The DAF CF instrument cluster provides essential alerts for truck operation. This guide covers warnings specific to the CF's drivetrain and emissions systems. Understanding these lights ensures safe and efficient driving.
DAF CF Warning Light Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Color | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Warning (Stop) | RED | A critical fault—typically low oil pressure or overheating—forces an immediate stop on your CF. | Safely pull over and turn off the engine; consult the driver display. | |
| Master Caution | AMBER | A non-critical system issue (e.g., DEF level, brake wear) needs attention soon on your CF. | Check the message center and address the fault at the next stop. | |
| Check Engine (MIL) | AMBER | Emissions or engine performance fault detected in your CF's PACCAR MX engine. | Have the DTC scanned at a DAF dealer; continued driving may reduce power. | |
| Engine Oil Pressure | RED | Low oil pressure in the CF's engine, risking serious damage if run. | Stop immediately and check oil level; call for service if low. | |
| Battery / Charging | RED | Charging system failure—your CF's battery is not being charged properly. | Check alternator belt and connections; jump-start only if needed. | |
| Coolant Temperature | RED | Engine coolant is too hot, possibly due to a clogged radiator or low coolant in your CF. | Stop and let engine cool; check coolant level and fan operation. | |
| Brake System | RED | Air brake pressure is too low or a brake circuit fault is detected on your CF. | Stop safely; do not drive until pressure builds or fault is cleared. | |
| ABS | AMBER | Anti-lock brake system malfunction; your CF still has normal brakes but no ABS. | Drive cautiously to a workshop; have the system diagnosed. | |
| Parking Brake | RED | Parking brake is engaged or a malfunction prevents release on your CF. | Ensure parking brake is fully released; if light persists, service required. | |
| Tire Pressure (TPMS) | AMBER | One or more tires on your CF have low pressure or sensor fault. | Check tire pressures at the next stop; inflate to recommended values. | |
| Airbag (SRS) | RED | Supplementary restraint system fault in your CF; airbag may not deploy. | Have the system checked by a DAF dealer immediately. | |
| Seat Belt | RED | Driver seat belt is not fastened while the CF is in motion. | Fasten your seat belt immediately. | |
| Glow Plug / Preheat | AMBER | Pre-heating active (flashing) or glow plug fault (steady) on your CF. | Wait for light to go out before starting; if steady, have glow plugs inspected. | |
| DPF / Regeneration | AMBER | Diesel particulate filter needs regeneration; your CF may enter a parked regen mode. | Drive at highway speed to trigger passive regen, or initiate stationary regen per manual. | |
| DEF / AdBlue | AMBER | AdBlue level low or quality issue in your CF; engine power may be limited soon. | Refill with DEF; if light remains, check system for faults. | |
| Water in Fuel | AMBER | Water detected in the fuel separator on your CF; can damage injection system. | Drain the water separator as soon as possible. | |
| Low Fuel | AMBER | Fuel level is low in your CF; you have approximately 50 km remaining. | Refuel at the next opportunity. | |
| High Beam | BLUE | High beam headlights are on. | Dim when approaching other traffic. | |
| Power Steering (EPS) | RED | Electric power steering malfunction; steering effort increases on your CF. | Stop safely and have the system inspected. | |
| Cold Coolant | BLUE | Engine coolant temperature is below normal operating range on your CF. | Drive gently until engine warms up. | |
| Fasten Seat Belt | RED | Passenger seat belt not fastened while CF is in motion. | All occupants must fasten seat belts. | |
| Reduced Power (Limp Mode) | AMBER | Engine power is reduced to protect the drivetrain on your CF. | Drive to a workshop at reduced speed; have the fault diagnosed. | |
| Air Filter | AMBER | Engine air intake restriction detected; filter may be clogged on your CF. | Replace the air filter per maintenance schedule. | |
| Fuel Filter / Water Separator | AMBER | Fuel filter needs replacement or water separator requires draining on your CF. | Drain separator or replace filter as indicated by service interval. | |
| Service / Hour Meter | AMBER | Scheduled maintenance interval approaching for your CF. | Book service at a DAF dealer soon. | |
| Work Lights | GREEN | Auxiliary work lights are illuminated on your CF. | Turn off when not needed to avoid battery drain. | |
