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Luka Kusic
Updated on June 28, 2023
Dashboard lights were originally just a few warnings for oil, coolant, and electrical problems. As the number of features increased, so did the complexity of the system, and the dashboard had to accommodate an increasing number of indicator
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It’s unreasonable to expect a driver to know the meaning of every dashboard light, as there can be hundreds of them. Modern digital displays will give some more information about the problem, but it may not be enough to know exactly what’s happening.
This article will give you a quick explanation for every warning, alert, and indicator light on the dashboard, 113 to be exact. We’ll break them down into sections, and include images to help you compare them to the lights of your dashboard, so keep reading to learn more and know how to react in case one of these lights turns on!
The Most Common Dashboard Lights
Check Engine
Check engine light activates when there’s a problem with one or more engine parts. The issues range from trivial periodic errors to serious mechanical faults, especially if the light is flashing.
Coolant Temperature
This warning appears shortly before the engine overheats. If you see it, blast the heater (not AC) at full power and stop the vehicle as soon as possible.
Airbag Warning
An amber or red airbag warning indicates the problem with one of the airbags, which will not deploy in case of an accident.
Low Fuel Warning
Almost everyone knows what the low fuel indicator means and looks like. If the fuel level drops below 1/6th or 1/8th of the tank, the light will turn on.
Battery Problem
Battery alert informs you that the battery isn’t getting charged while the engine is running, indicating a problem with the alternator.
Seatbelt Reminder
Seatbelt reminder uses sensors within seats to register passengers and will continue to flash until everyone has fastened their seatbelt.
Low Oil Level
This is one of the most serious warnings you can get. If you see this light, stop as soon as possible to prevent damage to the engine.
Parking Brake Warning
When the parking brake is engaged, the light will always come on to remind you to disengage it before driving off.
Service Reminder
Your vehicle monitors the number of miles you’ve crossed, and when the oil service is nearly due, the indicator will turn on to remind you it’s time to change it.
Red Warning Indicators
Red warnings indicate a problem that requires your immediate reaction. The solution can be something as simple as disengaging the parking brake or closing the door properly, but others require you to stop immediately and call a towing service. In this section, we’ll go through all the red warnings, so you’re aware of what to do when they appear.
Engine & Transmission
Low Oil Level
This is one of the most serious warnings you can get. If you see this light, stop as soon as possible to prevent damage to the engine.
Parking Brake Warning
When the parking brake is engaged, the light will always come on to remind you to disengage it before driving off.
High Coolant Temp Warning
The coolant system keeps the engine at optimal temperature. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge, and if the warning light comes on, turn the engine off and let it cool.
Battery Charging Problem
A simple illustration of the car battery warns you that the battery is not receiving any charge and will deplete soon.
Transmission Problem
Transmission problems are serious, so if see this symbol, stop as soon as possible and get your vehicle to a mechanic for repairs.
A/T Oil Temp
When the A/T oil temp light turns on, it means the transmission is about to overheat. Park the vehicle and let it cool, then drive or tow it to a mechanic.
Transmission Temperature
An alternative to A/T oil temp, this warning also indicates an overheating issue with the transmission.
Power Steering Problem
The steering wheel with or without an exclamation point next to it warns you of low fluid levels or imminent problems with the power steering system.
Brake System
Brake Problem
Pay attention to the exact shape of the warning light. Word “BRAKE” or a circle with two solid lines around it represents a general brake system problem.
Worn Brake Pads
Brake pads wear out over time, and when they’re past the point of effectiveness, the circle with the short lines on each side will appear on the dashboard.
Low Brake Fluid Level
Brakes operate on a sealed hydraulic system, so if the fluid levels drop too low, the brakes will cease to function. Check every wheel for signs of fluid leaks.
Parking Brake Engaged
A Brake system symbol with either a “P” or a “!” inside it reminds you to disengage the parking brake immediately or risk wearing out the brakes.
Vehicle Safety Systems
Airbag Problem
This illustration, “SRS” or “AIR BAG” lighting up warns you that one or several airbags will not engage in case of an accident.
Airbag Off
The icon for airbag off is similar to the airbag problem but the difference is the hollow airbag with an “X” through it. It means the airbag has been turned off manually.
Red Triangle Warning
On older vehicles, the number of warning lights was limited, so the red triangle indicated a problem that is more severe than the amber check engine light.
Driver Reminder Lights
Hazard Lights On
Driving with hazard lights on is illegal, and the dashboard light will remind you to turn them off before joining the traffic.
Open Hood
If the hood hasn’t latched properly, the warning will appear to remind you to close it before driving off.
Open Trunk
The trunk latch works the same way as the hood latch, but it can be ignored if you’re safely hauling cargo that prevents you from closing the trunk.
Open Doors
Leaving the doors partially closed is dangerous which is why the warning appears on the dashboard.
