Jeep Cherokee (KL): Red Telltale Indicator Lights

Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Seat Belt Reminder Warning Light

When the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN, this light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check. During the bulb check, if the driver's seat belt is unbuckled, a chime will sound. After the bulb check or when driving, if the driver seat belt remains unbuckled, the Seat Belt Reminder Light will flash or remain on continuously and a chime will sound. Refer to "Occupant Restraints" in "Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle" for further information.

Air Bag Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Air Bag Warning Light

This light will turn on for four to eight seconds as a bulb check when the ignition switch is first turned to ON/RUN. If the light is either not on during starting, stays on, or turns on while driving, have the system inspected at an authorized dealer as soon as possible. This light will illuminate with a single chime when a fault with the Air Bag Warning Light has been detected, it will stay on until the fault is cleared. If the light comes on intermittently or remains on while driving, have an authorized dealer service the vehicle immediately. Refer to "Occupant Restraints" in "Things To Know Before Starting Your Vehicle" for further information.

Brake Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Brake Warning Light

This light monitors various brake functions, including brake fluid level and parking brake application. If the brake light turns on it may indicate that the parking brake is applied, that the brake fluid level is low, or that there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system reservoir.

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 BrakeWarning 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.

Vehicle Security Warning Light - If Equipped

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Vehicle Security Warning Light

This light will flash at a fast rate for approximately 15 seconds when the vehicle security alarm is arming, and then will flash slowly until the vehicle is disarmed.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Oil Pressure Warning Light

This light indicates low engine oil pressure. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible. A chime will sound when this light turns on.

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.

Engine Temperature Warning Light

Red Warning Light What It Means
Engine Temperature Warning Light

This light warns of an overheated engine condition. As engine coolant temperatures rise and the gauge approaches H, this indicator will illuminate and a single chime will sound after reaching a set threshold.

If the light turns on while driving, safely pull over and stop the vehicle. If the A/C system is on, turn it off. Also, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL and idle the vehicle. If the temperature reading does not return to normal, turn the engine off immediately and call for service. Refer to "If Your Engine Overheats" in "What To Do In Emergencies" for further information.

Oil Temperature Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Oil Temperature Warning Light

This telltale indicates engine oil temperature is high. If the light turns on while driving, stop the vehicle and shut off the engine as soon as possible.

Charging System Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Charging System Warning Light

This light shows the status of the electrical charging system. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, turn off some of the vehicle's nonessential electrical devices or increase engine speed (if at idle). If the charging system light remains on, it means that the vehicle is experiencing a problem with the charging system. Obtain SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. See an authorized dealer.

If jump starting is required, refer to "Jump Starting Procedures" in "What To Do In Emergencies."

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Warning Light

This light informs you of a problem with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system. If a problem is detected while the engine is running, the light will either stay on or flash depending on the nature of the problem. Cycle the ignition key when the vehicle is safely and completely stopped and the shift lever is placed in the PARK position. The light should turn off. If the light remains on with the engine running, your vehicle will usually be drivable; however, see an authorized dealer for service as soon as possible.

If the light continues to flash when the engine 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 first turned to ON/ RUN 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.

Electric Power Steering Fail Warning - If Equipped

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Electric Power Steering Fail Warning

This light is used to manage the electrical warning of the EPS (Power Steering System). Refer to "Power Steering" in "Starting and Operating" for further information.

Door Open Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
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.

Liftgate Ajar Warning Light

Red Telltale Light What It Means
Liftgate Ajar Warning Light

This indicator will turn when the liftgate is ajar.

NOTE: If the vehicle is moving, there will also be a single chime.

    Previous pageWarning and indicator lights

    IMPORTANT: The warning / indicator light switches on in the instrument panel together with a dedicated message and/or acoustic signal when applicable. These indications are indicative and precautio ...

    Next pageYellow Telltale Indicator Lights

    Rear Fog Light Indicator Yellow Telltale Light What It Means Rear Fog Light IndicatorThis indicator will illuminate when the rear fog lights are on. Engine Check/M ...

    Other materials:

    Maintenance-Free Battery. Air Conditioner Maintenance. Body Lubrication
    Maintenance-Free Battery Your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery. You will never have to add water, nor is periodic maintenance required. WARNING! Battery fluid is a corrosive acid solution and can burn or even blind you. Do not allow battery fluid to contact your eyes, ...