Error Messages and Warning Lights in Ford Cars

Modern vehicles throw error messages on the dash when they feel bad. Although the idea seems pretty cool, we still don't understand the messages because sometimes they can be misleading. For this, I've written hundreds of articles explaining certain messages.

In this article, I want to tell you about the most common error messages and warning lights in Ford vehicles. Each section will have a link or several links that will help you enhance your knowledge about the problem.

This article will be updated once I write a new article about some other error message.

"Starting System Fault" message in Ford

When you see the "Starting System Fault" message, you may conclude that your Ford won't start. There are several reasons for that including the broken key fob or dead key fob battery. Also, there may be problems with your BCM wiring or immobilizer.

The issue has something to do with the chain key fob - immobilizer - body control module. The car can't verify the key is OK, so it won't start and will show you this annoying message.

Another possible reason is the dying 12V battery. In this case, the electronics in your Ford won't work as it should work. I would start the entire inspection with this.

Starting system fault message highlights:

• Common reasons:dead 12V battery, dead key fob battery, issues with immobilizer, problems with BCM
• How to fix:check the batteries, check wiring and connections
• Possible consequences:car won't start, you are stranded
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes, if it starts
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$250

"Power Steering Malfunction" message in Ford

The majority of modern vehicles have electric power steering, so it's included in the chain of electric units and can throw codes when something is wrong. So, you may be scared by the "Power Steering Malfunction" message in a modern Ford vehicle.

But, in most cases, it has nothing to do with the actual power steering system. This is because of the wrong voltage. Usually, the message pops up during startup and then disappears. After that, it may appear when the engine is cranking and the engine won't start. This is all about the battery voltage that drops badly when you are cranking the engine.

There are just some cases that prove the "Power Steering Malfunction" message can pop up when there are issues with the power steering system. And I should say, this may happen at huge mileage only.

Power steering malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:dead 12V battery, problems with power steering
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes with the scanner
• Possible consequences:car may not start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

"Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" message in Ford

This is basically the same error message as described above but with different wording. It also has something to do with the steering assist in cars with electric power steering. It also can pop up because of the low battery, in most cases.

If the battery is OK, then the "Steering Assist Fault" means you have a problem with the power steering units like the electric motor or the control module. I would start with checking the battery and then wiring.

Steering assist fault message highlights:

• Common reasons:dead 12V battery, problems with power steering
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes with the scanner
• Possible consequences:car may not start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$500

"Transmission Overheating, Stop Safely" message in Ford

You will usually see the "Transmission Overheating, Stop Safely" message in a car with the DCT transmission, mainly with the 6-speed PowerShift used in the Focus, Fiesta, and also EcoSport. The 6DCT transmission is not the best piece of technology in the world, to say the least, and it's very unreliable.

But it doesn't have the actual temperature sensor in it, so it detects "overheating" by analyzing the clutch slipping. When you get this message, it means that the clutch slips a lot. This may be because you are creeping very slowly, especially uphill, or when the clutch is worn out completely.

Usually, the clutch kit in these transmissions can survive about 100,000 miles and it will need complete replacement. Unfortunately, it's very expensive.

Transmission overheating message highlights:

• Common reasons:creep mode, slow driving uphill, worn-out clutch
• How to fix:change the driving conditions, check the clutch
• Possible consequences:clutch may fail completely
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$2,500

"Transmission Fault, Service Now" message in Ford

This message usually appears on the dash of your Ford car when there are actual problems with the transmission. Again, it's a very common message for all vehicles equipped with the PowerShift DCT transmission.

In comparison with the message about overheating, the "Transmission Fault, Service Now" is more connected with the transmission control unit rather than with the clutch. If the unit is faulty or registers a serious problem in the transmission, it usually means that the repair is going to be pretty expensive.

If this happens with your PowerShift around 100,000 miles, it means the transmission control unit and the clutch will need inspection. Very often, they both require replacement which is extremely expensive.

Also, this message may be displayed with different wording: "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now".

Transmission fault message highlights:

• Common reasons:clutch problem, TCU issues
• How to fix:read the codes, replace the clutch kit, replace the TCU
• Possible consequences:transmission may fail fatally at any moment
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$2,500-$3,500

"Engine Malfunction, Acceleration Reduced" message in Ford

While this message may sound scary, it's usually about the voltage in the system or some minor problem rather than about the actual engine issue. When you see the "Engine Malfunction, Acceleration Reduced" error message, you should check the voltage of your battery in different conditions.