Seatbelt Reminder
If the vehicle detects a passenger without the seatbelt on, the seatbelt warning will turn on.
Key Missing
Vehicles with a keyless start and entry will remind you to place the FOB key close to the ignition for safety reasons.
Vehicle Locked
Anti-theft measure that prevents you from starting the vehicle if the doors are locked. Simply unlock the doors to continue driving.
Amber Warning Indicators
Amber or yellow warning lights do not require your immediate attention as red warnings do, but the problems can become very severe if unaddressed. It’s important to identify the cause as soon as possible, and then you can decide whether or not to fix the problem immediately.
Engine, Transmission & Suspension
Check Engine
The most common amber warning is the check engine light that indicates a problem with the engine or auxiliary systems.
Oil Level Warning
If your car doesn’t have a red oil warning, then treat the amber warning with the same severity. Otherwise, it’s an early indicator that the engine is running low on oil, or has too much of it.
A/T Oil Temp
As the oil level warning, A/T oil temp can also be either amber or red. Treat it as a serious problem regardless.
Amber Warning
The amber warning indicates a general problem with the vehicle and is usually present on older vehicles.
Transmission Problem
Problems with the transmission are almost always serious, so consult with a mechanic as soon as you can.
Suspension Dampers
If the suspension dampers have gone bad, you’ll see this symbol on the dashboard as a warning to replace the parts when possible.
Air Suspension Warning
A vehicle running on air suspension may have a different symbol that indicates a problem with the system.
Catalytic Converter Warning
A clogged catalytic converter will prevent exhaust gases from leaving the engine fast enough, causing a pressure build-up in the exhaust manifold and loss of power.
Brakes
Brake Issue
The general brake warning can be red or yellow and indicates an issue with the system.
ABS Warning
The ABS system allows you to steer the vehicle while braking and prevents skidding. The warning indicates that it’s not functioning.
Worn Brake Pads
The worn brake pad warning can be red or yellow and informs you that the braking power is insufficient for a safe drive.
Press The Brake Reminder
Vehicles with automatic transmission won’t start unless you press the brake first.
ESP Warning
The electronic stability system is not functioning and will not assist you during hard braking and cornering.
RBS Warning
RBS light informs you that there’s a problem with the recuperative brake system on a hybrid vehicle.
Traction Control Warning
The term traction control system can be used interchangeably with ESP, and when the warning light is on the system will not assist you on the road.
Traction Control Activated
If you briefly see this icon appear on the dashboard, it means the TCS system had activated to keep the vehicle stable.
Traction Control Off
This dashboard light will remind you that you’ve turned off the traction control system.
Safety & Assist Systems
Pre-collision System Warning
The problem with the PCS will prevent it from activating and preventing a frontal crash.
Side Airbag Warning
Side airbags won’t activate in case of an accident if this warning is turned on.
Parking Sensor Warning
The parking sensor warning light means there’s a problem with the sensor’s functionality.
Lane Assist Engaged
The lane assist icon will appear if the system had engaged to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane.
Cruise Control Activated
If you activate the cruise control, this reminder will light up on the dashboard.
Fog Lights Activated
The fog lights shouldn’t be on at all times, so this indicator acts as a reminder to turn them off once you’re out of the foggy area.
Electric & Hybrid
Regenerative Brakes Problem
Hybrid vehicles use the energy created by braking to recharge batteries and a problem with the system will prevent that from happening.
Charging Indicator
In plug-in hybrid or electric vehicles, this icon reminds you that the vehicle is still plugged into a power source.
Limited Power Indicator
In electric vehicles, this warning tells you that the vehicle will run in power-saving mode to allow you to reach the closest recharge station
Charging Indicator
The alternative indicator for electric vehicles indicates low battery power.
Diesel Specific
DPF Problem
This light indicates a problem with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) which is specific to diesel cars and trucks.
Glow Plugs Activated
When the engine is too cold, glow plugs activate to heat up the engine to a safe temperature.
Low AdBlue Levels
Modern diesel engines use AdBlue to cleanse exhaust gases. This icon is a reminder to refill AdBlue.
AdBlue Problem
This warning looks similar to the low AdBlue levels, but in fact indicates a problem with the AdBlue injection system.
4 Wheel Drive & All Wheel Drive
4×2 Mode
The transmission is sending power to only one axle, usually the rear.
4WD Mode
A reminder that the transmission is sending power to all four wheels.
4×4 Auto Mode
The vehicle is set in an automatic 4×4 mode where the computer adjusts power as needed.
4×4 Low Mode
The low range mode is engaged for a slow crawl over rough terrain.
4×4 High Mode
The high range mode uses regular transmission gears for regular on-road driving.
Center Differential Lock
This indicates that the center differential has been locked for better off-road performance.
