We’ve all experienced that moment of mild panic: you’re driving along, maybe enjoying your favorite song, when suddenly a new light illuminates on your car’s dashboard. A beep might sound, and you’re left wondering, “What does that mean?” and more importantly, “Is something wrong with my car?”
While some car dashboard symbols are instantly recognizable, others can be more cryptic. Understanding these Car Signal On Dashboard is crucial. They are your car’s way of communicating important information, from simple system activations to critical warnings that require immediate attention. Ignoring these signals can lead to further vehicle damage or safety hazards.
This guide will break down the common symbols you might encounter on your dashboard, helping you understand what they mean and what actions you should take.
Understanding the Types of Dashboard Symbols
It’s important to note that not every car signal on dashboard is a warning. Many symbols indicate that a particular vehicle feature is active, such as headlights, cruise control, or driver-assistance systems like lane departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring. Others are purely informational, like fuel level or temperature gauges. However, warning lights are designed to alert you to potential problems, ranging from minor issues to serious malfunctions.
Color-coding is a key element in understanding the urgency of dashboard lights:
- Green or Blue: These lights are generally informational. They indicate that a system is active and functioning normally, such as your headlights being turned on or cruise control being engaged.
- Yellow or Amber: These are warning lights that suggest your vehicle needs attention soon. They often indicate a less urgent issue, such as low tire pressure or a need for servicing. While not immediately critical, these should be addressed to prevent potential problems.
- Red: Red lights signal a serious problem that requires immediate action. These lights can indicate safety concerns, like a seatbelt reminder, or critical mechanical issues, such as engine overheating or low oil pressure. A red warning light often means you should pull over safely as soon as possible to investigate.
Remember, most dashboard lights will briefly illuminate when you start your car as part of a system check. This is normal. As long as they turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the system is functioning correctly. If a light remains on or illuminates while driving, pay attention and consult this guide or your owner’s manual.
18 Essential Car Signal On Dashboard to Know
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 Warning Light 9. Low Fuel Light 10. Shift Lock Indicator Light 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Indicator Light 14. Fog Light Indicator Light 15. Washer Fluid Light 16. Brake System Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often resembling an old-fashioned oil can, indicates a problem with your car’s oil pressure system. This could be due to low oil levels or a malfunctioning oil pump that isn’t circulating enough oil to properly lubricate your engine’s internal components. Some vehicles might display the word “OIL” instead of this symbol.
What To Do: Low oil pressure can cause severe engine damage very quickly. This is a critical warning that demands immediate attention. Safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible and turn off your engine. Wait a few minutes, then check your oil level using the dipstick. Also, visually inspect around the engine for any obvious oil leaks.
If your oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue, and the light may turn off. However, if the oil level is sufficient and the engine sounds noisy, it could indicate an oil pump problem. If the oil level is fine and the engine sounds normal, the oil pressure sensor itself might be faulty. Regardless of the specific cause, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic promptly to diagnose and repair the underlying problem.
Read: Understanding Engine Oil and Why Changes Are Important
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Recognized as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, this horseshoe-shaped icon with an exclamation point signals an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
A solid TPMS light indicates that one or more of your tires has significantly low or, in some cases, high pressure. A flashing TPMS light, especially if it flashes for 60-90 seconds upon starting the vehicle and then remains solid, suggests a malfunction within the TPMS system itself, possibly with the sensors, even if your tire pressures are currently correct.
What To Do: Driving with improper tire pressure is dangerous and can lead to tire damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. Stop as soon as it’s safe to check your tire pressures. Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire and inflate or deflate them to the recommended pressure indicated on your tire placard (usually found on the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual).
If the light illuminates near a service station with an air pump, take advantage of the opportunity to adjust your tire pressures. If the light persists even after correctly inflating your tires, or if it’s flashing, schedule a check of your TPMS system by a tire professional. A malfunctioning TPMS won’t affect tire performance directly but will prevent it from alerting you to future pressure drops.
Read: Decoding Your TPMS Light: Causes and Solutions
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, resembling a thermometer submerged in liquid waves, signifies that your engine is overheating. This is most commonly caused by a problem with your engine coolant (antifreeze) system, but can also arise from various other mechanical issues.
What To Do: Engine overheating can cause severe and expensive engine damage. Your first action should be to reduce engine load. Turn off your air conditioning and turn on your heater to draw heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. If the light remains on 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. Opening the hood of an overheated engine can be dangerous due to the risk of burns from escaping steam or hot coolant.
While waiting for the engine to cool, plan your next steps. Consider calling roadside assistance for coolant top-up or to arrange for a tow to a repair shop. Driving an overheated engine can lead to irreparable damage.
