We’ve all experienced that moment of slight panic: you’re driving along, and suddenly, a light illuminates on your car’s dashboard that you’ve never seen before. These Car Warning Lights On Dashboard are your vehicle’s way of communicating, and understanding them is crucial for your safety and your car’s health.
Some dashboard symbols are instantly recognizable, while others can leave you scratching your head. However, knowing what each of these car warning lights on dashboard signifies is essential so you can react appropriately, whether it’s a minor issue or something that requires immediate attention.
Understanding Car Dashboard Symbols: Colors and Categories
Not every symbol on your dashboard indicates a problem. Many relate to activated vehicle features, such as headlights, cruise control, or safety systems like lane departure warnings. Others signal mechanical conditions, like low tire pressure. To better understand car warning lights on dashboard, it’s helpful to categorize them by color and function.
Color is a key indicator of urgency.
- Green or Blue Lights: These are typically informational. They indicate that a system is active and functioning normally, such as your headlights being on or cruise control engaged.
- Yellow or Amber Lights: These are car warning lights on dashboard that suggest a potential issue or the need for maintenance soon. These warnings are less critical than red lights but shouldn’t be ignored. They often indicate that your vehicle needs servicing or attention in the near future.
- Red Lights: Red car warning lights on dashboard signal a serious problem that requires immediate action. These lights can indicate safety issues, like a seatbelt reminder, or critical mechanical problems, such as engine overheating. If a red mechanical warning light appears, it’s vital to pull over safely as soon as possible to prevent further damage or vehicle breakdown.
Keep these points in mind as you learn about specific car warning lights on dashboard:
- Vehicle Specifics: Dashboard symbols can vary slightly between car makes and models. Your owner’s manual is the definitive guide for your specific vehicle.
- System Check: Many car warning lights on dashboard will briefly illuminate when you start your car as part of a system check. This is normal, and as long as they turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that systems are functioning correctly.
Common Car Warning Lights Explained
Here are 18 common car warning lights on dashboard that every driver should recognize:
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Represented by an old-fashioned oil can symbol, this car warning light on dashboard indicates a problem with your car’s oil pressure system. It could mean you are low on engine oil, or that your oil pump is not circulating oil effectively to lubricate engine components. Some vehicles might display the word “OIL” instead of the symbol.
Why It’s Important: Proper engine lubrication is crucial. Low oil pressure can lead to significant engine damage.
What To Do: Safely pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and check your oil level using the dipstick. Look for any visible oil leaks around the engine. If the oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue temporarily. However, if the level is adequate and the light remains on, or if the engine sounds noisy, it could indicate a faulty oil pump or sensor. In any case, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)
What It Means: This symbol, often resembling a horseshoe with an exclamation point, is also known as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light. It signals an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
- Solid TPMS Light: Indicates that one or more of your tires has incorrect pressure – either too low or too high.
- Flashing TPMS Light: If the light flashes for 60-90 seconds upon starting the vehicle and then stays solid, it signifies a malfunction within the TPMS sensors, even if your tire pressures are correct.
Why It’s Important: Driving with improper tire pressure is unsafe, affecting handling, braking, and tire wear. It can also lead to tire damage or blowouts.
What To Do: Stop as soon as it is safe to check your tire pressures. Inflate or deflate tires to the recommended pressure (found on your tire placard, usually on the driver’s side doorjamb). If the light persists, or if it was flashing, have your TPMS system checked by a professional.
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car warning light on dashboard, depicted as a thermometer in coolant, signals that your engine is overheating. This is often related to the coolant system (antifreeze) but can have various underlying causes.
Why It’s Important: Engine overheating can cause severe engine damage, potentially leading to costly repairs or engine failure.
What To Do: Immediately try turning off the air conditioning and turning on the heater to divert heat away from the engine. If the light remains on, pull over safely and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15 minutes before attempting to open the hood to avoid potential burns from hot steam or coolant. Once cooled, consider calling roadside assistance for coolant top-up or towing to a repair shop.
