All Tesla Model 3/Y Warning Icons & Lights (Meaning + Solutions)

By Zac Ludicrous •  Updated: 05/21/22 •  17 min read

Coming forward is the most illustrious and authentic list available on the internet that describes all important warning icons and indicators that may appear on your Tesla Model 3’s screen.

Since Teslas lack a conventional combustion engine like other cars, their models use fewer warning lights than most. Nevertheless, those that appear are described here.

Reading this article till the end will help you familiarize yourself with these signs, i.e. what do these warning lights mean and whether you would need a trip to Tesla service center or not. 

Ordered precisely by importance, here’s my list of 20 crucial warning signs that every Tesla owner should know about before coming on the highway. 

Without any further ado, let’s hop into it.

Model 3/Y Warning Icons Explained

1. ABS Indicator Light

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

When you initially start the Model 3/Y, the ABS indicator temporarily lights yellow on the touch screen. If this indication illuminates at any other time, an ABS problem has occurred, and the ABS is disabled.

Safe to drive? 

Because the ABS system is a safety feature that helps you stop faster and preserve traction, it’s critical that you fix the issue as soon as possible.

Though it’s theoretically possible to drive with these lights on, it’s not recommended — especially at high speeds on wet or icy roads.

What to do about it:

If you haven’t already, call Tesla and make an appointment for servicing as soon as you can.

The braking system continues to function normally and is unaffected by an ABS failure. Braking distances, on the other hand, may increase.

Be cautious when driving and avoid abrupt brakes.

2. Tesla Brakes Warning Light

Description: 

If a red exclamation mark shows on your touch screen, it indicates that there is an issue with your vehicle’s braking system.

If this warning symbol remains illuminated or blinks while driving, it implies one of two things:

Safe to drive?

Pull your car over to a safe spot with caution. Tow your car to a secure location and call Tesla service providers. Driving in such conditions is extremely risky.

What to do about it: 

Apply consistent pressure and keep the brakes firm to bring the car to a halt when it is safe to do so. While pulling over, drive slowly and avoid harsh braking.

In the case of a low brake fluid level, if you are unsure about filling up the brake fluid yourself, call Tesla as soon as possible and book a repair appointment at your earliest convenience.

>>Brake Fluid Refilling Procedure

  1. Read the owner’s handbook carefully to determine the proper fluid type for your vehicle. It should also be indicated on the reservoir cover.
  2. Remove the engine cover.
  3. Locate the brake fluid reservoir by removing the maintenance panel beneath the windshield.
  4. Mark the brake fluid reservoir with the Min. and Max. indications.
  5. To avoid contamination, carefully clean the cap and the surrounding area before removing the repair panel.
  6. Because brake fluid is very corrosive, cover the reservoir’s sides before topping it up.
  7. To avoid air bubbles in the braking system, don’t shake the bottle before use.
  8. Fill the reservoir to its full capacity.

3. Tire Pressure Indicator

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

The tire pressure indicator light has two roles:

  1. If one or more tires are under- or overinflated, the warning light illuminates on the touch screen.
  2. When a malfunction with the tire pressure monitoring system is discovered, the warning light flashes for 60 seconds and then remains illuminated (TPMS).

Safe to drive?

If you’re driving at a high speed and the tire pressure indicator comes on your screen, it’s smart to slow down. If the tires do not appear to be visibly low, it’s probably okay to drive to the local service facility. 

Yes, the TPMS system will alert you when a tire is low, but one of them leaking quickly poses a higher risk.

What to do about it: 

If you need to drive a short distance to a gas station to check and adjust pressures, use a precise gauge machine and make a check before the drive. Take note of the pressures and make up the difference at the station.

After pressure adjustment, the tire pressure indicator will turn off automatically after a 10-minute drive at a speed of approximately 15 mph (25 km/h). 

However, if the tire pressure indicator continues to glow after a 10-minute drive at a steady pace after changing/rotating wheels or adjusting the pressure, the TPMS may need to be manually reset.