Read: The Dangers of Engine Overheating and How to Prevent It
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting a car with wavy lines underneath, indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system uses sensors and your anti-lock braking system (ABS) to detect if any of your wheels are losing traction and spinning faster than others. When wheel slip is detected, the system automatically applies braking force to the slipping wheel(s) and may reduce engine power until traction is regained. This system is particularly helpful when driving on slippery surfaces like rain, snow, or ice.
What To Do: When this light is flashing, it means the traction control system is working as intended. Simply continue driving cautiously, being mindful of the potentially slippery conditions. There is no immediate action required unless you notice a persistent flashing even on dry pavement, which could indicate a system fault.
5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: The ABS warning light, usually displaying the letters “ABS” within a circle or separately, indicates a malfunction in your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System. ABS is a critical safety feature that prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, especially on slippery surfaces, allowing you to maintain steering control. If this light is illuminated, the ABS system is not functioning correctly.
What To Do: While your regular braking system will still function, the ABS is compromised. In an emergency braking situation, your wheels could lock up, potentially leading to skidding and loss of control. It’s important to have the ABS system diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to ensure your vehicle’s safety, especially in adverse driving conditions.
Read: How Anti-lock Braking Systems Enhance Vehicle Safety
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This light, often similar to the traction control light but with the addition of the word “OFF” or an exclamation point, signals a malfunction within the traction control system. It indicates that the system is not operating, and you will not have traction control assistance. In some vehicles, the traction control and ABS systems are linked, so this light may sometimes illuminate due to issues within the ABS.
What To Do: While this light being on won’t prevent you from driving under normal conditions, you should have the system checked by a mechanic promptly. Without traction control, your vehicle’s stability and handling in slippery conditions will be reduced. Addressing this issue ensures that your vehicle’s safety systems are fully operational when you need them.
7. Check Engine Light
What It Means: The check engine light, usually shaped like an engine or simply displaying “CHECK ENGINE” or “SERVICE ENGINE SOON,” is one of the more ambiguous car signal on dashboard. It can be triggered by a wide range of issues, from minor to severe. A common minor cause is a loose or missing gas cap, which allows fuel vapors to escape. However, it can also indicate serious problems like engine misfires, catalytic converter issues, or problems with sensors critical to engine operation, such as oil pressure or overheating.
What To Do: The severity of the problem depends on how the light is behaving. If the check engine light is solid and constant, and your vehicle is 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 flashing, this indicates a more serious and potentially engine-damaging issue, such as a severe engine misfire. In this case, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.
Regardless of whether the light is solid or flashing, it’s important to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician as soon as possible to determine the cause of the light and prevent potential further damage.
Read: Check Engine Light On? Don’t Panic, But Don’t Ignore It Either
8. Battery Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, resembling a car battery, indicates a problem within your vehicle’s charging system, not necessarily the battery itself. It often points to issues with the alternator, which is responsible for charging the battery while the engine is running. Other potential causes include loose or corroded battery terminals or a failing battery. You might notice symptoms like dimming headlights, a slow-cranking engine, or other electrical malfunctions. In some cases, the car may not start at all.
What To Do: If this light illuminates, your vehicle is likely running solely on battery power. Eventually, the battery will be depleted, and the car will stall. To prevent being stranded, have your charging system inspected promptly. A mechanic can diagnose the issue, whether it’s a faulty alternator, battery cables, or the battery itself. Addressing this promptly can prevent a no-start situation and potential battery damage.
Read: Troubleshooting Car Starting Problems: Focusing on the Electrical System
9. Low Fuel Light
What It Means: This easily recognizable symbol, shaped like a fuel pump, simply indicates that your vehicle’s fuel level is low and you need to refuel soon.
What To Do: Find a gas station and refuel as soon as possible. While modern cars can often travel a reasonable distance after the low fuel light comes on, it’s best not to push your luck. Factors like driving conditions, terrain, and vehicle load can affect fuel consumption. Running completely out of fuel can be inconvenient and, in some cases, can damage certain vehicle components.
Bonus Tip: Most vehicles have a small arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on your fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your car the fuel filler door is located on – a handy feature when pulling up to a gas pump!
10. Shift Lock Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often displaying a foot pressing a brake pedal alongside a gear selector symbol, illuminates when the automatic shift lock mechanism is engaged. This system prevents you from shifting out of “Park” or starting the engine unless the brake pedal is depressed.
What To Do: This is usually a driver error rather than a vehicle malfunction. Simply ensure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal while attempting to shift gears out of “Park” or start the engine. Once you properly depress the brake, the light should turn off, and you should be able to shift gears or start the car.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: This symbol, depicting a person wearing a seatbelt, is a straightforward reminder to buckle up. It’s usually accompanied by an audible chime or beeping sound as a more insistent reminder.
