That sudden beep and the appearance of a new symbol on your car’s dashboard can be unsettling. Every driver has experienced that moment of wondering, “What does that light mean?” While some lights are straightforward, others can be more cryptic. Understanding these Lights On The Dashboard is crucial for every car owner to ensure safety and prevent potential vehicle damage.
Dashboard lights aren’t just random illuminations; they are your car’s way of communicating important information. They can indicate everything from engaged features to serious mechanical issues. Recognizing the difference between a simple indicator and a critical warning light can save you from costly repairs and even dangerous situations.
Understanding the Color Code of Dashboard Lights
Before diving into specific symbols, it’s important to understand the color-coding system used for lights on the dashboard. The color of a light immediately gives you a clue about the urgency and type of message your car is conveying.
- Green or Blue: These lights are generally informative. They indicate that a particular system or feature is active and operating correctly. Think of them as confirmation lights.
- Yellow or Amber: These are warning lights that signal a potential issue or the need for maintenance soon. They are less urgent than red lights, but should still be addressed promptly to prevent escalation.
- Red: Red lights are critical warning signals. They indicate a serious problem that requires immediate attention. A red light often means you should pull over safely as soon as possible to prevent damage or ensure safety. Sometimes, a flashing red light indicates an even more urgent situation.
Keep in mind that while this guide covers common lights on the dashboard, variations can exist between car manufacturers and models. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate and detailed information about the specific lights in your car. Also, remember that many lights will briefly illuminate when you start your car as part of a system check, and this is normal as long as they turn off quickly.
18 Essential Warning Lights on Your Car’s Dashboard Explained
To help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of lights on the dashboard, we’ve compiled a list of 18 common warning lights. Understanding these lights can empower you to take the right action and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light 2. Tire Pressure Warning Light 3. Engine Temperature Warning Light 4. Traction Control Light 5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light 6. Traction Control Malfunction Light 7. Check Engine Light 8. Battery Alert Light 9. Low Fuel Indicator Light 10. Automatic Shift Lock/Engine Start Indicator 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Indicator Light 14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light 15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light 16. Brake Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Represented by a traditional oil can symbol, this light indicates a problem within your car’s oil pressure system. It could mean you have low engine oil levels or that your oil pump isn’t effectively circulating oil to lubricate engine components. Some dashboards might display the word “OIL” instead of the symbol.
What To Do: Low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage very quickly. This is a critical warning. Safely pull over to the side of the road immediately, turn off your engine, and check your engine oil level. Inspect around the engine for any visible oil leaks and then use your car’s dipstick to check the oil level.
If the oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue and turn off the light. If the oil level is sufficient but the engine sounds noisy, there could be an oil pump problem. If the oil level is fine and the engine sounds normal, a faulty oil pressure sensor might be the cause. In any case, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and fix the underlying problem causing low oil pressure.
Read: How Long Can You Go Without an Oil Change?
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often referred to as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light, resembles a horseshoe or a cross-section of a tire with an exclamation point. It signals an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
A solid TPMS light means that one or more of your tires are under-inflated or over-inflated. If the TPMS light flashes for about a minute when you start your car and then remains on (even if your tire pressures are correct), it indicates a malfunction within the TPMS sensors.
What To Do: Driving with improper tire pressure is unsafe and can damage your tires, affecting handling and fuel efficiency. Stop as soon as you can safely do so and check your tire pressures. Inflate or deflate your tires to the recommended pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
If the light persists or if it was flashing, you might have a TPMS sensor issue. While a malfunctioning TPMS sensor won’t directly harm your tires, it will prevent the system from alerting you to future pressure problems. It’s advisable to have your TPMS checked by a tire service professional.
Read: My TPMS Light Is On: What Does It Mean?
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This light, often depicted as a thermometer submerged in liquid, indicates that your engine is overheating. This is frequently caused by issues with your engine coolant (antifreeze), but can also result from various other mechanical problems.
What To Do: Overheating can cause serious engine damage. As a first step, try turning off your car’s air conditioning and turning the heater on to draw heat away from the engine and into the cabin. If the light doesn’t turn off after a few minutes, pull over safely and turn off the engine completely. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to open the hood, as there’s a risk of burns from hot steam or coolant.
