John Deere Dashboard Symbols, Indicators, Warning Lights & Gauges Meaning

Understanding John Deere dashboard warning lights and symbols is essential for safe and efficient operation of the tractor. The first step in understanding dashboard warning lights and symbols is to refer to the tractor’s operator’s manual. This manual provides detailed information about the various warning lights and symbols specific to your tractor model.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with common symbols used on the dashboard. These symbols typically represent different functions, systems, or alerts related to the tractor’s operation.

John Deere Warning Lights & Dash Symbols

Monitor Instrument Panel Gauges: In addition to warning lights, many John Deere tractors feature instrument panel gauges that provide real-time data about engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and other vital parameters. Regularly monitor these gauges to ensure that all systems are functioning within normal operating ranges.

If a warning light illuminates or a symbol appears on the dashboard, take prompt action to address the issue. Stop the tractor safely, consult the operator’s manual or onboard diagnostics system for guidance, and address any underlying problems before continuing operation.

All John Deere Instrument Panel Symbols / Indicator Lights

John Deere dashboard warning lights and symbols play a crucial role in indicating various conditions and alerts during tractor operation. Here are some common warning lights and symbols you may encounter on a John Deere tractor dashboard:

General Dash Symbols

Symbol	Dashboard Symbol Name	Symbol Description
	Safety Alert Symbol	Indicates a safety alert or warning
	Stop	Indicates a serious tractor malfunction that requires immediate attention. When this red light flashes, it is crucial to shut down the engine immediately to prevent further damage.
	Master System Warning	Alerts about a critical issue with the tractor’s master system
	Read Operator’s Manual	Indicates the need to consult the operator’s manual for information
	Fast	Indicates a high-speed setting or mode
	Slow	Indicates a low-speed setting or mode
	Creep	Indicates engagement of the tractor’s super creep gear, which provides exceptionally slow speeds for specific applications.
	Cruise Control	Maintains a constant speed set by the operator
	Limp Home	Activates a reduced power mode for emergency situations
	Lock	Indicates that a function or system is locked or engaged
	ON (Engaged)	Indicates that a system or function is active or engaged
	OFF (Disengaged)	Indicates that a system or function is inactive or disengaged
	Transmission Neutral Indicator	indicates that the tractor is in neutral gear. This light signifies that the transmission is in a neutral position, meaning the tractor is not engaged in any forward or reverse movement.
	Operator Presence Sensor (OPS)	Indicates the status of the operator presence sensor. The OPS is designed to ensure that the operator is present in the seat for safe operation of the tractor.
	Service	Indicates that the tractor requires servicing or maintenance

Engine-related Dash Symbols

Symbol	Dashboard Symbol Name	Symbol Description
	Fuel Level	Indicates the level of fuel in the tank
	Diesel Fuel	Indicates the level of diesel fuel in the tank
	Hourmeter / Elapsed Operating Hours	Displays the total operating hours or elapsed time
	Engine Temperature / Coolant Temperature	Warns the operator when the engine coolant temperature exceeds safe operating limits, indicating potential overheating.
	Engine Intake / Combustion Air Filter	Indicates the condition of the engine air filter. Warns the operator when the air filter becomes clogged or restricted, reducing airflow to the engine and affecting performance.
	Engine Oil Pressure	Indicates the oil pressure in the engine. Warns the operator when engine oil pressure drops below a safe level, indicating potential engine damage or oil system malfunction.
	Water Separator	Indicates the status of the water separator in the fuel system
	Engine Malfunction	Indicates the presence of a fault code or error condition in the engine control system, prompting the operator to address the issue promptly.
	Engine Rotational Speed	Displays the rotational speed of the engine
	Engine Rev Limiter	Limits the maximum engine speed to prevent damage
	Engine Over Speed	Alerts when the engine exceeds its maximum safe speed
	Engine RPM Memory A	Stores and recalls a specific engine RPM setting
	Engine RPM Adjuster	Allows adjustment of the engine RPM
	Engine RPM Increase	Increases the engine RPM
	Engine Run	Indicates that the engine is running
	Engine Start	Initiates the engine starting process
	Engine Stop	Stops the engine
	Engine Heater (Low Temperature Start Aid)	Illuminates when the engine block heater is in operation, helping to warm the engine for easier starting in cold conditions. Diesel Preheat / Glow Plugs
	Engine Heater Temperature	This light may illuminate when the engine heater is in operation to warm up the engine in cold conditions.
	High Exhaust Temperature	Indicates that the temperature inside the exhaust filter is high, which may require attention to prevent damage to the exhaust system.
	Regeneration	Initiates the regeneration process for the diesel particulate filter
	Regeneration Inhibit	Prevents regeneration from occurring
	Regeneration Switch	Activates the regeneration process manually
	Parked Regeneration	Initiates regeneration while the vehicle is stationary
	DEF / AdBlue-Level	Indicates the level of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) or AdBlue
	DEF / AdBlue Low Level	Alerts when the DEF or AdBlue level is low
	DEF / AdBlue Poor Quality	Alerts when the quality of DEF or AdBlue is compromised
	DEF / AdBlue Trouble	Indicates a problem with the DEF or AdBlue system
	DEF / AdBlue Freeze	Alerts when DEF or AdBlue is at risk of freezing