What To Do: Fasten your seatbelt! Seat belts are a critical safety feature, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury in a car accident. Ensure that both the driver and all passengers are wearing their seatbelts whenever the vehicle is in motion.
Read: Seat Belt Safety: Facts and Importance
12. Airbag Warning Light
What It Means: The airbag warning light, displaying the silhouette of a person with a deployed airbag in front of them or simply the word “AIRBAG,” indicates a problem with the vehicle’s airbag system. This could be a malfunction in one or more airbags, the airbag sensors, or the system’s control module.
What To Do: A malfunctioning airbag system is a serious safety concern. If this light is illuminated, it means your airbags may not deploy properly in the event of a collision, compromising your safety and the safety of your passengers. Have your airbag system inspected and repaired by a qualified technician immediately to ensure it will function as intended in an accident.
13. Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often a padlock icon, relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft or security system. Its behavior can indicate different states:
- Blinking Steadily: This is normal and indicates that the vehicle’s security system is armed and active when the vehicle is locked and unattended.
- Solid and Car Won’t Start: This suggests the immobilizer system has been activated due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction, preventing the engine from starting.
- Solid and Car Running Normally: This indicates a malfunction within the security system itself. While the car is drivable, the security system may not be functioning correctly and needs to be repaired.
What To Do: If the vehicle is immobilized (solid light and won’t start), consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate the security system. This might involve using your key fob in a specific way or entering a security code. If the light is solid while driving normally, or if you experience repeated false alarms or immobilization issues, have your security system inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.
14. Fog Light Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, showing a headlight icon with a wavy line through the beam and often a sideways “D” shape, simply indicates that your fog lights are turned on.
What To Do: Fog lights are designed to improve visibility in foggy or heavy rain conditions. They should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced, typically less than 100 yards. Using fog lights in clear conditions can create glare for other drivers and is often illegal. Turn off your fog lights when visibility improves to avoid blinding other motorists.
15. Washer Fluid Light
What It Means: This symbol, depicting a windshield with wiper spray, 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 it’s convenient. Maintaining adequate washer fluid is essential for keeping your windshield clean and clear, especially in inclement weather or when driving on dusty or dirty roads.
16. Brake System Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, an exclamation point within a circle, often enclosed in parentheses, or the word “BRAKE” in red, can indicate two primary issues:
- Parking Brake Engaged: Most commonly, it means your parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged or partially engaged.
- Brake System Problem: If the parking brake is disengaged, it indicates a more serious problem within your braking system itself, such as low brake fluid level or a malfunction in the braking system components.
What To Do: First, ensure your parking brake is fully released. If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, it signals a potential brake system malfunction. In this case, brake performance may be compromised, which is a significant safety hazard. Do not drive the vehicle further than necessary. Have your car towed to a qualified repair shop for immediate brake system diagnosis and repair.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, usually depicting lane markings and a car drifting out of a lane, indicates that your vehicle’s lane departure warning system is active and has detected that you are unintentionally drifting out of your lane. This is a driver-assistance safety feature designed to prevent unintentional lane departures, especially due to driver fatigue or distraction.
What To Do: When this light illuminates, it’s a gentle reminder to correct your steering and ensure you are staying within your lane markings. The system may also provide an audible or haptic warning (steering wheel vibration). 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 symbol, often depicting a gear icon with a thermometer inside, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. This can be caused by low transmission fluid, worn-out transmission components, heavy towing, or other factors placing excessive stress on the transmission.
What To Do: An overheated transmission can suffer serious and costly damage. 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. Check your owner’s manual for any specific recommendations related to transmission overheating. If the light persists or returns quickly after restarting, or if you suspect a transmission fluid leak, it’s best to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop for professional diagnosis and repair to prevent further transmission damage.
Read: Understanding Transmission Issues and Maintenance
Car Dashboard Signals and Beyond
Understanding your car signal on dashboard is the first step in responsible vehicle ownership and maintenance. While this guide covers many common warning lights, it is not exhaustive. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the definitive resource for all dashboard symbols specific to your make and model.
If you experience any warning lights that concern you, or if you are unsure about the meaning of a car signal on dashboard, it is always best to err on the side of caution and have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. Addressing potential problems early can prevent more serious damage and ensure your safety on the road.
For expert vehicle diagnostics and repair, schedule a visit with our certified technicians today. We are here to help you decipher those dashboard signals and keep your car running smoothly and safely. Find a Location Near You and Book Your Service Appointment.