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This symbol, often showing a car with wavy lines beneath it, indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. This system uses the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to detect wheel slip and applies brakes to regain traction, particularly useful in slippery conditions like rain or snow.
Why It’s Important: Traction control enhances stability and control in challenging driving conditions.
What To Do: If this car warning light on dashboard is flashing intermittently, it means the system is working as intended. Simply continue driving cautiously, being mindful of road conditions. If the light stays on constantly, it may indicate a malfunction in the system, which should be checked by a mechanic.
5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: The “ABS” symbol indicates a problem with your Anti-lock Braking System. ABS prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, especially on slick surfaces.
Why It’s Important: ABS is a critical safety feature that helps maintain steering control during emergency braking situations.
What To Do: If this car warning light on dashboard illuminates, it means your ABS is not functioning correctly. While your regular brakes will still work, the ABS function will be disabled. It’s important to have your ABS system diagnosed and repaired by a mechanic as soon as possible to ensure optimal safety, especially in challenging driving conditions.
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: Similar to the traction control light, but often with the word “OFF” or “!” , this car warning light on dashboard signifies a malfunction in the traction control system. It could be a sensor issue or another system fault. In some vehicles, it might also indicate issues with the ABS, as these systems are often linked.
Why It’s Important: While everyday driving might not be immediately affected, a malfunctioning traction control system compromises safety in slippery conditions.
What To Do: Get this light checked by a mechanic soon. While it may not impact normal driving, you want to ensure your traction control system is operational for safe driving in rain, snow, or ice.
7. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light)
What It Means: The “check engine light,” often resembling an engine outline, is one of the most ambiguous car warning lights on dashboard. It can be triggered by minor issues like a loose gas cap, causing fuel evaporation, or by serious problems such as low oil pressure or engine overheating. Some dashboards may display “CHECK ENGINE” text instead of the symbol.
Why It’s Important: The check engine light can indicate a wide range of issues, some minor, some severe, all affecting engine performance and potentially leading to damage.
What To Do:
- Solid Check Engine Light: If the light is solid and your car drives normally without unusual noises or smells, you can often drive a short distance to home or a repair shop.
- Flashing Check Engine Light: A flashing check engine light indicates a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Stop driving as soon as safely possible, as continued driving could cause significant engine damage.
In either case, have the check engine light diagnosed and the problem repaired promptly by a qualified mechanic.
8. Battery Alert Light
What It Means: This car warning light on dashboard, shaped like a battery, indicates a problem within the vehicle’s charging system. Potential causes include a loose or corroded battery cable, a failing alternator, or other electrical system faults. You might notice dimming headlights or a fading clock display. In some instances, the car might not start at all.
Why It’s Important: A malfunctioning charging system can lead to a dead battery and leave you stranded.
What To Do: Have your vehicle’s battery and charging system inspected by a technician. They can diagnose battery issues, alternator problems, and other electrical faults. Addressing this promptly can prevent your car from failing to start.
9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
What It Means: The fuel pump symbol is a universally recognized car warning light on dashboard. It simply means your vehicle is running low on fuel.
Why It’s Important: Running out of fuel can leave you stranded and potentially damage your fuel pump.
What To Do: Refuel as soon as possible. Don’t push your luck, as unexpected delays can occur.
Bonus Tip: Most cars have a small arrow next to the fuel pump icon on the fuel gauge. This arrow points to the side of the car where your fuel tank door is located – a helpful detail when pulling into a gas station.
10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often a foot pressing a pedal, indicates that you are attempting to shift gears or start the ignition without pressing the brake pedal. The automatic shift lock prevents shifting out of Park or Neutral and engine starting unless the brake is engaged.