Body-related Dash Symbols

Symbol	Dashboard Symbol Name	Symbol Description
	Travel Direction	Indicates the current direction of tractor travel
	Travel Direction Forward	Indicates forward travel direction
	Travel Direction Rearward	Indicates reverse travel direction
	4-Wheel Drive On	Indicates engagement of the tractor’s four-wheel-drive (4WD) system with differential lock, providing increased traction in challenging terrain.
	Four-wheel On	Engages the four-wheel drive system
	Four-wheel Automatic	Automatically adjusts the four-wheel drive system based on conditions
	Headland Management System	Manages tractor operations during headland turns
	Escape	Allows exiting a menu or mode
	Transmission Service Required	Transmission service required for John Deere PowrQuad Plus, AutoQuad II or AutoPowr only
	Auto Transmission	Engages automatic transmission mode
	Auto Transmission	Indicates the status of the automatic transmission system. This light may illuminate to indicate that the automatic transmission is engaged or functioning.
	Auto Transmission Sensitivity	Adjusts the sensitivity of the automatic transmission
	Auto Transmission Road Control	Optimizes transmission settings for road conditions
	Auto Transmission Field Control	Optimizes transmission settings for field conditions
	Transmission Oil Filter	Indicates a restricted or clogged transmission oil filter, which can impede hydraulic function and transmission performance.
	Transmission Oil Pressure	Indicates the pressure of the transmission oil. This light may illuminate if the transmission oil pressure is too low, signaling a potential problem with the transmission system.
	Transmission Oil Temperature	Warns the operator when the transmission oil temperature exceeds safe operating levels, indicating potential overheating or insufficient cooling.
	Gear Shifting Warning	This warning symbol indicates a problem with the gear shifting mechanism. It may indicate that the tractor is in the wrong gear, or that the gear shifting mechanism is not functioning properly
	Clutch	Engages or disengages the tractor clutch
	Brake	Alerts the operator to low brake fluid levels in the tractor’s brake system, indicating potential brake failure or leakage.
	Parking Brake	Engages the tractor parking brake. Illuminates when the handbrake or parking brake is engaged, reminding the operator to disengage it before driving.
	Air Brake	Indicates the status of the air brake system
	Brake Failure / Malfunction	This symbol indicates a problem with the braking system. It may indicate a failure or malfunction in the brakes, such as low brake fluid or a problem with the brake pads.
	Differential Lock	Indicates engagement of the tractor’s differential lock, enhancing traction in slippery or uneven terrain
	Differential Lock Automatic	Automatically engages the differential lock based on conditions
	Steering Wheel Tilt	Adjusts the tilt angle of the steering wheel
	Steering Wheel Telescope	Adjusts the telescoping position of the steering wheel
	Automatic Steering Control	Engages automatic steering control
	Steering Oil Filter	Indicates the status of the steering oil filter
	Front Suspension	Indicates the status of the front suspension system
	Front Suspension Automatic	Automatically adjusts the front suspension based on conditions
	Front Suspension Down	Lowers the front suspension
	Front Suspension Up	Raises the front suspension
	Front Suspension Lock	Locks the front suspension in position
	Twin Touch Foot Controls	The symbol which provide quick and easy forward/reverse operation. This feature is commonly found in John Deere tractors and allows for smooth and efficient operation. The symbol is used to indicate the presence of this feature and to help operators understand how to use it
	Material Collection System	When the symbol is illuminated, it indicates that the material collection system is active or in use

