Frost / Ice Warning Light

Dashboard Warning Lights Caution (amber)

Can you still drive? Yes, normally

Who can fix it? You can fix it yourself

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 1 hour

Typical cost SAR 80 to 400

What it means

Shown as a snowflake, usually amber or white, this light means the outside temperature is near freezing and ice may form on the road, especially on bridges and in shaded areas. It is a driver alert, not a fault in the car, and it rarely appears in Saudi Arabia except in the northern regions and highlands in winter. On some cars a snowflake also marks a winter driving mode, so check the owner's manual.

Symptoms3

A snowflake appears with a low outside temperature reading on the display.
A short chime when it appears on some cars.
It appears in warm weather, which points to a wrong temperature reading.

Possible causes4

The outside temperature really is near freezing (the normal reason).
Faulty outside air temperature sensor, usually behind the front grille or under a side mirror.
Damaged sensor wire or connector from a minor accident or water.
Winter driving mode switched on, on cars that use the same symbol.

How to diagnose4

Compare the outside temperature on the display with the real weather.
Check the owner's manual to confirm the symbol means a frost warning and not winter mode.
If it appears in warm weather, inspect the front sensor and its connector for breaks or disconnection.
At a workshop: read the sensor value with a scan tool and compare it with the real air temperature.

How to fix4

In real frost: slow down, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking or steering.
Switch off winter mode if it is on without need.
Repair the outside temperature sensor connector or wire.
Replace the outside temperature sensor and confirm the reading is correct afterward.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

There is no cost when it really is cold; the range covers repairing the outside temperature sensor or its wiring when the warning is false.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

The snowflake is on but the road looks dry. Is there a risk?

Thin, invisible ice can form, especially on bridges and in shade, so drive carefully even if the road looks dry.

Why does it appear in summer?

Usually because of a faulty outside temperature sensor or its wiring, or because on your car the symbol marks winter driving mode.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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