4. Tesla Airbag Warning Light

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

To ensure proper working of the airbag system, the airbag warning light should light temporarily when the vehicle starts up and then turn off.

But if the warning light does not illuminate during this stage or it illuminates while driving, it indicates that there is some sort of malfunctioning in the airbag system of your car.

Safe to drive?

Driving with this warning light on the screen is extremely dangerous. 

If you see that this warning signal has not automatically switched off after you start your vehicle or if you are traveling on the highway and this indicator suddenly shows on the screen, you should pull over and contact Tesla service providers immediately to resolve this issue.

What to do about it: 

If the airbag warning light stays illuminated, you can perform the following checks to see if the indication turns off:

  1. Remove any things from beneath the seat.
  2. Do not put heavy things on the seat.
  3. See if there’s any item stuck between the seat back and the seat cushion.
  4. Rearrange any items that may be obstructing the seat.
  5. Remove any aftermarket accessories such as seat coverings, mats, etc.
  6. Seat coverings should not be used on the Model 3. If a collision happens, these might limit the deployment of the seat-mounted side airbags. They may also degrade the accuracy of the occupancy detection system, if one is installed.

5. Tesla Seat Belt Warning Light

Description: 

If a seat belt for an occupied driver or passenger seat is unbuckled, the seat belt reminder on the touch screen notifies you. The reminder flashes, and an intermittent chime sounds if the belt is not buckled. 

If all occupants are buckled up and the reminder remains on, it indicates that there is some sort of fault in the system. Common causes of seat belt malfunction are as follows:

  1. Faulty seat belt sensor
  2. Faulty seat pressure sensor
  3. Seat belt not fastened

Safe to drive?

If every passenger in the vehicle has already buckled his or her seat belt and this icon still appears on the screen, there is no need to be concerned! You can mute this icon for now and may get it fixed after your travel is over, so continue driving your Tesla without any worry!

What to do about it: 

Re-buckle seat belts to ensure they are properly fastened if all people are buckled and the reminder remains on. Remove any heavy things (such as a briefcase) from an empty seat as well. 

Contact Tesla service providers if the warning icon still continues to illuminate.

You can further look into Tesla’s owner manual to know how to mute the seat belt icon.

6. Tesla Parking Brake Warning Light

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

The red parking brake indicator lights up on the touch screen when you manually apply the parking brake using the touch screen or when you push and hold the button on the end of the driving stalk while in Park.

It will remain illuminated till the parking brake is released. This Tesla warning icon reminds the driver to not use the parking brake while driving.

Parking Brake Fault Light. Credit to Tesla

This yellow light indicates that there is an issue with the parking brake. A malfunction has been discovered and recorded in the park brake module of the vehicle. To extract the stored diagnostic codes, a professional OBDII scan tool will be required.

Parking brake failures are commonly caused by the following factors:

Safe to drive?

If you fail to disengage the parking brake and drive a long distance, you risk causing serious damage to your brakes. 

The heat created by the continual friction of the pads or shoes rubbing against the rotors or drums causes the majority of the damage.This can result in braking system wear and damage, posing a severe safety threat to you on the road.

Parking brake failure can consequently be a threat in case of emergency braking, so it is recommended to contact Tesla service providers and get this problem fixed before starting your journey.

What to do about it: 

If you are unable to release the parking brake due to a loss of 12V electrical power in your car. The vehicle must then be jump-started. The battery is accessible under the hood and in the repair compartment beneath the windshield. 

If there is no 12V current, you must open the tow eye lid at the front and plug a portable 12V jump-starter to release the hood.

7. Tesla TCS Warning Light

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

This icon displays on the screen when Slip Start is enabled. Slip Start can be activated at any speed; however, it’s less workable at higher speeds. 

Slip Start should not be activated under usual circumstances. Allow it only in situations where you want the wheels to spin on purpose, such as:

  1. Beginning on a soft or slippery surface, such as gravel or snow
  2. Driving in heavy snow, sand, or muck
  3. Getting out of a deep rut or a hole by rocking

Safe to drive?