PTO-related Dash Symbols

Symbol	Dashboard Symbol Name	Symbol Description
	PTO Off (Disengaged)	Deactivates the power take-off
	PTO On (Engaged)	Activates the power take-off
	PTO 540 rpm	Indicates engagement of the tractor’s power take-off (PTO) system at 540 revolutions per minute
	PTO 540E rpm	Indicates the power take-off speed of 540E rpm
	PTO 1000 rpm	Indicates engagement of the tractor’s power take-off (PTO) system at 1000 revolutions per minute
	PTO 1000E rpm	Indicates the power take-off speed of 1000E rpm
	PTO Front	Indicates the front power take-off is active for front-mounted implements
	PTO F Front	Indicates the front power take-off is active for front-mounted implements
	PTO Rear	Indicates the rear power take-off is active for front-mounted implements
	PTO R Rear	Indicates the rear power take-off is active for front-mounted implements

Hydraulic-related Dash Symbols

Symbol	Dashboard Symbol Name	Symbol Description
	Draft Control	Manages the draft control system for implements
	Position Control	Controls the height or position of attached implements
	Hydraulic Oil Filter	Indicates the status of the hydraulic oil filter
	Hydraulic Oil Temperature	This warning light may illuminate if the hydraulic oil is overheating, signaling a potential issue with the hydraulic system.
	Lift Arm Control Up / Transport	Raises or lowers lift arms for transport mode
	Lift Arm Control Upward	Raises tractor lift arms
	Lift Arm Control Down	Lowers tractor lift arms
	Lift Arm Control Downward	Lowers lift arms
	Lift Arm Control Block	Locks lift arms in position
	Lift Arm Control Float	Allows tractor lift arms to float
	Lift Arm Control Lock	Locks tractor lift arm controls
	3-Point Lifting / Lowering	Controls the three-point hitch for lifting or lowering implements
	Lift Arm Height	Indicates the height of the lift arms
	Remote Cylinder Retract	Retracts remote hydraulic cylinders
	Remote Cylinder Extend	Extends remote hydraulic cylinders
	Remote Cylinder Float	Allows remote hydraulic cylinders to float
	Remote Cylinder Lock A	Locks remote hydraulic cylinder control
	Remote Cylinder Lock B	Locks remote tractor hydraulic cylinder control

Electric-related Dash Symbols

Symbol	Dashboard Symbol Name	Symbol Description
	Battery Charging Condition	Indicates a malfunction in the tractor’s charging system, typically caused by a faulty alternator or battery, which may result in battery discharge.
	Electrical Power Accessories	Indicates the status of electrical power accessories
	Master Lighting Switch	Controls the master lighting system
	Headlight Low Beam	Activates low beam headlights
	Headlight High Beam	Illuminates the tractor’s headlights for visibility in low-light conditions or during nighttime operation
	Headlight Flashing	Activates the headlight flash function
	Work Light	Activates tractor work lights
	Position Lamps	Controls position lamps
	Turn Signal	Indicates tractor turn signals
	Turn Signal 1 Trailer	Indicates turn signals for #1 trailer
	Trailer 1 Turn Signal Indicator	Indicates turn signals for #1 trailer
	Trailer 2 Turn Signal Indicator	Indicates turn signals for #2 trailer
	Hazard Warning Lights	Activates the hazard lights to warn others of potential danger
	Audible Warning Device	Indicates the status of the audible warning device
	Beacon Light	Controls beacon lights
	Windshield Wiper	Activates windshield wipers
	Windshield Wiper Intermittent	Activates intermittent windshield wiper function
	Windshield Washer	Activates windshield washer
	Rear Window Defroster	Activates rear window defroster

