Dashboard Warning Lights, Symbols and Indicators

Dashboard Warning Lights, Symbols and Indicators

Your car's dashboard is like a communication hub, equipped with warning lights, symbols, and indicators that convey important information about your vehicle's health and functionality. Understanding these signals can help you address potential issues promptly. Here's a breakdown of common dashboard warnings:

Green or Blue Lights:

• Meaning: Operational lights indicate that a system is functioning correctly.

• Examples: Headlights, cruise control, or turn signals.

Orange/Yellow Warning Lights:

• Meaning: Alert lights signal that your vehicle needs attention or service soon.

• Examples: Low tire pressure, engine check, or maintenance reminders.

Red Lights:

• Meaning: Urgent action required! These lights demand immediate attention.

• Examples: Engine overheating, low oil pressure, or brake system issues.

Flashing Lights:

• Meaning: Critical issues requiring immediate action.

• Examples: Engine misfire, stability control issues, or transmission problems.

Mechanical Issues:

• Examples: Check engine light, coolant temperature warning, or oil pressure warning.

Safety Features:

• Examples: Seat belt reminders, airbag warnings, or parking brake alerts.

System Check Lights:

• Meaning: Lights that briefly illuminate during startup; if they go off within seconds, all is well.

Most Common Dashboard Warning Light Symbols

Check Engine

The check engine light indicates a potential issue with the engine's performance. It could range from a minor glitch to a more serious problem. Immediate attention is advisable.

Coolant Temperature

This light warns about the engine's coolant temperature being too high. It signals a risk of overheating, and you should pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool down.

Airbag Warning

The airbag warning light signals a fault in the airbag system. It's crucial to address this, as airbags play a vital role in vehicle safety.

Battery Problem

A battery problem light indicates issues with the charging system. It could be a failing battery, alternator, or other related components.

Low Oil Level

This warning signals a low engine oil level. Check the oil level and top up if necessary to prevent engine damage.

Parking Brake Warning

The parking brake warning light indicates that the parking brake is engaged. Ensure it's released before driving.

Service Reminder

The service reminder light notifies you when scheduled maintenance is due. Ignoring it may affect the vehicle's performance and longevity.

Transmission Problem

The transmission problem light indicates issues with the transmission. Seek professional assistance for diagnosis and repairs.

A/T Oil Temp

Automatic Transmission (A/T) oil temperature warning. High temperatures may lead to transmission damage.

Power Steering Problem

This light signals problems with the power steering system. Loss of power steering can make steering difficult.

Worn Brake Pads

Worn brake pads can compromise braking performance. Replace them promptly to maintain optimal safety.

Low Brake Fluid Level

Low brake fluid can lead to brake failure. Check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

Parking Brake Engaged

This light indicates that the parking brake is engaged. Release it before driving.

Airbag Off

This light signals that the passenger airbag is deactivated. It often occurs when a child is in the front seat.

Red Triangle Warning

A red triangle warning light can indicate various issues, and it often requires professional diagnostics.

Open Hood

The open hood reminder indicates that the vehicle's hood is not securely closed. Close it before driving.

Open Trunk

The open trunk reminder signals that the trunk is not securely closed. Secure it before driving.

Key Missing

The key missing reminder signals that the key is not detected. Ensure the correct key is in the vehicle.

Catalytic Converter Warning

Catalytic converter warning. Issues with the catalytic converter can affect emissions and engine performance.

ABS Warning

The ABS warning light signals issues with the anti-lock braking system. Seek professional assistance for diagnosis and repairs.

Press The Brake Reminder

The press the brake reminder signals that you need to depress the brake pedal to start the vehicle.

ESP Warning

ESP (Electronic Stability Program) warning. Issues with stability and traction control.

RBS Warning

RBS (Roll Back Sensor) warning. Indicates issues with the vehicle rolling backward on an incline.

Traction Control Activated

Indicates that the traction control system is actively engaged.

Traction Control Warning

Traction control warning light. Issues with traction control may affect vehicle stability.

Traction Control Off

Signals that the traction control system is deactivated.

Pre-collision System Warning

Pre-collision system warning light. Issues with the system that detects potential collisions.

Side Airbag Warning

Side airbag warning. Issues with the side airbag system.

Parking Sensor Warning

Parking sensor warning light. Indicates a fault in the parking sensor system.

Lane Assist Engaged

Lane assist engaged light. Signals that the lane departure warning or lane-keeping assist system is active.

Regenerative Brakes Problem

Regenerative brakes problem light. Issues with the regenerative braking system.

Charging Indicator

Charging indicator light. Indicates that the vehicle's battery is charging.

Limited Power Indicator

Limited power indicator. Signals reduced power output due to a system issue.

DPF Problem

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) problem light. Issues with the diesel particulate filter.

Glow Plugs Activated

Glow plugs activated light. Indicates that the glow plugs are in operation.

Low AdBlue Levels

Low AdBlue levels warning. Refill the AdBlue tank to ensure proper emissions control.

Center Differential Lock

Center differential lock indicator. Shows when the center differential is locked.

Rear Differential Lock

Rear differential lock indicator. Shows when the rear differential is locked.

Refuel Required

Refuel required warning. Indicates that the fuel level is critically low.

Water In Fuel Detected

Water in fuel detected warning. Water in the fuel system can cause damage.

Fuel Filter Warning

Fuel filter warning light. Indicates issues with the fuel filter.

Low Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure warning. Check and adjust tire pressure to the recommended levels.

Car On Jack/Ramp

Car on jack/ramp warning. Indicates that the vehicle is lifted, and caution is needed.

Trailer Attached

Trailer attached light. Signals that a trailer is connected to the vehicle.

Washer Fluid Low

Washer fluid low warning. Refill the washer fluid reservoir to ensure proper windshield cleaning.

EV Mode

EV (Electric Vehicle) mode indicator. Illuminates when the vehicle is operating in electric-only mode.

Rear Spoiler Warning

Rear spoiler warning indicator. Alerts you to the status of the rear spoiler.