
Light:
Warning:
Chassis system faulty
Chassis system faulty
Meaning:
Handling may be affected. Adapt your speed to the changed conditions. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Handling may be affected. Adapt your speed to the changed conditions. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Warning chassis system
Warning chassis system
Meaning:
The side tilt of the vehicle is significantly greater when cornering. Drive carefully at an appropriate speed to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
The side tilt of the vehicle is significantly greater when cornering. Drive carefully at an appropriate speed to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Warning chassis system
Warning chassis system
Meaning:
Stop at a suitable place. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Stop at a suitable place. Do not continue driving. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Chassis system faulty
Chassis system faulty
Meaning:
Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Drive carefully to the nearest authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Spare wheel filling
Spare wheel filling
Meaning:
Collapsible spare wheel is being filled by level-control compressor. Do not drive off!
Collapsible spare wheel is being filled by level-control compressor. Do not drive off!
Light:
Warning:
Regulation switched off
Regulation switched off
Meaning:
Level control has been switched off (to jack up the vehicle).
Level control has been switched off (to jack up the vehicle).
Light:
Warning:
Not permissible
Not permissible
Meaning:
The prerequisites for setting the desired level have not been met.
The prerequisites for setting the desired level have not been met.
Light:
Warning:
Pressure accumulator charging
Pressure accumulator charging
Meaning:
Level control temporarily unavailable.
Level control temporarily unavailable.
Light:
Warning:
Four-wheel drive system faulty
Four-wheel drive system faulty
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Shift not possible;
Speed too high
Shift not possible;
Speed too high
Meaning:
Tiptronic S: When changing between Low Range and High Range, the limit speed (Low Range program) must not be exceeded.
Tiptronic S: When changing between Low Range and High Range, the limit speed (Low Range program) must not be exceeded.
Light:
Warning:
Shift only possible in neutral
Shift only possible in neutral
Meaning:
Tiptronic S: The Tiptronic selector lever must be in position N when changing between Low Range and High Range.
Tiptronic S: The Tiptronic selector lever must be in position N when changing between Low Range and High Range.
Light:
Warning:
Possible only when stopped in neutral with brake
Possible only when stopped in neutral with brake
Meaning:
Manual transmission: The vehicle must be stationary, the brakes must be applied and the gearshift lever must be in the neutral position when changing between Low Range and High Range.
Manual transmission: The vehicle must be stationary, the brakes must be applied and the gearshift lever must be in the neutral position when changing between Low Range and High Range.
Light:
Warning:
Warning parking lock!
Apply parking brake!
Warning parking lock!
Apply parking brake!
Meaning:
Do not continue driving. Apply the parking brake. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Do not continue driving. Apply the parking brake. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Failure sport mode
Failure sport mode
Meaning:
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer.
Light:
Warning:
Sport mode only usable without reduction
Sport mode only usable without reduction
Meaning:
Sport mode cannot be selected when the off-road driving program (Low Range) is engaged.
Sport mode cannot be selected when the off-road driving program (Low Range) is engaged.
Light:
Warning:
Limit exceeded.
Limit exceeded.
Meaning:
The set speed limit has been exceeded.
The set speed limit has been exceeded.
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Spare wheel is not locked. Danger of injury and damage. Before driving off always lock the spare wheel correctly.
Spare wheel is not locked. Danger of injury and damage. Before driving off always lock the spare wheel correctly.
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Driver’s door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Driver’s door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Passenger’s door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Passenger’s door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Rear left door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Rear left door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Rear right door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Rear right door open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Hood open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Hood open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Rear lid open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Rear lid open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Light:
Warning:
Meaning:
Rear window open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Rear window open – All unlocked doors and lids are displayed when the vehicle exceeds 2 mph (3 km/h).
Light:
Warning:
System fault
System fault
Meaning:
Several systems may have failed. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer
Several systems may have failed. Have the fault remedied at an authorized Porsche dealer
If the chart above has instructed you to contact an authorized Porsche Dealer, we would urge you to schedule an appointment with one of our certified Porsche technicians. Please call us at (833) 825-5423 to do so. Once you make an appointment, bring your vehicle to the dealership at 9201 West Colfax Avenue, which is located between Wadsworth and Kipling. We shall wait with bated breath for your arrival.
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For your reference, the images below are reproductions of pages pages 149-156 of the Porsche Cayenne Owner’s Manual:
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