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these indicators and their meanings to ensure safe and efficient operation of the John Deere tractors:

• 1 Sub-Compact Series – 1023E, 1025R, 1026R.
• 2000 Series – 2000, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2700, 2800, 2900.
• 2000 Twenty Series – 2305, 2320, 2520, 2720.
• 2040 Series – 2040, 2240, 2440, 2640, 2940.
• 2050 Series – 2150, 2255, 2350, 2550, 2750, 2950.
• 2R Series – 2025R, 2026R, 2032R, 2036R, 2038R.
• 3000 Series – John Deere 3005.
• 3000 Twenty Series – 3120, 3320, 3520, 3720.
• 3050 Series – 3050, 3350, 3650.
• 3B Series – 3045B, 3050B.
• 3D Series – 3025D, 3035D, 3043D.
• 3E Series – John Deere 3025E.
• 3R Series – 3033R, 3038R, 3039R, 3045R, 3046R.
• 4000 Compact Series – 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, 4700.
• 4000 Ten Compact Series – 4010, 4110, 4115, 4210, 4310, 4410, 4510, 4610, 4710.
• 4000 Twenty Compact Series – 4120, 4320, 4520, 4720.
• 4035 Series – 4235, 4435.
• 4040 Series – 4040, 4040S, 4240, 4240S, 4440, 4640.
• 4055 Series – 4055, 4255, 4455, 4555, 4755, 4955.
• 4060 Series – 4560, 4760, 4960.
• 41 Series – 1641, 2141, 2541, 2941, 3141, 3641.
• 45F Series – 1445F, 1745F, 1845F, 2345F.
• 46 Series – 846, 946, 1046, 1546F, 1846F, 2446F.
• 47 Series – 1047, 1247.
• 4M Series – 4044M, 4049M, 4052M, 4066M.
• 4R Series – 4044R, 4049R, 4052R, 4066R.
• 50 Series – 4050, 4250, 4450, 4650, 4850.
• 50 Compact Series – 650, 750, 850, 950, 1050.
• 5000 Advantage Series – 5105, 5205.
• 5000 Ten Series – 5210, 5310, 5410, 5510.
• 5000 Twenty Series – 5220, 5320, 5420, 5520.
• 5000 Utility Series – 5200, 5300, 5400, 5500.
• 5003 Series – 5103, 5203, 5303, 5403, 5603.
• 5015 Series – 5415, 5615, 5715.
• 5025 Series – 5225, 5325, 5425, 5525, 5625, 5725.
• 51 Series – 2251, 2351, 2651, 2951, 3351, 3651.
• 55 Compact Series – 655, 755, 855, 955.
• 55 Utility Series – 2155, 2355, 2555, 2755, 2855N, 2955, 3155.
• 5C Series – 5036C, 5039C, 5041C, 5042C.
• 5D Series – 5038D, 5039D, 5042D, 5045D, 5047D, 5050D, 5055D.
• 5E Series – 5045E, 5050E, 5055E, 5060E, 5065E, 5067E, 5075E, 5085E, 5090E, 5100E.
• 5E Limited Series – 5083E, 5093E, 5101E.
• 5G Series – 5075GN, 5080G, 5090G, 5090GN, 5100GF, 5100GN.
• 5M Series – 5065M, 5070M, 5075M, 5080M, 5085M, 5090M, 5095M, 5100M, 5100MH, 5100ML, 5105M, 5115M, 5115ML, 5120M, 5130M.
• 5R Series – John Deere 5080R, 5090R, 5100R, 5115R, 5125R.
• 6000 Series – 6200, 6300, 6400, 6506, 6600, 6800, 6900.
• 6000 TEN Series – 6110, 6210, 6310, 6410, 6510, 6510L, 6610, 6810, 6910.
• 6003 Series – John Deere 6403, 6603.
• 6010SE Series – 6010SE, 6110SE, 6210SE, 6310SE, 6410SE.
• 6015 Series – 6215, 6415, 6515, 6615, 6715.
• 6020 Series – 6520 Premium, 6620 Premium, 6820 Premium, 6920 Premium, 6920S Premium.