| Differential Lock | AMBER | Rear differential lock is engaged on your CF. | Disengage when not on low-traction surfaces. | |
| PTO Engaged | GREEN | Power take-off is active on your CF. | Disengage PTO before driving if not needed. | |
| Air Brake Pressure (Low) | RED | Air brake system pressure is below safe level on your CF. | Wait for pressure to build; do not drive until warning is off. | |
| Engine / Exhaust Brake | GREEN | Engine or exhaust brake is active on your CF. | Disengage if not needed to save fuel. | |
| Trailer | GREEN | Trailer is connected and detected by your CF's ECU. | Check trailer lights and brakes before departure. | |
| Battery Discharge (BDI) | RED | Electrical system voltage is too low; batteries are discharging on your CF. | Check alternator and battery connections; charge or replace batteries. | |
| Low Oil Level | RED | Engine oil level is critically low in your CF. | Stop immediately; add oil to correct level. | |
| Brake Fluid Level | RED | Brake fluid level is low (if equipped with hydraulic brakes) on your CF. | Check for leaks and top up fluid; have system inspected. | |
| Stability Control Off | AMBER | Electronic stability program is manually disabled on your CF. | Re-enable for normal driving to maintain safety. | |
| Door Open | RED | A cab door is not fully closed on your CF. | Close all doors securely. | |
| High Exhaust Temp (HEST) | AMBER | Exhaust system is very hot; regeneration may be active on your CF. | Avoid parking over dry grass; keep engine running until cool. | |
| Washer Fluid Low | AMBER | Windshield washer fluid level is low on your CF. | Top up washer fluid at the next stop. |
38 symbols shown. Icons follow ISO 2575 dashboard standards; exact graphics vary by model year.
Most Important Warning Lights
Engine Overheating
Common causes
- Low coolant level
- Faulty thermostat
- Clogged radiator
What to do
Park your CF safely, let the engine cool, then check coolant. If low, add approved coolant and inspect for leaks. Have the cooling system tested at a DAF dealer.
Air Brake Failure
Common causes
- Air compressor fault
- Brake line leak
- Moisture in air tanks
What to do
If red brake warning comes on, stop immediately. Build air pressure by revving engine; if pressure doesn't rise, call roadside assistance—do not drive your CF without proper brakes.
DPF Clogged
Common causes
- Frequent short trips
- Regeneration interrupted
- Poor fuel quality
What to do
Drive your CF at highway speed for 20 minutes to trigger passive regen. If light stays on, initiate a parked regeneration per the manual or visit a DAF dealer for forced regen.
AdBlue System Malfunction
Common causes
- Low AdBlue level
- Faulty DEF injector
- Contaminated AdBlue
What to do
Refill with certified AdBlue. If warning persists, the DEF system may need diagnosis—continued driving will eventually limit power and speed on your CF.
Battery Discharge
Common causes
- Faulty alternator
- Multiple loads left on
- Battery age
What to do
Check belt tension and connections. If the red battery light remains on, the alternator may need replacement. Jump-start only if battery discharge is low; otherwise, call for service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the amber engine light flashing on my DAF CF?
A flashing check engine light indicates a serious emissions or engine fault that could damage the catalytic converter. Reduce speed and have the vehicle diagnosed at a DAF dealer as soon as possible.
Can I drive with the DPF regeneration light on?
Yes, but you should drive at highway speeds for 20-30 minutes to complete the regen. If the light stays solid after that, a manual regen or dealer visit is needed for your CF.
What does the red stop light mean?
It's a master warning for critical issues like low oil pressure, overheating, or brake failure. Stop the CF immediately in a safe location and consult the driver display for the specific fault.
How do I reset the service interval on my CF?
The service light must be reset by a DAF dealer using diagnostic software after an oil change. Attempting a manual reset may not clear all counters.
My CF's ABS light came on after a heavy rain. Is it serious?
It could be a temporary sensor issue due to moisture. If it stays on after the vehicle dries, have the ABS system checked—your regular brakes still work but without anti-lock function.
Why does my CF show low AdBlue when I just filled it?
The system may need a few miles to recognize the refill. If the warning persists, there could be a level sensor fault or the AdBlue is not of proper quality—visit a dealer.