If the light flashes randomly while driving even though your wheels aren’t losing traction, it implies you have a serious malfunction in your Tesla’s braking system and shouldn’t drive until you address it. 

Otherwise, you’ll be risking your ABS randomly engaging your brakes while driving, which might lead you to an accident.

What to do about it: 

Cautiously pull over your car to a safe spot and try rebooting. If the problem sustains, immediately contact Tesla service providers and get this issue resolved as first priority.

8. Tesla ESC Warning Light

Description: 

The electronic stability control (ESC) system is created to enhance the stability of your vehicle by either limiting motor power or applying braking pressure. 

It is supposed to reduce understeer/oversteer and prevent wheel slide. If the ESC is turned on, a warning light appears on the screen (i.e. stabilizing the vehicle).

In case the warning light remains on at all times, it indicates that the electronic stability control system is faulty.

Safe to drive?

It’s really unsafe to drive, and if you come through this Tesla warning icon randomly while driving, you are advised to stop your car at a safe spot immediately and try fixing it right away.

What to do about it: 

Pull over at a safe location and try restarting your vehicle. If the problem persists, contact Tesla service providers and get this issue repaired as soon as possible.

9. Tesla Hold Warning Light

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

Vehicle Hold applies the brakes even after you withdraw your foot from the brake pedal while the Model 3 is stopped. 

When driving on a level surface or a slope, brake as you normally would. To enable Vehicle Hold, just press the brake pedal again (until the touch screen shows the Vehicle Hold indicator light) after coming to a complete stop. 

You may then let off the brake pedal and stay stopped, even if you’re driving up a hill.

Safe to drive?

There is no reason for it to appear on the touch screen while you’re driving. If it does, it might be a software malfunction.

What to do about it: 

To disengage Vehicle Hold, push and release the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. Vehicle Hold is also disengaged when you shift into Neutral.

10. Tesla Tortoise Warning Light

Credit to dash-lights

Description: 

When the vehicle’s power is decreasing, owing to low energy levels in the batteries, or when systems are being heated or cooled, the Tesla tortoise icon shows on the touch screen. 

Sometimes, in the worst-case scenario, this warning indicator may display on the screen if the vehicle’s power is lowered due to a fault.

Safe to drive?

In case of a temperature problem, pull over immediately and leave the car to cool down. On the contrary, if a low battery is detected, get your car to a charging station as soon as possible. If the problem persists, the car must be serviced.

What to do about it: 

A Tesla owner had to go through a similar situation. This is what he shared about it:

Got the warning “Power Reduced – Exiting and re-entering vehicle may restore operation”. Has a yellow icon of a turtle. I put car in park, got out and back in, and problem appeared to be gone. I again assumed it was a one-off gremlin. But today the problem repeated multiple times, while I was away from home. The car moved, but had very little power – e.g., couldn’t make it up a hill and just came to a halt. After backing down the hill, I called roadside assistance, and asked for a tow or other help. I was told to power off the car in the Service menu, wait 2 minutes, and then power up by tapping the brake. Problem appeared to resolve, but they also advised to set up SC appointment to get it checked. The problem repeated an hour later, and this time did not resolve until the third power off attempt (Roadside Assistance was arranging for a tow when that happened). I was able to drive home, but tonight the problem has recurred and does not respond to the suggested fix (at least not in 5 attempts). So the car is effectively bricked (it can still creep very slowly), and I will get it towed to SC tomorrow.

Piblokto

11. Tesla Snowflake Icon

tesla model 3 warning icons
Credit to dash-lights

Description: 

When some of the stored energy in the battery is not available because of cold weather conditions, the Tesla snowflake icon glows on the screen in blue. 

When the battery is sufficiently heated after and there is adequate increase in temperature, the blue snowflake icon turns off. 

Safe to drive?

Not applicable in this case.

What to do about it:

It can be turned off by activating temperature control via the phone app while the battery is charging.

12. Tesla Emergency Braking Warning Icon

Description: 

The touch screen displays this warning icon and sounds a chime when the Automatic Emergency Braking System is active. 