But it may also be the alternator that is not producing the proper voltage. Also, this can be some other electrical fault like bad grounding.

In one of the cars that I repaired, it appeared to be an oil leak that destroyed some wiring under the hood. The oil was leaking directly on the connections and it was a very long and complicated repair.

Engine malfunction, acceleration reduced message highlights:

• Common reasons:wiring, grounding, battery, alternator
• How to fix:check the battery, check the alternator, confirm there are no visible wiring problems
• Possible consequences:engine may go to limp mode, it may eventually stall
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$150-$800

"Engine Malfunction, Service Now" message in Ford

When you see the "Engine Malfunction, Service Now" message in your Ford vehicle, it just means that there is a certain fault in the ECU. It's one of a hundred possible fault codes that can trigger this message.

It's impossible to say what exactly causes the message until you get a scanner and read those codes stored in the ECU. It will help if you don't turn off the engine till you can get a scanner hooked up to the car. Because once you turn the engine, the code may disappear and not reappear immediately after you turn the car on.

So, only after reading the codes, you may start finding a way to solve the "Engine Malfunction" problem. By the way, this error message may also be displayed as "Engine Fault, Service Now"

Engine malfunction, service now message highlights:

• Common reasons:fault code in the ECU
• How to fix:hook up the scanner, read the codes, make conclusions
• Possible consequences:there is the chance your engine may fail
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,000

"Powertrain Malfunction, Reduced Power" message in Ford

This is a more modern version of the message explained above. You will most likely see the "Powertrain Malfunction, Reduced Power" in a modern hybrid or electric car. In most cases, this indicates the need to read the codes and see what's wrong with the powertrain.

While this can be almost anything, in most cases, this problem now denotes some problems with software or electrical connections. You should know that solving these issues on your own is almost impossible in modern hybrid or electric cars.

Also, this message clearly states that the limp mode is activated in your vehicle, so you won't be able to use all the usual power.

Of course, you can also see some warning lights, in this case, like the check engine light.

Powertrain malfunction, reduced power message highlights:

• Common reasons:fault codes in various electronic control modules
• How to fix:hook up the scanner, read the codes, make conclusions
• Possible consequences:vehicle has low power, it may eventually stall
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$1,000

"Check Brake System" message in Ford

The braking system is super important for your safety, so I strongly recommend against driving your car if you see this message popping up on the dash of your car.

The "Check Brake System" error message has something to do with electronic braking systems. For example, it may tell you about the problems with ABS sensors, brake pedal switch, electronic parking brake, or even about the worn-out pads (thanks to wear sensors).

You can get more precise information after reading the codes. You may also want to inspect each possible module separately and make the proper conclusion.

Check brake system message highlights:

• Common reasons:ABS sensors, brake pedal sensor, low brake fluid, worn-out brake pads
• How to fix:read the codes, check the brake fluid, check the pads
• Possible consequences:you may lose brakes
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$750

"Check Charging System" message in Ford

If you have a problem with charging, it means the battery won't get 14+ volts when the engine is running. It also means that the battery will discharge pretty quickly and eventually your car will refuse to start.

So, the "Check Charging System" error message is not the one you can ignore. It's very important to see if the alternator is still working and the battery isn't going to die at any moment. Also, there may be a problem with the wiring between the alternator and the battery.

Alternatively, this message may also mean that the problem is with the battery. If it's quite old (over 5 years) and throws this error message, there is a high chance that the battery is dead and can't take the charge anymore. So, the charging system needs to be serviced starting with the battery replacement.

This message has another option for wording - "Charging System, Service Now". It means absolutely the same.

Check charging system message highlights:

• Common reasons:alternator problems, dying battery, wiring issues, voltage regulator faulty
• How to fix:check the battery, check the alternator, confirm the wiring is OK
• Possible consequences:car may not start eventually
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$800

"Park Brake Limited Function, Service Required" message in Ford

While the "Park Brake Limited Function" error message may mean that there are problems with your electronic parking brake, in most cases this is the problem with the 12V battery. It needs jumping or charging. Or, sometimes, replacement.

Why does this happen? Before you start your car, the vehicle runs checks once you are inside. If the car sees low voltage, some glitches may occur. For example, when you press the brake pedal and attempt to start the engine, the vehicle may realize that it can't move the electric parking brake motor - it has no power for that.

While the problem is not with the braking system, the car says it has the issue with the Park Brake and asks you for service. But of course, the battery is the first one to check in such cases.