• 6025 Series – 6225, 6325, 6425, 6525.
• 6030 Series – 6230, 6330, 6430.
• 6D Series – 6100D, 6105D, 6110D, 6115D, 6125D, 6130D, 6140D.
• 6E Series – 6105E, 6110E, 6120E, 6125E, 6135E.
• 6J Series – 6110J, 6125J, 6145J, 6165J, 6180J.
• 6M Series – 6105M, 6110M, 6115M, 6120M, 6125M, 6130M, 6140M, 6145M, 6150M, 6155M, 6170M, 6175M, 6195M.
• 6R Series – John Deere 6R 110, 6R 120, 6R 130, 6R 140, 6R 145, 6R 155, 6R 165, 6R 175, 6R 195, 6R 215, 6R 230, 6R 250, 6105R, 6110R, 6115R, 6120R, 6125R, 6130R, 6135R, 6140R, 6145R, 6150R, 6155R, 6170R, 6175R, 6190R, 6195R, 6210R, 6215R, 6230R, 6250R.
• 70 Compact Series – 670, 770, 870, 970, 1070.
• 7000 Series – 7200, 7400, 7600, 7700, 7800.
• 7010 Series – 7210, 7410, 7510, 7610, 7710, 7810.
• 7020 Series – 7220, 7320, 7420, 7520, 7720, 7820, 7920.
• 7025 Series – 7425, 7525.
• 7030 Series – 7630, 7730, 7830, 7930.
• 7030 Small-Frame Series – 7130, 7230, 7330, 7430 Premium, 7530 Premium.
• 7J Series – 7185J, 7205J, 7225J.
• 7R Series – John Deere 7R 210, 7R 230, 7R 250, 7R 270, 7R 290, 7R 310, 7R 330, 7R 350, 7200R, 7210R, 7215R, 7230R, 7250R, 7260R, 7270R, 7280R, 7290R, 7310R.
• 8000 Ten Series – 8110, 8110T, 8210, 8210T, 8310, 8310T, 8410, 8410T.
• 8000/8000T Series – 8100, 8200, 8200T, 8300, 8300T, 8400, 8400T.
• 8020 Series – 8120, 8120T, 8220, 8220T, 8320, 8320T, 8420, 8420T, 8520, 8520T.
• 8030 Series – 8130, 8230, 8230T, 8330, 8330T, 8430, 8430T, 8530.
• 8050 Series – 8450, 8650, 8850.
• 8060 Series – 8560, 8760, 8960.
• 8070 Series – 8570, 8770, 8870, 8970.
• 8R Series – John Deere 8R 230, 8R 250, 8R 280, 8R 310, 8R 340, 8R 370, 8R 410, 8225R, 8235R, 8245R, 8260R, 8270R, 8285R, 8295R, 8310R, 8310RT, 8320R, 8320RT, 8335R, 8335RT, 8345R, 8345RT, 8360R, 8360RT, 8370R, 8370RT, 8400R.
• 9000 Series – 9100, 9200, 9300, 9300T, 9400, 9400T.
• 9020 Series – 9120, 9220, 9320, 9320T, 9420, 9420T, 9520, 9520T, 9620, 9620T.
• 9030 Series – 9230, 9330, 9430, 9430T, 9530, 9530T, 9630, 9630T.
• 9R Series – John Deere 9R 390, 9R 440, 9R 490, 9R 540, 9R 590, 9R 640, 9RX 490, 9RX 540, 9RX 590, 9RX 640, 9370R, 9420R, 9470R, 9470RT, 9470RX, 9520R, 9520RT, 9520RX, 9570R, 9570RT, 9570RX, 9620R, 9620RX.
• 9R/RT Series – 9360R, 9410R, 9460R, 9460RT, 9510R, 9510RT, 9560R, 9560RT.
• Advantage Series – 6405, 6605, 7405.
• Generation II Series – 830, 1530, 2030, 2630, 4030, 4230, 4430, 4630, 6030, 8430, 8630.
• Iron Horses Series – 4040, 4240, 4640, 4840, 8440, 8640.
• Milenio A Series – 30A, 40A, 45A, 50A, 70A.
• Milenio C Series – 20C, 25C, 35C, 40C, 45C, 50C, 60C, 70C, 75C.
• Milenio F Series – 50F, 70F, 75F, 85F, 90F, 100F, Q-85.
• Milenio R Series – 40R, 45R, 50R, 70R.
• New Generation Series – John Deere 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020, 3010, 3020, 4000, 4010, 4020, 4320, 4520, 5010, 5020.

