C9 warnings
Omoda, the sub-brand within the Chery portfolio, raised the bar last year when they unveiled this premium crossover SUV to the SA public. The Omoda is packed with features and tech that easily explain its price tag. It sports features such as a curved 'duplex' screen, keyless entry, the latest in semi-autonomous driving and safety systems, a Sony sound system, wireless charging, a fragrance system, seat heating and power adjustment for the first AND second row, full leather seats, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, a sunroof, voice activation, different driving modes; surround view cameras, adaptive damping and underbody protection (top-spec model); the list goes on.
Related: Omoda C9 (2024) First Drive Review
Commanding a price of R 885 900, one may think that Omoda has lost the plot, asking that kind of money for a Chinese vehicle from a brand synonymous with budget-oriented pricing. As you can see, the laundry list of features and technology make up for it. With that much tech available, sometimes things go wrong, and when they do, your car will throw up a warning light to let you know that you need to address an issue. If you see these lights, you will know what to do.
How does the Omoda C9 compare to the Mazda CX-60?
Yellow triangle with an exclamation point
This is the main warning light that lets you know that an alert error has been logged and will be illuminated until you acknowledge that you have seen it. It logs every alert and stores them in the vehicle's ECU.
Petrol pump
This alert lets you know that you are running low on fuel or the vehicle's fuel delivery system is malfunctioning.
Crossed out person
This alert lets you know the driver or passengers have not buckled their seatbelts. It may come as a single indicator or the vehicle may have a layout that shows which seatbelt is unbuckled.
Floating key
This floating key indicates a thermometer and alerts you if the vehicle's coolant level is too hot. Some vehicles will have colour-changing versions indicating if the coolant is below freezing. This often warns you that the car is overheating or the cooling system is malfunctioning.
Wheel spinning car
If the traction control system is deactivated or actively functioning, this alert will go off. It prevents the car from losing traction or allows the driver to actively break traction.
ABS circle
This alert will go off if the anti-lock braking system malfunctions or will flash rapidly if it actively prevents the brakes from locking up under heavy braking.
Circle with an exclamation point or P
This alert will illuminate if the handbrake is activated or if there is a problem with the brakes. If you release the handbrake, electrical or manual, this alert should disappear. If it does not, there is a problem with the braking system, and you should not drive the car at all.
Battery
This warning light will come on if there is a problem with the car's battery or if there is a problem with the car's charging system.
Engine
This warning light will illuminate if there is a problem with the car's sensor array that controls the engine (ECU). If it stays illuminated, the sensor malfunctions and the engine will not run properly.
Oil Can
Sadly, it is too late if this warning light comes on and stays on. It means the engine's oil level is below operating levels, and you are running low on oil. You risk serious engine damage if you continue operating without checking and refilling oil.
U-shape with an exclamation point
This warning light points toward the TPMS, or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. This alert will come if one or more of your car's tyres run below operating pressure. It could indicate a puncture or an underinflated wheel.