There is a sudden downward movement of the brake pedal. The brake lights illuminate to inform other road users that you’re slowing down.

It generally functions exclusively at speeds ranging from 3 mph (5 km/h) to 90 mph (150 km/h).

Safe to drive?

The driver is responsible for driving safely and maintaining control of the vehicle at all times. Never rely on Automatic Emergency Braking to avert or mitigate the severity of a crash.

What to do about it: 

Automatic Emergency Braking is always enabled in your Tesla, but in case you want to turn off this feature for your current drive:

13. Tesla Door Open Warning Icon

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

This warning icon displays on the touch screen when the door of your car is open or not properly latched. This warning icon might even get triggered as a result of simple obstruction in the door jamb.

If this warning icon starts illuminating on the screen even when all doors and trunk are closed, it means there is some sort of malfunctioning in the system.

Safe to drive?

In case all doors and trunk of your vehicle are properly closed and you are still getting this warning icon on your screen, you need not to worry about it as it might only be a minor glitch in the system, so keep driving.

What to do about it:

The Ajar switches are located on the vehicle’s door panel. If the door ajar warning indicator illuminates on the cluster even when the door is closed, there might be a problem with the switch or the electrical connections. 

You may check and retighten the screw on the ajar switch to see whether it is operating properly. You may also try opening and relocking your doors or trunk again. But if the problem still continues, give your Tesla a quick reboot.

Other Warning/Indicator Lights That Might Appear on the Tesla Model 3 Touch Screen 

1. Tesla Auto High-Beam Warning Light

Description: 

This warning icon appears on the Tesla screen when Auto High Beam is turned on, but high beams are not activated since light is detected in front of your Tesla. 

When no light is detected, high beams are immediately turned back on. After AHB is turned back on, this warning icon changes into a blue color.

2. Tesla High-Beam Warning Light

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

This icon illuminates on the Tesla screen when high-beam headlights are turned on and Auto High Beam is turned off or unavailable.

3. Tesla Low-Beam Warning Light

Description: 

This icon illuminates on the Tesla screen when low-beam headlights are turned on.

4. Tesla Parking Light Warning Icon

tesla model 3 warning icons
Credit to dash-lights

Description: 

When the parking lights (side markers, tail lights, and license plate lights) are turned on, this warning icon appears on the Tesla screen.

5. Tesla Front Fog Light Warning Icon

Credit to dash-lights

Description: 

This warning icon may appear on the Tesla screen when the front fog lights are switched on.

6. Tesla Sentry Mode Warning Icon

tesla model 3 warning icons

Description: 

This warning appears on the Tesla screen to indicate that Sentry Mode is active. 

Sentry Mode activates the vehicle’s cameras and motion sensors to monitor any activity around the vehicle when it is parked. This option comes at the expense of greater energy usage in exchange for enhanced safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the yellow exclamation mark mean on the Tesla Model 3?

The exclamation mark on the Model 3 indicates a fault in the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). 

What is the circle on the Tesla screen?

The circle on the Tesla screen indicates that Sentry Mode is active.

What does the snowflake symbol mean on my Tesla Model 3?

The snowflake symbol will appear on your Model 3 if the car’s battery has gotten too cold and isn’t able to access the stored energy. This happens mostly if you leave your car out in the cold for a considerable amount of time.

Final Thoughts: All Tesla Model 3/Y Warning Icons & Lights

Warning lights should be taken seriously; any negligence has all the potential to bring about some serious damages.

If any of these icons (indicators) described above appear on the screen for any reason other than the reason they’re supposed to appear, it indicates that there is some sort of malfunctioning.

Even though it is safe to drive in some circumstances, owners are recommended to contact Tesla service providers and get the issue sorted out before the next drive. 

Zac Ludicrous

Mechanical engineer by profession. TSLA shareholder before the hype. EV enthusiast all day long. Zac enjoys learning about the future of battery technology, autonomy, and EVs. He considers Tesla Model 3 the most important vehicle of the 21st century -- and is in a quest to improve the ownership experience of every Model 3 owner he possibly can.

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