Park brake limited function message highlights:

• Common reasons:dying 12V battery, malfunctioning parking brake motor
• How to fix:check the battery, read the codes by scanner
• Possible consequences:car may not start
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Yes, if it starts
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$200-$700

"Engine Coolant Over Temperature" message in Ford

Error messages were engineered to try and make life easier for drivers. But they failed to do so and only became misleading signals for problems that usually don't exist. But the "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" is a pretty straightforward message that is not recommended to ignore.

This means that the ECU registered high or abnormal engine temperature sensor readings. In most cases, this will mean that the engine is overheating and needs to stop immediately to cool down. Also, you will need to find the reason for overheating.

Also, the problem may be with the engine temperature sensor. If it stops sending proper readings to the ECU, you may also see this message popping up.

Another possible warning message with absolutely the same meaning is "High Engine Temperature, Stop Safely".

Engine coolant over temperature message highlights:

• Common reasons:engine actually overheating, temperature sensor dead
• How to fix:stop the vehicle, let it cool down, check the coolant level, check the temp sensor
• Possible consequences:engine may quickly die
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$50-$550

"Power Reduced to Lower Engine Temperature" message in Ford

Now, this is yet another message that has something to do with the engine temperature. But it means that the ECU registered a slight increase in temperature and to avoid damage, it will lower the power of your engine or limit its RPMs.

Usually, it means you are driving in very slow traffic or off-roading. In these conditions, the engine will heat up more than usual and your cooling system may not have enough tools to cool it down. So, the engine will lose some power for the sake of saving its life.

My recommendation in case you see the "Power Reduced to Lower Engine Temperature" message is to stop the engine, let it cool down, and also check if the coolant level is OK and the radiator fan is working.

Power reduced to lower engine temperature message highlights:

• Common reasons:engine actually overheating, fan isn't working, low coolant level
• How to fix:stop the vehicle, let it cool down, check the coolant level, check the fan
• Possible consequences:engine may quickly die
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$400

"Brake System Malfunction" message in Ford

While the "Brake System Malfunction" message in a Ford vehicle very often says about ABS problems, brake pedal switch issues, low brake fluid, and possibly even worn-out brake pads, it may be the consequence of a dead battery.

First of all, check if the 12V battery in your car is alive - it should have over 12.2V in it and it shouldn't drop that much when you are cranking the engine. Otherwise, it may need to be jumped, charged, or even replaced.

After you verify the battery is OK, check if the brake lights turn on when you press the brake. If they don't, the brake switch is bad. Also, check the level of the brake fluid and confirm that the brake pads are OK.

Brake system malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:dying battery, brake switch problems, low brake fluid level
• How to fix:check the battery, check if brake switch works, check the brake fluid level
• Possible consequences:you may lose the brakes
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$150-$450

"Shift System Fault" message in Ford

The "Shift System Fault" message may be pretty scary for those who understand how much transmission repair may cost. This is a serious problem that can destroy your vehicle and the price of repair will be unbearable or just not wise to pay for certain older cars.

But this message doesn't always mean that the transmission is in trouble. Very often, this will mean that the sifter assembly is not in order. I've seen this message popping up when there was a simple electronic glitch that vanished after battery disconnection. But I've also seen much more expensive issues behind this message.

You should start by checking the codes. But unless you have proper diagnostic skills, I can't see you solving this problem easily.

Shift system fault message highlights:

• Common reasons:faulty shifter assembly, problems with the transmission
• How to fix:check the codes, disconnect the battery to try and clean the error codes
• Possible consequences:transmission may be at risk
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$3,500

"Drive Control Malfunction, Service Required" message in Ford

There are several drive control modules in modern cars. Those are just electronic control modules or simply said computers. They control your engine, your transmission, and all other important units. When there is a code in some of them, one of the possible messages you can see on the dash of your Ford or Lincoln vehicle is "Drive Control Malfunction".

This doesn't mean anything in particular but can refer to a wide range of different electronic problems. This issue requires reading the codes in all the control modules and thinking of a certain reason for this issue.

In some cases, this will just be a software problem that will be cured with a software update. But in other cases, this can also be an electrical issue with connections or wires.

Driver control malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:error code in one of the control modules
• How to fix:check the codes, disconnect the battery to try and clean the error codes
• Possible consequences:engine may go to limp mode
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$500

"Parking Aid Malfunction" message in Ford

If you ever get the "Parking Aid Malfunction" message, you should think about two possible things: the battery and the TCM (transmission control module) issue. Why?