While waiting for the engine to cool, plan your next steps. Contact roadside assistance to have coolant added or arrange for your vehicle to be towed to a repair shop. Driving an overheating engine can lead to significant and expensive damage.
Read: What Happens When a Car Overheats?
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This light, typically showing a car with wavy lines underneath, indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The system uses the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to detect if a wheel is losing traction and spinning faster than others. When slippage is detected, the system applies brakes to the spinning wheel(s) to help regain traction, especially useful in slippery conditions like rain or snow.
What To Do: If this light is flashing, it means the traction control system is working as intended. Continue driving cautiously, being mindful of potentially slippery road conditions. The system is helping you maintain control.
5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: The ABS light, usually displaying the letters “ABS” inside a circle, indicates a problem within your Anti-lock Braking System. ABS is designed to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, especially on slick surfaces, by pulsing the brakes. If this light illuminates, it means the ABS system is not functioning correctly.
What To Do: ABS is a crucial safety feature. While your regular brakes will likely still function, the anti-lock function might be compromised. It’s important to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the ABS issue as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle’s safety, especially in emergency braking situations.
Read: How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work?
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This light, often similar to the traction control light but sometimes with an added “!” or the word “OFF,” signifies a malfunction in your vehicle’s traction control system. It could be due to a faulty sensor, damaged components, or other system errors. In some vehicles, the ABS and traction control systems share components, so this light might sometimes illuminate alongside the ABS warning light.
What To Do: While this light doesn’t typically affect normal driving in ideal conditions, it means your traction control system might not function when you need it most, such as on slippery roads. It’s recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the traction control system to ensure safe operation in all conditions.
7. Check Engine Light
What It Means: The check engine light, often shaped like an engine outline or displaying “CHECK ENGINE,” is one of the most ambiguous lights on the dashboard. It can be triggered by a wide range of issues, from minor problems like a loose gas cap (leading to fuel evaporation) to serious engine or emissions system malfunctions.
What To Do: The appropriate action depends on the behavior of the check engine light. If the light is solid and steady, and your car seems to be driving normally without unusual noises or smells, you can usually continue driving for a short distance, ideally to your home or a trusted repair shop.
However, if the check engine light is red or flashing, this indicates a more serious, potentially engine-damaging problem. Stop driving immediately when it is safe to do so. A flashing check engine light often signals a severe issue like engine misfires that could cause significant damage if ignored.
In either situation (solid or flashing), it’s important to have your vehicle diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible to determine the cause and prevent potential further damage.
Read: Is It Safe to Drive Your Car With the Check Engine Light On?
8. Battery Alert Light
What It Means: This light, shaped like a car battery symbol, indicates a problem within your vehicle’s charging system. Potential causes include loose or corroded battery terminals, a failing alternator (which charges the battery while the engine is running), or other electrical system faults. You might notice symptoms like dimming headlights, a fading clock display, or difficulty starting the car.
What To Do: A malfunctioning charging system can leave you stranded with a dead battery. Have your vehicle’s battery and charging system inspected by a technician promptly. They can diagnose battery issues, alternator problems, and other electrical faults. Addressing this issue quickly can prevent your car from failing to start.
Read: Why Won’t My Car Start? Troubleshooting the Electrical System
9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
What It Means: This easily recognizable light, shaped like a fuel pump, indicates that your vehicle is running low on fuel.
What To Do: Refuel your vehicle as soon as practically possible. While most cars have a reserve fuel tank, it’s best not to rely on it. Unexpected traffic or detours could leave you stranded. Locate the nearest gas station and fill up your tank.
Bonus Tip: Most vehicles have a small arrow symbol next to the fuel pump icon on the fuel gauge. This arrow points to the side of the car where your fuel door is located – a helpful reminder when pulling up to a gas pump on an unfamiliar side.
10. Automatic Shift Lock/Engine Start Indicator Light
What It Means: This light, often showing a foot pressing a brake pedal or a “Shift Lock” message, usually appears if you are trying to shift out of “Park” or start your engine without pressing the brake pedal firmly. The automatic shift lock is a safety feature that prevents unintentional gear changes or starting the engine when the brake is not engaged.
