VitzFix
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Warning lights

What each light in the meter means, how serious it is, and what to do. Most lights come on for a few seconds when you turn the key to ON — that is a bulb check and is normal.

Stop safely nowGet it checked soonInformation only

Brake warning light

Red Stop safely now◔ double-check
What it meansParking brake is on, or brake fluid is low.
What to doRelease the parking brake. If it stays on, stop in a safe place: the brakes may not work properly. Check brake fluid and leaks before driving on.

Charge (discharge) warning light

Red Stop safely now◔ double-check
What it meansProblem in the charging system; the battery is not being charged.
What to doSwitch off A/C, blower and radio and go straight to a workshop. Do not drive if the drive belt is broken or loose.

Low oil pressure warning light

Red Stop safely now◔ double-check
What it meansEngine oil pressure is too low.
What to doPull off the road and stop the engine at once. A short flicker at idle after hard braking is normal if it goes out when you accelerate. Check the dipstick: the light does not show oil level.

High coolant temperature light

Red Stop safely now◔ double-check
What it meansThe engine is close to overheating. Normal: on for a few seconds at key ON.
What to doIf it flashes while driving, stop and let the engine cool. Then check coolant, radiator fan and belt.
Fault codes it can store
P0115/22P0116P0125

Airbag (SRS) warning light

Red Get it checked soon◔ double-check
What it meansGoes off after about 6 seconds at key ON. If it stays on, never lights, or lights or flashes while driving, the airbag system has a fault.
What to doAirbags may not work in a crash. Get it checked with a scanner. Note: some Vitz driver airbags were recalled (see Problems → Recalls).

Driver seat belt reminder

Red Get it checked soon◔ double-check
What it meansDriver seat belt is not fastened. A buzzer sounds for about 4–8 seconds.
What to doFasten the seat belt.
P

Passenger seat belt reminder

Red Get it checked soon◔ double-check
What it meansSomeone (or a heavy bag) is on the front passenger seat without the belt fastened.
What to doFasten the passenger belt, or move heavy luggage off the seat.

Low fuel warning light

Amber Get it checked soon◔ double-check
What it meansThe tank is nearly empty. On slopes and bends it can light early.
What to doFill up as soon as possible.

Low coolant temperature light (blue)

Blue Information only◔ double-check
What it meansThe engine is still cold.
What to doDrive gently until it goes off. If it stays on after the engine is fully warm, get it checked (thermostat or sensor).
Fault codes it can store
P0115/22P0116P0125

Door open warning light

Red Information only◔ double-check
What it meansA door or the back door is not fully closed.
What to doClose all doors properly.

High beam indicator

Blue Information only◔ double-check
What it meansHeadlights are on high beam.
What to doDip the lights for oncoming traffic.

Symbols are our own drawings and may look slightly different from your meter. Not every car has every light; it depends on grade and options.

Scanner guide

Scanner guide: Vitz

You can read the check-engine code on the Vitz without any scanner, using the blink code. A scanner is optional.

Blink code: a paper clip in the DLC socket
Works

With the engine off, bridge terminals 4 (CG) and 13 (TC) with a short wire, turn the key ON (engine off) and count the check-engine light flashes (long = tens, short = units). Match the number to the code list.

Cheap ELM327 + Torque or Car Scanner app
May work

Works only if the car speaks standard OBD-II; older Japanese imports may not connect. If it fails, use the blink code.

Workshop multi-brand scanner
Works best

The easy way if you do not want to do it yourself.

Where is the socket: White 16-pin socket (DLC) under the dash near the steering column.

What it can read:

  • Engine (check-engine light) fault codes: blink code or scanner.

Good to know:

  • See Fault codes on this guide for the full blink-code steps and the code list.
  • No scanner needed for the oil, battery or handbrake light: they come from a simple switch or sensor. Check the oil level, drive belt / battery terminals and brake fluid first.

Source: UstadFix owner notes