First of all, the low or dying battery may trigger this message because it will affect every control unit in your vehicle. If this message pops up before you start cranking the engine and then it doesn't start, I'm pretty sure it's exactly the battery that needs recharging or even replacement. You can try jump-starting it.

Also, the parking sensors in Ford vehicles are somehow connected to the transmission control unit and there was a recall with the subsequent extension of the warranty for TCUs. You should check whether your car is eligible for that recall and enhanced warranty.

There is another option for the wording of this error message - "Park Aid Fault". And another possible message that you can see, and it means just the same, is "Check Park Aid"

Parking aid malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:dying battery, TCU problems
• How to fix:check the battery voltage, have the TCU inspected
• Possible consequences:car may refuse to start
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes, if it starts
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$400

"Park Pilot Malfunction" message in Ford

The Park Pilot system shouldn't be mistaken for the Park Assist. The Park Pilot is a set of units that uses various sensors to alert you about possible objects on your way and helps you avoid accidents when parking. Park Assist is the feature that automatically parks your car with you just observing this.

If you see the "Park Pilot Malfunction" message, it may also give some other warning lights and messages. The most common reason is the ABS sensor problem. You may easily detect it with a good scanner.

But you should also check the parking sensors, the TCU (which is somehow connected to all these parking things), and also the voltage supply in your vehicle. If the alternator or the battery is dead, the voltage won't be sufficient enough.

Park pilot malfunction message highlights:

• Common reasons:ABS sensor problem, parking sensor issues, control unit failure
• How to fix:read the codes, check the ABS sensors, check the parking sensors' wires
• Possible consequences:parking aid won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$80-$350

"Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" message in Ford

The pre-collision system is the set of equipment in your Ford vehicle that alerts you about possible collision risks and also applies emergency braking if the vehicle is equipped with this feature.

If you see the "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" message, there is a high chance that the emergency braking and also adaptive cruise control won't be working. This may happen because of the blockage of your radar sensor (usually located under the bumper cover or behind the front grille.

Sometimes, this may also happen because there are issues with the camera. Wiring may be the issue. Some software glitches are known to cause this trouble. In the worst-case scenario, your Ford will require an expensive radar sensor replacement.

Pre-collision assist not available message highlights:

• Common reasons:radar sensor blocked, camera blocked, wiring issues, software problems
• How to fix:clean the radar area, clean the camera, check the connections, read the codes
• Possible consequences:several radar-dependent functions won't work
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$1,500

"No Key Detected" message in Ford

While in most cases, the "No Key Detected" message pops up because the key fob battery is dead, there are some other options. For example, the keyless-entry antenna may have problems in your vehicle. Or the 12V battery may be weak and it will cause a glitch.

It's quite obvious that you should try manual key starting. For this, put the key to the designated area in your Ford (find it in the driver's manual for your model). And after that, press the start button. If it doesn't work, the 12V battery has a higher chance of being the actual reason for the issue.

Also, you may need to know how to open your Ford with the manual key if you see this message. Again, it's better to look in your driver's manual as the procedure may be different for various car models.

No key detected message highlights:

• Common reasons:low battery in key fob, low 12V battery, antenna problems
• How to fix:change the key fob battery, check the 12V battery, read the codes
• Possible consequences:the car may not open and start with keyless-entry features
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$5-$250

"Normal Mode" message in Ford

You aren't supposed to see the "Normal Mode" message in your Ford. Usually, it's only displayed when the dealership worker uses diagnostic tools to get the vehicle to the normal mode from the transportation mode, for example. Or in cases when the dealership uses some heavy diagnostic tools on computers.

If you drive and suddenly see the "Normal Mode" message in your Ford, there is certainly a glitch in the electrical system of your vehicle. The best thing to do is to go directly to the dealer. They know several software problems and electronic control glitches that can cause this.

Actually, this is a serious problem because it makes your electronics go nuts and you can see weird things happening with your car. So, ignoring the issue is not an option at all.

Normal mode message highlights:

• Common reasons:electrical issues, software glitch
• How to fix:take the vehicle to a good dealer for inspection
• Possible consequences:the vehicle may show all kinds of electronics glitching
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$300

"Stop Safely Now" message in Ford

The latest hybrid and EV cars made by Ford may have this very weird glitch when they say "Stop Safely Now" on the dash and you are just lost in thoughts of what it can be. Actually, the problem is pretty unpleasant and may make you suffer a lot as not all dealers may replicate the problem quickly.

