Jaguar XF Warning Symbols and Dashboard Lights Explained

The first generation Jaguar (Jaguar Land Rover) XF was initially introduced in 2007 (X250), with the second generation (X260) following in 2015. These Jaguar XF dashboard warning lights cover both generations and include models such as the XF saloon, XF Sportbrake and the Jaguar XFR.

The Jaguar XF Warning Light Colours

To make understanding the Jaguar XF warning lights a little easier, symbols illuminate in different colours. Each colour generally informs that:

• a vehicle utility is in operations – green or blue
• a vehicle utility has been switch off manually but is on by default – amber or yellow
• vehicle engine service or maintenance is required – amber or yellow
• a vehicle fault has been detected. The specified fault may result in risk to vehicle occupant safety and/or vehicle damage – red, possible flashing, possible audible alarm

Reacting to Warning Lights

Many of the Jaguar XF warning lights illuminate with ignition and/or engine start. This is a normal process as many vehicle systems undergo a self-check. If a warning light stays on or comes on while driving, investigate the fault. This is particularly important for red warning lights.

Detailed on this page are the Jaguar XF dashboard warning lights with each symbol meaning and what action to take.

Warning light name: Brake
Priority: High
Explanation: This is the Jaguar XF brake warning light. Check that the parking brake is not applied. If it is not applied, it illuminates in red indicating either low brake fluid levels or that there’s a fault in the braking system.
Action: Stop as soon as possible and check brake fluid levels. Add additional fluid to the reservoir if required. Driving with low brake fluid levels can cause increased braking distance or brake failure. If after adding additional brake fluid the light remains on, do not continue your journey and consult an engineer.

 

Warning light name: Battery
Priority: High
Explanation: If the battery warning light stays on after engine ignition or comes on when driving, there’s a fault with the battery charging system.
Action: Possible faults include alternator, alternator belt, battery or wiring / connection. If driving, switching off any electrical equipment will extend the driving range of the vehicle.

 

Warning light name: Critical
Priority: High
Explanation: The red triangle containing an exclamation mark indicates a critical warning with the Jaguar XF. A message on the information panel will provide further information. This warning light illuminates either in red or amber.
Action: The triangle warning light may illuminate in red or amber:

• Red: Stop as soon as safely possible and investigate the problem.
• Amber: Non-critical warning or message displayed in the information panel.

 

Warning light name: DEF
Priority: Medium
Explanation: Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) also known as AdBlue is a liquid that’s injected into the Jaguar XF (diesel models only) exhaust system to clean exhaust gases. The Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) warning light illuminates in red to:

1. warn the driver that the level of DEF is very low.
2. indicate the incorrect fluid has been added to the system
3. indicate there is a fault with the system

Action: A message will be shown on the display panel. Follow the instructions provided or consult a Jaguar engineer.

Warning light name: EPB
Priority: Medium
Explanation: The red Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) on the Jaguar XF dash when the parking brake has been correctly applied. If the light flashes, a fault has been detected. Driving the vehicle with the EPB applied causes serious damage to the braking system.
Action: Likely fault issues are a faulty switch or EPB sensor. If there is a fault with the system, be cautious as the parking brake may not be applied.

 

Warning light name: Engine Temperature
Priority: High
Explanation: This red symbol illuminates if the engine coolant temperature is too high. Risk of overheating and engine damage is possible.
Action: Reduce engine load immediately and find a safe place to stop and switch off the engine. Allow engine to cool. Check engine coolant levels and replenish if required. Check for leaks in the coolant system.

 

Warning light name: Lane Departure
Priority: High
Explanation: If equipped, the red lane departure warning light comes on if your Jaguar XF crosses a lane marking without directional indicators being applied. The steering wheel also vibrates as an additional warning. When a lane is recognised, the symbol illuminates green.
Action: The lane departure system may not function correctly in bright sunlight, heavy rain, snow or fog. Ensure the area around the rear-view mirror is kept clean on the outside of the windscreen. This is the location of the camera sensor.

 

Warning light name: Oil Pressure
Priority: High
Explanation: Oil pressure is required to enable lubricants to the engine effectively. If oil pressure is too low, damage can occur. If the low oil pressure light comes on or flashes, pull over and stop as soon as possible.
Action: Check engine oil levels and replenish if required. If the light still remains on, do not continue to drive. Turn off engine and arrange recovery.

Warning light name: Airbag
Priority: Medium
Explanation: After engine ignition, the airbag light should go out. If it stays on or comes on when driving, it indicates a fault with the airbag system.
Action: Airbag may not deploy in the event of a collision. Seek help from authorised Jaguar engineer. Faults range from sensor issues, passenger occupancy sensor faults, wiring (often under the front seats) having connections dislodged, or an object in the belt buckle.

 

Warning light name: ABS
Priority: Medium
Explanation: ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System prevents the wheels from locking under heavy braking. If the brake light comes on in red with the ABS light, do not continue to drive. Vehicle brakes may not function correctly.
Action: You can still continue to drive. Normal brakes remain unaffected. Avoid heavy braking as the wheel may lock and loss of control may occur. Have system check as soon as possible.