What To Do: Simply press the brake pedal firmly and then attempt to shift gears or start the ignition. The light should turn off, and you should be able to proceed normally.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: This light, typically showing a person wearing a seatbelt, is a straightforward reminder for the driver or front passenger to buckle their seatbelts. It is often accompanied by an audible chime or beeping sound.
What To Do: Fasten your seatbelt immediately. Seat belts are a primary safety feature, significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries in accidents. Ensure all occupants of your vehicle are properly buckled up before driving.
12. Airbag Warning Light
What It Means: The airbag warning light, usually displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a side profile of a person with a deployed airbag, indicates a malfunction within your vehicle’s airbag system. This could involve any part of the system, including the airbags themselves, sensors, or the control module.
What To Do: A malfunctioning airbag system is a serious safety concern. It means your airbags might not deploy correctly or at all in the event of a collision. Have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately to diagnose and repair the airbag system. Do not delay addressing this warning light.
13. Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This light, often shaped like a padlock or a car key, relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft or security system. Its behavior can indicate different states:
- Blinking steadily: Indicates the security system is armed and active (normal when the car is locked).
- Solid and car won’t start: The immobilizer system has been activated, possibly due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction.
- Solid and car is running normally: Indicates a malfunction within the security system itself, requiring attention.
What To Do: If the vehicle is immobilized and the light is solid, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate or reset the security system. If the light is solid and the car is running, or if you experience any issues with your security system, have it checked by a mechanic to ensure proper function of your anti-theft system.
14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
What It Means: This light, typically showing a headlight symbol with a wavy line through the beam, simply indicates that your fog lights are currently turned on.
What To Do: Fog lights are designed for use in conditions of reduced visibility, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow. Use them only when visibility is significantly reduced (generally less than 100 yards). Using fog lights in clear conditions can reduce visibility for other drivers and is often against traffic regulations. Turn them off when they are no longer needed.
15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: This light, often depicting a windshield with spray or wavy lines, indicates that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs to be refilled.
What To Do: Replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as convenient. Maintaining adequate washer fluid is important for keeping your windshield clean and ensuring good visibility, especially in inclement weather or when driving on dirty roads.
16. Brake Warning Light
What It Means: The brake warning light, often displaying the word “BRAKE” in red or an exclamation point in a circle, can indicate two potential issues:
- Parking brake engaged: The most common reason for this light is that the parking brake is still engaged.
- Braking system problem: If the parking brake is released and the light remains on, it signals a potential problem within your braking system, such as low brake fluid level or other brake component issues.
What To Do: First, ensure the parking brake is fully released. Try engaging and disengaging the parking brake to confirm. If the light remains illuminated after releasing the parking brake, it indicates a potential brake system malfunction. In this case, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected immediately. Brake problems are a serious safety hazard. If you suspect a brake system issue, it’s recommended to have your car towed to a repair shop rather than driving it.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This light, often depicting lane markings with a car drifting out of lane, is related to your vehicle’s lane departure warning system. It illuminates when the system detects that your vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane on the road. It may be accompanied by a beeping sound or steering wheel vibration.
What To Do: If this light activates, check your steering and correct your vehicle’s course to stay within your lane. The system is designed to alert you to unintentional lane drifting, which can occur due to distraction or fatigue. Note that the light may also activate intentionally when you are purposefully changing lanes without using your turn signal.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This light, often showing a gear symbol with a thermometer inside, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. This can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn transmission components, heavy towing, or other factors stressing the transmission.
What To Do: Transmission overheating can cause serious and costly damage to your transmission. If this light comes on, pull over safely as soon as possible and turn off the engine to allow the transmission to cool down. Wait for a significant period before attempting to drive again. If the light persists or returns quickly, it’s best to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop to diagnose and address the transmission overheating issue. Driving with an overheating transmission can lead to permanent damage.
Read: Transmission Repair Services
Experiencing Car Trouble?
Dashboard lights are your car’s way of asking for attention. Whether it’s a minor issue or a serious warning, addressing these lights promptly is key to maintaining your vehicle’s health and ensuring your safety on the road. If you’re unsure about a light on your dashboard or experiencing any car trouble, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Our expert technicians at Virginia Tire & Auto are here to diagnose and repair any issue, big or small. Schedule your service appointment today at one of our convenient locations! Find a location near you.