The message itself doesn't show anything in particular, so it just informs you that there is a problem with the hybrid or electric drivetrain. This is much like a Check Engine light in older cars - you never know what causes it till you hook up a good scanner.

A lot of Ford EV owners have reported this issue and said their cars went dead after that and required towing to the dealership. Unfortunately, it's impossible to list the common problems causing the message as of now.

Stop safely now message highlights:

• Common reasons:hybrid or electric powertrain problems
• How to fix:dealership only
• Possible consequences:the vehicle may turn off shortly after you see the message
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$250-$600

"Trailer Lighting Module Fault" message in Ford

This problem usually happened with the 4-pin connector which is pretty faulty. The 7-pin connector proved to be much better and wasn't reported to send a lot of messages and warning lights on your dash.

However, there was also a problem with the early software for the trailer module. As far as I know, there was a recall to reprogram these modules and your vehicle may be eligible for free repairs. Anyway, it's worth checking if there are any software updates regarding the trailer module for your car if you see the "Trailer Lighting Module Fault" message.

But this problem doesn't cause any other problems, just lights up the message on your dash which may be annoying and distracting.

Trailer lighting module fault message highlights:

• Common reasons:trailer module software problems, 4-pin connector issues
• How to fix:install new software for trailer module, use 7-pin connector
• Possible consequences:distracting message popping up on your dash
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$100-$250

"Front Camera Temporarily Not Available" message in Ford

There are three basic conditions that may trigger the "Front Camera Temporarily Not Available" message in your Ford vehicle.

First of all, it's overheating of the camera module. If your sun has been on the open sun for some time, this is most likely the reason. Just put the car in the shade for some time to solve the problem.

Secondly, there may be a fault in the radar sensor system which will cause the entire ACC and FCW system to go down. You may see this message among several other warnings.

Finally, the low battery or malfunctioning alternator will cause this problem, among others. There is no direct connection between the camera and battery health, but the low voltage in the system does some black magic to modern cars.

Front camera temporarily not available message highlights:

• Common reasons:camera overheated, low battery, faulty radar sensor
• How to fix:let the car cool down, check the radar sensor, check the battery
• Possible consequences:cruise control may not work, collision warning may not work
• Priority level:Medium
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0-$200

"Check Rear Seat For Occupants" message in Ford

The original idea behind this annoying message saying "Check Rear Seat for Occupants" is for cases when you may forget that a child or a pet is there in the rear seat. Annually, several kids die this way in the US and dozens die in the world, so Ford decided to solve the problem.

The algorithm is pretty simple: if the rear door opened before the engine started, the message will pop up when the engine is off before you leave the car. It will remind you that there may be a child in the rear seat.

But the problem is that this message pops up at all other times but when needed. So, you may deactivate it in the settings of your car.

Check rear seat for occupants message highlights:

• Common reasons:faulty software
• How to fix:no solution for this but deactivating the reminder
• Possible consequences:no consequences
• Priority level:Low
• Can you drive?Yes
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$0

Oil Light in Ford

If your oil light comes on the dash when your car idles or you drive it, this is a bad sign. Usually, it means that the oil pressure is low. This may be because of two main reasons: low oil level or the oil pump not working properly.

But the light may also come on because the oil pressure sensor is not feeling well.

In any case, whenever you see the oil light illuminating on the dash (other than when starting the car), you should stop safely and turn off the engine. Otherwise, you may lose the engine very quickly.

Oil light highlights:

• Common reasons:low oil level, poor oil pump, oil pressure sensor problem
• How to fix:check oil level, read the codes
• Possible consequences:engine failure
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?No
• DIY repair:Possible
• Repair price range:$10-$250

Wrench Light in Ford

The wrench light in your Ford vehicle usually indicates that there is a problem with some powertrain units. The light itself can't specify what exactly is wrong with the vehicle.

Anyway, you can read the codes and learn what's wrong with the powertrain of your car. Unfortunately, there is no other way to diagnose the vehicle and this light doesn't act as a service reminder.

But sometimes, this wrench light comes on the dash when there are no codes. In this case, it should be connected with the temporary fault of the electronic throttle. But some other issues are also possible.

Wrench light highlights:

• Common reasons:powertrain problem, throttle control issue
• How to fix:check the codes
• Possible consequences:possible failure of the engine, AWD, or transmission
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Possible but complicated
• Repair price range:$150-$400