From seeing a few questions about these things, and considering not everyone will have an owners booklet, I've thrown together a quick guide.
This mainly applies to the digital mileage dash but to an extent will be cross compatible.
Note: No assumptions have been made and this has been made with the intention of a person with no knowledge (no condescension intended).
The Dashboard
The dashboard is designed to be your source of information for the layman. From left to right you have the tachometer (rev counter), speedometer, and the temperature and fuel gauges.
Some lights are supposed to be on only until the engine is running, others you shouldn't see unless there's a problem.
The dash does have a "secret" (in the loosest sense of the word) diagnostic/settings mode that can be activated by holding the trip reset button, but there's an FAQ for that already here:
http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?p=223#p223
The warning lights are as follows (owner's manual wording in italics)
Washer Level Warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
When the warning light illuminates, top up as soon as possible
This isn't really an issue unless you use the washer jets a lot, it certainly isn't something to be too concerned about. You'll find the filler neck for this in the top left side of the engine bay with a yellow cap.
It's behind the engine coolant 'bottle', don't get these mixed up - especially if the engine is warm!
Brake Traction Control System (BTSC) Warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
After switching on the ignition, if the light does not illuminate or illuminates continuously whilst driving it indicates a malfunction.
During a malfunction the system will be switched off. Have the system checked by a Ford Dealer.
The "traction control" system fitted to the puma isn't really a traction control system that you'd see on modern cars, more of a 'torque limiter'. This essentially tries to limit wheel spin in the lower gears, rather than having any effect on the handling.
If there are any issues with this light coming on and the car is relatively new to you, look out for any additional unusual buttons - it isn't abnormal for a previous owner to have tried to 'over-ride' this system with a button. This is usually done by tapping into the wiring for the speed sensor on the gearbox.
Oil Warning Light
If the light stays on after starting or illuminates during a journey, stop immediately, switch off the engine and check the engine oil level.
Top up straight way if the level is low.
The above is generally correct, but follow the wording loosely if you're on the motorway as stopping immediately and turning the engine off won't end well!
Note: This is not an oil level light, it indicates oil pressure. If the light comes on for good reason then it is probably too late to prevent any lasting damage.
Check that the light is on with the ignition as position II and goes off when the engine starts.
The Zetec-SE as fitted to the puma isn't like many modern engines. If you've strayed away from Opel/Vauxhall then you'll be pleasantly surprised that these cars can do thousands of miles without the oil 'disappearing' in a sort of witchcraft that the bad side of german engineering suggests is acceptable.
As a result, if the oil level changes then this will be indicative of a problem somewhere along the lines. Common causes are the valve cover gasket (also call the 'rocker cover gasket' or 'cam cover gasket'). This is an issue easily found by searching the forum, and there is a 'how to' here:
http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=9307
Battery/Charging Warning Light
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on. It should extinguish as soon as the engine starts.
If it does not or illuminates whilst driving, switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment and drive immediately to the nearest Ford Dealer.
Perhaps a bit excessive advice. There are two possible causes for this light to come on with the engine running, either you'll have a problem with the battery (for example, one of the leads may have come loose) or a problem with the charging system. The latter can be due to the alternator failing or the drive belt failing (snapping). Not a big problem on this one, worst case being perhaps a new battery or alternator.
Brake Warning Light
Extinguishes when the handbrake is released. Illuminates after releasing the handbrake indicates low brake fluid level.
If this light comes on, reasons can be:
- Handbrake is on, or the switch under the handbrake level is faulty
- Brake fluid level is low
If the second is the fault, then there's a sub issue there. If the level is low, then the fluid is probably leaking somewhere. A common cause can be rear brake shoe cylinders leaking, but being a crucial system its important to get this checked out as soon as possible.
ABS (anti lock breaking) warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
If it illuminates when driving, it indicates a malfunction. Have this checked by a Ford Dealer.
Normal assisted braking provided by the dual circuit braking system will, however, be maintained.
This system is operated by a sensor on each wheel which detected whether or not that wheel is rotating. The system will fluctuate the pressure to a brake if it believes the wheel has 'locked up'. If one of the sensors fails, the light will come on.
If the light is on, the car may lock up and 'skid' so be careful if you're driving with the light on. Make sure that the light comes on before the engine starts if you're looking to buy, as removing the bulb is a common way of hiding a problem.
Air Bag Warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
If it illuminates when driving, it indicates a malfunction. Have this checked by a Ford Dealer.
This light should operated in the same manner as the ABS light. Always check that it comes on before the engine starts as this is another common issue that is often 'hidden' by removing the bulb.
In addition, there can be issues at MOT time with the lights if they either don't illuminate on ignition, or don't extinguish when the engine starts.
The most common culprit for the Air Bag light is the connector beneath the seats that connects the seat belt pretensioners to the circuit. Often, cleaning the connection and reconnecting solves the problem. Alternatively, hard-wiring (removing the connector and soldering the wiring together) is a plan-b solution, although you'll find it difficult to remove the seats should you need to at a later date.
Additional Warning Lights:
Door open light
This light indicates that either a door, the bootlid or the bonnet is open. It's a useful feature that's stopped me driving off with the bootlid open before now!
If the light stays on for no reason, it's likely that one of the little switches is at fault. Have a search, this is covered a lot on the forum.
Fuel Warning Light
Basically, put fuel in car!
Full Beam Light
This one suggests you have full beam on!
That's the basics, I realised half way through that I lacked a little motivation with this, but most of what you need to know is covered above or on the forum.
Never ignore the warning lights, or it may just end up costing you a lot in the long run. Remember that the ABS and Airbag systems are there to potentially save your life, don't ignore any issues with these systems!
