The Bobcat S185 is a compact skid-steer loader designed for versatility on construction sites and landscaping projects. Its instrument cluster provides clear alerts to help operators maintain optimal machine performance and safety. Understanding these warning lights is crucial for minimizing downtime and preventing costly repairs on your S185.
Bobcat Excavator S185 Warning Light Symbols
| Symbol | Name | Color | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Warning (Stop) | RED | A critical malfunction has been detected in your Bobcat S185 that can cause severe damage or unsafe operation. | Shut down the loader immediately and inspect for obvious faults before restarting. | |
| Master Caution | AMBER | A non-critical system fault or warning has been identified by the S185’s monitoring system. | Check the display panel for specific warnings and address them as soon as possible. | |
| Engine Oil Pressure | RED | Engine oil pressure in your S185 has dropped below safe operating levels, risking engine damage. | Stop the engine and check oil level and leaks before operating further. | |
| Battery / Charging | RED | The electrical charging system is not maintaining battery voltage in the S185. | Inspect alternator belt and battery terminals; avoid extended operation until resolved. | |
| Coolant Temperature | RED | Engine coolant temperature has exceeded the safe range for the S185, risking overheating. | Shut off the engine, allow it to cool, and check coolant level and radiator for issues. | |
| Low Fuel | AMBER | The S185’s fuel tank is nearing empty and will soon require refueling to avoid stalling. | Refuel at the next opportunity to prevent downtime. | |
| Hydraulic System | AMBER | A fault or low fluid level is detected in the S185’s hydraulic system. | Inspect hydraulic fluid level and look for leaks before continuing work. | |
| Hydraulic Oil | AMBER | Hydraulic oil temperature or level is outside the normal range in your S185. | Check the hydraulic oil level and condition, and top up or change as needed. | |
| Air Filter | AMBER | The air filter on your S185 is clogged, reducing engine performance and efficiency. | Clean or replace the air filter to restore proper airflow. | |
| Fuel Filter / Water Separator | AMBER | The S185 has detected restricted fuel flow or water in the fuel filter. | Drain water from the separator and replace the filter if needed. | |
| Work Lights | GREEN | Work lights are activated on your S185, improving visibility for the jobsite. | No action needed unless lights are required to be off. | |
| Parking Brake | RED | The parking brake is engaged on the S185, preventing machine movement. | Release the parking brake before attempting to operate the loader. | |
| Seat Belt | AMBER | The S185 detects the operator’s seat belt is not fastened, impacting safety. | Buckle the seat belt before starting or moving the loader. | |
| Glow Plug / Preheat | AMBER | Glow plugs are preheating the S185’s engine for cold starting conditions. | Wait for the light to turn off before cranking the engine. | |
| Service / Hour Meter | AMBER | Scheduled maintenance is due based on the S185’s engine hours. | Perform required service tasks as outlined in the S185 maintenance schedule. |
15 symbols shown. Icons follow ISO 2575 dashboard standards; exact graphics vary by model year.
Most Important Warning Lights
Engine Oil Pressure
Common causes
- Low engine oil level
- Faulty oil pump
- Oil filter blockage
What to do
On the S185, immediately stop the engine, check oil level, and inspect for leaks. If oil level is fine, have a technician inspect the oil pump and filter for faults.
Coolant Temperature
Common causes
- Low coolant level
- Radiator blockage
- Faulty thermostat
What to do
Shut down the S185, allow the engine to cool, and check coolant level and radiator condition. Replace coolant or clear obstructions as needed.
Battery / Charging
Common causes
- Loose or corroded battery terminals
- Broken alternator belt
- Defective alternator
What to do
Inspect battery connections and alternator belt on the S185. Tighten, clean, or replace components as needed before resuming work.
Hydraulic System
Common causes
- Low hydraulic fluid
- Hydraulic leak
- Clogged hydraulic filter
What to do
Check and top up hydraulic fluid in the S185, repair leaks, and replace the hydraulic filter if necessary.
Parking Brake
Common causes
- Parking brake lever engaged
- Brake system malfunction
- Electrical fault in brake circuit
What to do
Ensure the parking brake is fully released on your S185. If the light remains on, inspect for brake system issues or electrical faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if multiple warning lights come on at once in my S185?
If you see several warning lights simultaneously, stop the loader safely and review each alert on the display. Address the most critical (red) warnings first, and consult your S185’s manual if unsure.
Can I operate my S185 with the hydraulic warning light on?
It’s not recommended to continue work with the hydraulic warning lit. Check fluid levels and look for leaks before resuming operation to avoid damaging hydraulic components.
Why does the glow plug light stay on after starting my S185?
If the glow plug light remains on, it may indicate an issue with the preheat system or cold weather operation. Allow the engine to warm up and have the system checked if the light persists.
How often should I service the air and fuel filters on my S185?
Inspect air and fuel filters at each scheduled maintenance interval or sooner in dusty conditions. Replace them if the relevant warning light appears or performance drops.
What does it mean if the master warning (stop) light comes on?
The master warning indicates a severe issue that could damage your S185 or create unsafe conditions. Stop the machine immediately and diagnose the cause before restarting.