Rear Differential Lock
This indicates that the rear wheels will spin at the same speed now that the rear differential has been locked.
Fuel System
Refuel Required
Conventional warning for low fuel levels for diesel and gas powered vehicles.
Water In Fuel Detected
If there’s water in the fuel tank, you should drain it and check it for water or coolant to identify where the fluid is coming from.
Fuel Filter Warning
A faulty fuel filter will either let particles through or fail to supply the engine with enough fuel.
Informational & Miscellaneous
Information Indicator
A generic indicator that informs you to take a look at the vehicle’s information screen for more details.
Service Reminder
This icon reminds you that your regular oil service change is due in less than 500-1000 miles.
Low Tire Pressure
The tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) will warn you if one of your tires is overinflated or running flat.
Car On Jack/Ramp
This is warning is a part of the anti-theft system and also a reminder not to drive off the elevated position.
Trailer Attached
The trailer icon is a constant reminder that there’s a camper or a trailer attached to the back so you can drive accordingly.
Washer Fluid Low
Without washer fluid, it will be difficult to keep the windshield clean, so this serves as a reminder to refill it.
Faulty Light Bulb
When a light bulb goes out, this warning will tell you to check the headlights and taillights and replace it.
Green, White & Blue Information Indicators
Informational lights come in three colors: white, blue, and green. What could be an informational light in one vehicle may be a warning in another, but as the course of response is the same, this doesn’t make too much of a difference. For example, the parking brake light can be red, yellow, or green, but it all signifies that you should lower it before driving off.
Blue Information Indicators
High Beams On
The blue indicator light is most commonly associated with high beams and reminds the driver that they’re on.
Cold Coolant
The low coolant temperature indicator uses blue to illustrate cold, as the same symbol in red illustrates high coolant temperature.
Lights Indicators
Low Beam Lights
Informs you that the low beam lights are turned on, useful for remembering to turn them off once you’ve parked and turned the engine off.
Daylight Running Lights
DRL or daylight running lights can be on by default on some vehicles and can be a separate unit from low beam lights.
Interior Lights
This indicates that an interior light is on somewhere in the vehicle, most likely caused by a door not fully closed.
Side Lights
Side or parking lights reminder, or in some vehicles, a DRL indicator.
Directional Headlights
Informs you that directional headlights are on and will follow the road as you corner.
Fog Lights
A reminder that fog lights are on, so you can turn them off once the fog dissipates.
Turn Signals
Well-known turn signal blinkers for left and right directions.
Self-Leveling Headlights
An indicator that the headlights are adjusting to the appropriate beam height.
Electric & Hybrid Indicators
Charging
The electric vehicle charging symbol reminds you that the vehicle is connected to a power outlet.
EV Mode
This symbol lights up when a hybrid vehicle enters electric-only mode.
Eco Mode
The vehicle enters an eco mode that could indicate optimal electric power operation or low-emission output on a hybrid.
Advanced Vehicle Systems
Engine Start & Stop
When the engine shuts off at a red light, this symbol tells you that it’s is ready to start as soon as you need to go.
Automatic Parking Brake
This symbol is present on some vehicles that have an automatic parking brake. It disengages when the brake pedal or gas is pressed.
Parking Sensor Engaged
The amber parking sensor could indicate a warning, but a green light means it’s operational.
Rain Sensor
Rain-sensing wipers will turn on automatically if water or snow touches the windshield, and this symbol will appear on the dashboard.
Winter Mode
If you’re traversing heavy snow, your vehicle may adjust to the conditions by limiting transmission gears and automatically adjusting acceleration.
Speed Limiter
Turning the speed limiter on will engage the dashboard light to keep you aware of why the vehicle isn’t accelerating.
Cruise Control
By engaging cruise control, this dashboard indicator will appear as a reminder.
Informational Indicators
Key In Ignition
This symbol will appear when the engine isn’t running to remind you not to leave the key inside the vehicle.
Automatic Parking Brake
An informational symbol that indicates there’s a security problem, most likely caused by an attempt to start the engine with locked doors.
Gear Shift Advisor
Some vehicles with manual and semi-automatic transmission have a gear shift advisor that’ll help maintain optimal fuel economy.
Rear Spoiler Warning
You will see this symbol if the rear spoiler is manually engaged or if it fails to retract.
Service Reminder
Service reminders can appear in a variety of colors, including green. It gives you a prompt warning to perform regularly scheduled service.
Rear window defrost
If you turn on the rear window defroster, you’ll get a dashboard reminder to turn it off when the deicing process is done.
Ventilation Indicators
Ventilation indicators do not show up on the driver’s dashboard, but rather on the center console. Typically in white, or the backlight color of the manufacturers choice.
Ventilation On
This indicates that the ventilation has been turned off.
Ventilation Off
This icon will briefly appear as a notice that the ventilation has been turned off.