 

Warning light name: ASL
Priority: Low
Explanation: The ‘LIM’ stands for Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL) and illuminates on the Jaguar XF dash when the system is active. ASL allows the driver to manually restrict the maximum vehicle speed.
Action: The vehicle may exceed the maximum speed limit when going downhill.

 

Warning light name: Bend Lighting
Priority: Low
Explanation: Bend lighting is a night driving aid that attempts to help visibility around bends by moving the headlights. If the light comes on in amber, a fault is detected in the system.
Action: The lights will attempt to auto-adjust back to a central position if a fault occurs and then remain fixed.

Warning light name: Brake Pads
Priority: Medium
Explanation: Rather than the Jaguar XF red brake light, this amber brake light (exclamation mark) indicates that the brake pads require replacing or a minor brake fault.
Action: Check brake pads and replace as soon as possible. You can continue driving. Brake pads will last for around 1000 miles from the time the warning light comes on, though this varies on your driving style.

 

Warning light name: DEF (amber)
Priority: Low
Explanation: This diesel exhaust fluid light in amber indicates that the fluid is beginning to run low (red is very low. It is also an indication that the incorrect fluid has been added or that there’s a fault with the system.
Action: A message will be shown on the display panel.

 

Warning light name: DSC
Priority: Low
Explanation: The Jaguar XF Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system increases the vehicle’s stability in critical driving situations. This could be where understeer or oversteer occurs that might otherwise result in lose of control. This light will either stay on or flash. On older Jaguar XF models, you may see the symbol as DSC illuminated.
Action: This warning light either flashes or stays on constantly:

• On: There is a fault with the system.
• Flashing: DSC is actively engaged and working to stabilise.

 

Warning light name: MIL
Priority: Medium
Explanation: Often referred to as the Malfunction Indication Light (MIL), or check engine light, the engine/transmission light is a sign of an emission fault. This fault can either relate to the engine or transmission.
Action: Vehicle can still be driven. May enter ‘limp’ mode which is a self-protection mode and may result in less power.

Warning light name: External Temperature
Priority: Medium
Explanation: The Jaguar XF snowflake light is an indication of low external temperatures.
Action: Be cautious as ice may be forming on the road.

 

Warning light name: Follow Mode
Priority: Low
Explanation: Jaguar XF Follow Mode is active when in amber state and is set to OFF when in grey state. Follow mode is active when a set speed has been selected when using adaptive cruise control. The driver can release the accelerator pedal and the speed will be maintained.
Action: Speed is adjusted accordingly if another slower vehicle enters the lane or a slower vehicle is reached up ahead.

 

Warning light name: Glow Plugs
Priority: Low
Explanation: For Jaguar XF diesel models only, this is the glow plugs light that displays when the ignition is switched to ON. The preheats the engine and when the light goes out, the engine is ready to start.
Action: On certain models, if the glow plugs light flashes, a common fault is the electronic turbo actuator.

 

Warning light name: ISL
Priority: Low
Explanation: The Jaguar Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL) works alongside the traffic sign recognition system and the navigation system. The system restricts the maximum speed of the vehicle by using the information obtained from both of these systems. If a maximum speed cannot be validated, the system switches to Automatic Speed Limiter (see above).
Action: The ISL is not available when cruise control is in operation.

Warning light name: PCS
Priority: Low
Explanation: The Jaguar XF Progress Control System aids the driver to operate the vehicle on slippery surfaces such as ice, grass etc.

 

Warning light name: TPMS
Priority: Medium
Explanation: The Jaguar XF tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will illuminate in yellow:

• Always on: One or more vehicle tyres is significantly under pressure.
• Flashing: A fault has been detected with the tyre pressure monitoring system.

Action: Stop as soon as possible and check tyres. Inflate tyre to the recommended pressure (pressure chart can be found on the inside of the driver door) or replace tyre with spare. Check tyres frequently and when cold.

 

Warning light name: AHBA
Priority: Low
Explanation: This indicator lamp informs the driver that Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA) is active.
Action: If AHBA is not functioning correctly, ensure the windscreen in front of the interior mirror is clean as this is where the camera sensors are located. Other situations where AHBA may not function correctly are:

• Highly reflective road signs.
• Road users that are not well lit such as cyclists and pedestrians.
• Bad weather such as rain or fog.
• Oncoming vehicles, partially obscured by a central motorway barrier.
• An icy or frosted windscreen.

 

Warning light name: Gear Shift
Priority: Low
Explanation: To help save fuel, the green gear shift (up-shift) indicator light illuminates at the most economical time to change gear.
Action: The gear shift indicator light will not be in operation whilst cruise control is active.

Warning Messages

Not all warnings have a light associated with them. For a full list of messages that are displayed in the information display panel, see Jaguar warning messages.

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