Warning light identification - Renault Kwid
The Renault Kwid is one of South Africa's most popular small entry-level city cars. With so many of these out there we thought it best to give you an idea of what the warning lights on the dashboard mean should they pop up while driving.
Quick reference guide
Be Warned
In all modern cars, and even older ones, the warning lights installed will light up when you turn on the ignition before starting the vehicle. Once you have started the car, most of them should disappear, except for handbrake and seatbelt warning lights.
The Renault Kwid is a basic entry-level car, and the number of warning lights installed on the dashboard reflects this basic specification of the small Renault. The warning lights are in the instrument panel, to the left of the primary gauges for speed, fuel, engine revs, etc.
These warning lights will flash up when you start the car and indicate what they mean. If they glow once you are on the move, you must stop immediately (as soon as it is safe) and attend to the problem.
Get an Instant Offer on your old car here
1. Handbrake light
This light glows red and indicates that you have activated the handbrake. As soon as you release the handbrake, the light will go off. If not, the handbrake is stuck in the on position, and you should consult your dealer for attention.
2. Battery discharge warning light
This light will glow when the battery charging system is malfunctioning. If you continue to drive the car, the battery will lose its charge, and the engine will soon cease to run. It can be caused by something as simple as a loose wire, a more serious fault with the alternator, or charging regulator systems. Consult your dealer as soon as possible.
3. Coolant and engine oil warning light
This is the most serious warning light regarding the potential for facing expensive repairs. Problems with the coolant system can cause major damage to the engine. A lack of oil or a fault with the oil system can cause substantial internal engine damage. If you see this light, stop the car as soon as you can pull off the road safely and switch off. Call your dealer’s emergency breakdown number immediately.
Get a free valuation for your car here
4. Steering assistance system malfunction
This light will come on if the electric power assistance for the steering system malfunctions. If it does, the steering will become very heavy, and it will be difficult, if not impossible, for the car to steer safely. Consult your dealer immediately.
5. General Warning light
This is a general warning light. This light will glow to warn you of other malfunctions in the car’s system. It will also glow if there is a problem with your car’s immobiliser, in which case Renault recommends you try using the spare key to see if the fault light goes away. It glows orange when a minor fault is detected and red if serious. Stop the car and call the dealer’s emergency service if it glows red.
6. Exhaust gas monitor warning
This icon is in the form of a car’s engine. But it doesn’t necessarily indicate a general engine fault. It will glow when your car’s fuelling system is not in good order, with the fuel injection settings delivering too much or too little fuel. The sensor that measures exhaust gas is picking up a fault with an incorrect fuel mixture or a problem with a clogged exhaust system. Consult your dealer.
Find out everything you need to know about Renaults Kwid
7. Seat belt warning light
This light will glow until you have buckled up your seat belt. It will also glow if there is a front seat passenger and this passenger does not buckle it. A warning chime will accompany it. When you click the belt buckle home, the light should go off.
8. Low fuel warning light (Not shown in image)
There is also a warning light to warn of a low fuel level. This light is located in the main instrument cluster. We couldn’t show this on the graphic as our Kwid “sample car” had a full fuel tank!