Why It’s Important: This is a safety feature to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
What To Do: Simply press the brake pedal firmly, and then you will be able to shift gears or start the engine.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: The seat belt symbol, often a person wearing a seatbelt, is a straightforward car warning light on dashboard. It reminds you or a passenger to buckle up. It’s usually accompanied by an audible chime or dinging sound.
Why It’s Important: Seat belts are a primary safety restraint system, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury in accidents.
What To Do: Fasten your seatbelt immediately. Ensure all passengers are also properly buckled up for safety.
12. Airbag Indicator Light
What It Means: The airbag symbol, often depicting a person with a deployed airbag, indicates a problem with the airbag system. This could involve any of the airbags or the overall system functionality.
Why It’s Important: Airbags are a crucial part of your car’s safety system, providing vital protection in collisions.
What To Do: Have your car checked by a mechanic immediately. A malfunctioning airbag system could fail to deploy in an accident, compromising your safety.
13. Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often a padlock or car key, relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft system.
- Blinking Light: Indicates the security system is armed and active. This is normal when the car is locked and parked.
- Solid Light, Car Won’t Start: The immobilizer system has activated, possibly due to a perceived security threat or a malfunction.
- Solid Light, Car Runs Normally: Indicates a malfunction within the security system that needs attention.
Why It’s Important: A malfunctioning security system may not protect your vehicle from theft, or it could immobilize your car unnecessarily.
What To Do: If your car is immobilized, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on deactivating the security system. For malfunctions, have your security system inspected and repaired.
14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol indicates that your fog lights are switched on. It is usually green, as it is an indicator light rather than a warning.
Why It’s Important: Fog lights are designed for use in low visibility conditions like fog or heavy rain. Improper use can reduce visibility for other drivers.
What To Do: Fog lights should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced (less than 100 yards). Turn them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.
15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: Depicting a windshield with water spray, this car warning light on dashboard means your windshield washer fluid level is low.
Why It’s Important: Washer fluid is essential for maintaining clear visibility through your windshield, especially in dirty or inclement weather.
What To Do: Refill your windshield washer fluid reservoir as soon as it’s convenient.
16. Brake Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often the word “BRAKE” in red or an exclamation point in a circle, is a critical car warning light on dashboard. It can indicate two possibilities:
- Parking Brake Engaged: The parking brake is still applied.
- Braking System Problem: There is an issue within your braking system, such as low brake fluid or a malfunction.
Why It’s Important: Driving with the parking brake engaged can damage your brakes. Brake system problems are a serious safety hazard.
What To Do: First, ensure the parking brake is fully released. If the light remains on, it indicates a brake system problem. In this case, have your car towed to a repair shop for immediate inspection. Do not drive with a suspected brake system issue.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol indicates that your vehicle’s lane departure warning system is active. It typically activates the light and may produce a beeping sound when it detects your car drifting out of its lane markings without signaling.
Why It’s Important: Lane departure warning is a safety feature designed to prevent accidents caused by unintentional lane drifting.
What To Do: If the light activates, check your steering and correct your lane position if needed. The system might activate even during intentional lane changes if you haven’t used your turn signal.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car warning light on dashboard, often resembling a thermometer in a gear, indicates that your transmission is overheating. This could be due to low transmission fluid, worn parts, heavy towing, or other factors.
Why It’s Important: Transmission overheating can cause significant damage to your transmission, potentially leading to costly repairs or transmission failure.
What To Do: Pull over safely and immediately turn off the vehicle. Allow the transmission to cool down before attempting to drive again. If the light persists, or if you suspect a transmission issue, it’s best to have your car towed to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
Car Trouble? We Can Help.
Understanding car warning lights on dashboard is the first step in maintaining your vehicle’s health and ensuring your safety on the road. If you are experiencing any of these warning lights, or any other car trouble, bring your vehicle to a trusted mechanic. Expert technicians can accurately diagnose and repair the issue, getting you back on the road with confidence. Schedule a service appointment today to address any concerns and keep your car running smoothly.