Always refer to the operator’s manual for specific information about your tractor model’s dashboard warning lights and symbols.

Color of John Deere Indicator Lights

Pay Attention to Colors – John Deere warning lights and dashboard symbols are often color-coded to indicate the severity of the issue. For example, red lights usually indicate critical problems requiring immediate attention, while amber or yellow lights may signify less urgent issues. Flashing warning lights may indicate an active issue that needs to be addressed. Pay attention to the pattern and frequency of the flashing, as this can provide additional information about the problem.

Here’s a breakdown of the common warning light colors on John Deere tractors and their meanings:

• Red Warning Lights: Red warning lights typically indicate critical issues that require immediate attention. These may include low oil pressure, high engine temperature, hydraulic system failure, or other serious malfunctions that could cause damage to the tractor or compromise safety. When a red warning light illuminates, the operator should stop the tractor immediately, shut off the engine, and address the problem before continuing operation.
• Amber Warning Lights: Amber warning lights signify less severe issues that still require attention. These may include low fuel levels, minor engine malfunctions, or problems with the transmission or hydraulic system. While not as urgent as red warning lights, amber lights should not be ignored. Operators should address amber warnings promptly to prevent more significant problems from developing.
• Green Warning Lights: Green warning lights typically indicate normal system operation or the activation of specific functions. For example, a green light may indicate that the tractor’s pre-heat system is engaged or that a particular feature, such as the PTO, is activated and ready for use. Green lights generally signify that everything is operating as intended and do not require immediate action from the operator.
• Blue Warning Lights: Blue warning lights are often used to indicate information or status related to systems such as the engine cooling system, the DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) level, or other fluid levels. For example, a blue light may indicate that the engine coolant temperature is within the normal operating range, or it may signal that the DEF level is low and requires refilling. Operators should pay attention to blue warning lights to stay informed about the tractor’s status.
• Yellow Warning Lights: Yellow warning lights typically indicate caution or provide information about non-critical issues. These lights may alert the operator to conditions such as activated turn signals, low tire pressure, or engaged parking brake. While yellow warning lights do not require immediate action, operators should still be aware of them and address any underlying issues as soon as possible to maintain safe and efficient tractor operation.

If you are unable to resolve the issue on your own, or if the warning light indicates a serious problem, seek assistance from a qualified John Deere technician or dealership. They have the expertise and diagnostic tools to identify and address more complex issues.

By following these steps and staying informed about your tractor’s warning lights and symbols, you can help ensure safe and reliable operation while minimizing the risk of damage or downtime.

How to Reset John Deere Warning Lights?

To reset John Deere warning lights, you typically need to follow these steps:

1. Identify the Issue: First, determine the cause of the warning light. Consult your John Deere operator’s manual or the display panel for any error messages or codes associated with the warning light.
2. Address the Problem: Address the underlying issue causing the warning light. This might involve refilling fluids, replacing filters, or resolving mechanical issues.
3. Manual Reset: Some warning lights can be reset manually by pressing specific buttons or switches on the dashboard. Refer to your operator’s manual for instructions on how to reset each specific warning light.
4. Disconnect Battery: In some cases, disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can reset the warning lights. However, this should be done cautiously, as it may also reset other settings or systems.
5. Consult a Dealer: If you’re unable to reset the warning lights or if they keep reappearing after resetting, it’s best to consult a John Deere dealer or authorized service center. They can diagnose the issue using diagnostic tools and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.

Always refer to your specific tractor model’s operator’s manual for detailed instructions on resetting warning lights and addressing maintenance issues.