This mainly applies to the digital mileage dash but to an extent will be cross compatible.
Note: No assumptions have been made and this has been made with the intention of a person with no knowledge (no condescension intended).
The Dashboard
The dashboard is designed to be your source of information for the layman. From left to right you have the tachometer (rev counter), speedometer, and the temperature and fuel gauges.
Some lights are supposed to be on only until the engine is running, others you shouldn't see unless there's a problem.
The dash does have a "secret" (in the loosest sense of the word) diagnostic/settings mode that can be activated by holding the trip reset button, but there's an FAQ for that already here:
http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?p=223#p223
The warning lights are as follows (owner's manual wording in italics)
Washer Level Warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
When the warning light illuminates, top up as soon as possible
This isn't really an issue unless you use the washer jets a lot, it certainly isn't something to be too concerned about. You'll find the filler neck for this in the top left side of the engine bay with a yellow cap.
It's behind the engine coolant 'bottle', don't get these mixed up - especially if the engine is warm!
Brake Traction Control System (BTSC) Warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
After switching on the ignition, if the light does not illuminate or illuminates continuously whilst driving it indicates a malfunction.
During a malfunction the system will be switched off. Have the system checked by a Ford Dealer.
The "traction control" system fitted to the puma isn't really a traction control system that you'd see on modern cars, more of a 'torque limiter'. This essentially tries to limit wheel spin in the lower gears, rather than having any effect on the handling.
If there are any issues with this light coming on and the car is relatively new to you, look out for any additional unusual buttons - it isn't abnormal for a previous owner to have tried to 'over-ride' this system with a button. This is usually done by tapping into the wiring for the speed sensor on the gearbox.
Oil Warning Light
If the light stays on after starting or illuminates during a journey, stop immediately, switch off the engine and check the engine oil level.
Top up straight way if the level is low.
The above is generally correct, but follow the wording loosely if you're on the motorway as stopping immediately and turning the engine off won't end well!
Note: This is not an oil level light, it indicates oil pressure. If the light comes on for good reason then it is probably too late to prevent any lasting damage.
Check that the light is on with the ignition as position II and goes off when the engine starts.
The Zetec-SE as fitted to the puma isn't like many modern engines. If you've strayed away from Opel/Vauxhall then you'll be pleasantly surprised that these cars can do thousands of miles without the oil 'disappearing' in a sort of witchcraft that the bad side of german engineering suggests is acceptable.
As a result, if the oil level changes then this will be indicative of a problem somewhere along the lines. Common causes are the valve cover gasket (also call the 'rocker cover gasket' or 'cam cover gasket'). This is an issue easily found by searching the forum, and there is a 'how to' here:
http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=9307
Battery/Charging Warning Light
Illuminates when the ignition is switched on. It should extinguish as soon as the engine starts.
If it does not or illuminates whilst driving, switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment and drive immediately to the nearest Ford Dealer.
Perhaps a bit excessive advice. There are two possible causes for this light to come on with the engine running, either you'll have a problem with the battery (for example, one of the leads may have come loose) or a problem with the charging system. The latter can be due to the alternator failing or the drive belt failing (snapping). Not a big problem on this one, worst case being perhaps a new battery or alternator.
Brake Warning Light
Extinguishes when the handbrake is released. Illuminates after releasing the handbrake indicates low brake fluid level.
If this light comes on, reasons can be:
- Handbrake is on, or the switch under the handbrake level is faulty
- Brake fluid level is low
If the second is the fault, then there's a sub issue there. If the level is low, then the fluid is probably leaking somewhere. A common cause can be rear brake shoe cylinders leaking, but being a crucial system its important to get this checked out as soon as possible.
ABS (anti lock breaking) warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
If it illuminates when driving, it indicates a malfunction. Have this checked by a Ford Dealer.
Normal assisted braking provided by the dual circuit braking system will, however, be maintained.
This system is operated by a sensor on each wheel which detected whether or not that wheel is rotating. The system will fluctuate the pressure to a brake if it believes the wheel has 'locked up'. If one of the sensors fails, the light will come on.
If the light is on, the car may lock up and 'skid' so be careful if you're driving with the light on. Make sure that the light comes on before the engine starts if you're looking to buy, as removing the bulb is a common way of hiding a problem.
Air Bag Warning Light
When the ignition is switched on (position 'II'), the light illuminates briefly to confirm that the system is operational.
If it illuminates when driving, it indicates a malfunction. Have this checked by a Ford Dealer.
This light should operated in the same manner as the ABS light. Always check that it comes on before the engine starts as this is another common issue that is often 'hidden' by removing the bulb.
In addition, there can be issues at MOT time with the lights if they either don't illuminate on ignition, or don't extinguish when the engine starts.
The most common culprit for the Air Bag light is the connector beneath the seats that connects the seat belt pretensioners to the circuit. Often, cleaning the connection and reconnecting solves the problem. Alternatively, hard-wiring (removing the connector and soldering the wiring together) is a plan-b solution, although you'll find it difficult to remove the seats should you need to at a later date.
Additional Warning Lights:
Door open light
This light indicates that either a door, the bootlid or the bonnet is open. It's a useful feature that's stopped me driving off with the bootlid open before now!
If the light stays on for no reason, it's likely that one of the little switches is at fault. Have a search, this is covered a lot on the forum.
Fuel Warning Light
Basically, put fuel in car!
Full Beam Light
This one suggests you have full beam on!
That's the basics, I realised half way through that I lacked a little motivation with this, but most of what you need to know is covered above or on the forum.
Never ignore the warning lights, or it may just end up costing you a lot in the long run. Remember that the ABS and Airbag systems are there to potentially save your life, don't ignore any issues with these systems!
