Hybrid / EV Ready Indicator

Dashboard Warning Lights Info (green/blue)

Can you still drive? Yes, normally

Who can fix it? Needs a workshop

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 1,500

What it means

Usually shown as the word READY or a car with two arrows, green in color, this light means the drive system of a hybrid or electric car is ready and the car will move when you select a gear and press the pedal, even if the engine is silent. It is an information light, not a warning, and its look varies by make. If it does not appear at start-up, the most common causes are a weak small 12 V battery or not pressing the brake pedal.

Symptoms4

Indicator on and the car silent, yet it moves when a gear is selected.
Indicator does not appear when the start button is pressed.
Indicator flashes and goes out with a hybrid system message.
A chime when leaving the car with the indicator still on.

Possible causes6

Drive system ready after a correct start, which is normal.
Brake pedal not pressed while pressing the start button.
Weak auxiliary 12 V battery that powers the control systems.
Smart key not recognized because of a weak fob battery.
Faulty brake pedal switch.
Hybrid or electric system fault preventing READY (less common).

How to diagnose4

Press the brake pedal firmly, then the start button, and wait a few seconds for the indicator.
Make sure the key is recognized, and hold it near the start button if its battery is weak.
Read any message on the display and see whether the hybrid system light appears.
At the workshop: test the 12 V battery and read hybrid system codes with a scan tool.

How to fix5

Start the car using the correct procedure in the owner manual.
Charge or replace the 12 V battery with the correct type.
Replace the smart key battery.
Replace the brake pedal switch if confirmed faulty.
Have any hybrid system fault repaired by a technician qualified for high-voltage systems, then confirm the indicator appears normally.

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.

Usually there is no cost because the light shows the car is ready; the cost starts with a key battery or brake switch and reaches the upper end for a 12 V battery with diagnosis.

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 engine is off but READY is lit. Is the car running?

Yes. In hybrids and EVs the light means the car is ready to move, and the engine runs only when needed. Do not leave the car with READY on unless it is in Park.

Can a hybrid be jump-started if its small battery is weak?

Many can, using dedicated 12 V jump points, but follow the owner manual exactly and never touch high-voltage parts or orange cables.

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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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