High Air Flow
Ventilation is flowing towards the upper part of the seats.
Low Air Flow
Ventilation is flowing towards the lower part of the seats.
Combined Air Flow
This symbol indicates that the airflow will pass through lower and upper ventilation ports.
Fresh Air Ventilation
The presence of this symbol indicates that outside air is used for ventilation, not AC. In some vehicles, like Audi, it’s called “ECON”.
Air Recirculation
Air recirculation will only use the air inside the cabin, rather than draw in fresh air from outside.
Air Conditioning On
AC symbol indicates that the AC is turned on rather than fresh air ventilation.
FAQs
What do the lights on the dashboard indicate?
The dashboard lights are divided into categories based on color.
The most serious lights shine red and require your immediate attention. Lack of power steering fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, or engine oil needs to be addressed immediately or you’ll be at a serious mechanical or safety risk.
The amber or yellow lights warn of various problems with the system that generally do not stop you from continuing to drive the vehicle. However, leaving the issue unaddressed for too long can lead to more serious component failure.
Green and blue lights are mostly used to convey information: turn signals, headlights, and high beams among others.
What is the most serious warning light in a car?
The red engine oil warning light is the most serious light that can appear on the dashboard. When it lights up, the risk of damage to the engine grows with every second or yard that passes by.
Should the light appear on your dashboard, stop as soon as possible, preferably immediately.
What are the three main warning lights & warning gauges in your car?
We’ve covered all the significant warning lights in this article, and their significance based on the colors: red, yellow/amber, and green/blue.
In terms of gauges, the fuel gauge is an obvious one, but the most important gauge measure coolant temperature. If the gauge rises above the middle, the car is at risk of overheating.
Letting the gauge go all the way into the red will cause the engine to overheat. The more serious problem occurs when you’ve got low or no coolant and the engine overheats. Should this happen, the engine, valves, pistons, and crankshaft will all suffer major damage.
Can I drive with the check engine light on?
Yes, you can drive with the check engine light on, but it’s not advisable to do so for long without at least knowing what is causing the issue. Not all of the causes have the same urgency, but it’s generally considered good practice to address the problem as soon as possible.
How do you use car indicators?
Car indicators should be used in an intersection, when entering or leaving the main road, and when overtaking.
It’s generally a good idea to engage the turn signal as you begin to break in preparation to turn. The drivers behind and in front of you will see it as a warning and indication of your intent and will adjust their driving accordingly.
When you’re on a high-speed road but need to make a very slow turn to continue on a dirt road, for example, you can engage the indicator early, as suddenly decreasing your speed could catch the driver behind you by surprise.
If you plan on overtaking the vehicle in front of you, but you can’t start the maneuver, you can still turn on the left indicator.
What are 5 lights that might light up on your dashboard to tell you something needs attention or repair in your car?
- The check engine light indicates a mechanical or electrical problem with the powertrain.
- One of the fluid level lights warns you that you need to refill the vehicle to avoid damage.
- The ABS light indicates an issue with the braking system.
- Transmission warning or fluid level light.
- The battery light indicates a problem with the electric power supply.
What does the check engine light look like?
The check engine light looks like a block with three lines running parallel with it. It shines yellow and warns of engine issues.
If you look more closely, you’ll see that the left line represents the fan, the shape at the opposite side represents the transmission, and the line at the top should be the air and fuel intake.
What is the coolant symbol?
The coolant warning light looks like a thermometer gauge floating in liquid. Depending on the cause, the light will indicate that the coolant temperature is too high, too low, or that there’s a lack of coolant.
What are the three most important gauges and indicator lights?
- The coolant temperature gauge.
- The fuel gauge.
- The oil pressure warning light.
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?
The car’s computer will keep a record of any problem that occurs, which includes periodic or one-off problems that can occur under specific conditions.
These issues will make the engine light come on while there’s seemingly nothing wrong with the vehicle.
What does a transmission warning light look like?
The transmission warning light looks like a gear or a sprocket – a disc with teeth on the outside. Depending on the type of issue, the light may have a thermometer or an exclamation point inside the sprocket.
Can the check engine light turn itself off?
Yes, the check engine light can turn itself off if the problem does not appear again when you start the engine up the next time.
If you’re wondering what the issue was, the car keeps an error log and you can check it with the OBD-2 scanner.
Which turn signal is which?
The turn signal lever is located on the left side of the steering column. Pushing the lever down will engage the left indicator while pushing it up turns the right indicator.
What does the low oil symbol look like?
The low oil light looks like a wavy line below the measuring gauge, representing a lack of liquid.
How do I turn my engine light off?
The check engine light will turn itself off automatically once the problem has been resolved, but if it persists, you can do one of two things:
- Disconnect the battery cables to drain the ECU.
- Reset the error code using an OBD2 scanner.
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