That sudden beep and the appearance of a mysterious symbol on your car’s dashboard can be a moment of panic for any driver. We’ve all been there, cruising along, perhaps enjoying the music, when a new light illuminates, sparking a wave of questions and concerns about our vehicle’s health. Understanding these Dashboard Warning Lights is crucial for every car owner. They are your car’s way of communicating potential issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious problems that require immediate attention.
While some dashboard symbols are intuitive, others can be downright perplexing. Knowing what each dashboard warning light signifies is essential for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. Ignoring these signals can lead to more significant damage and costly repairs down the line. This guide will help you decipher the most common dashboard warning lights, empowering you to react appropriately and keep your car running smoothly.
Understanding the Color Codes of Dashboard Warning Lights
Before diving into specific symbols, it’s important to understand the color-coding system used for dashboard warning lights. The color of the light itself provides an initial indication of the severity and urgency of the issue.
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Green or Blue Lights: These are typically informational lights. They indicate that a particular system or feature is engaged and operating correctly. For example, your headlights, cruise control, or turn signals will often be indicated by green or blue lights. These lights generally require no action from the driver other than awareness of the system in use.
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Orange or Yellow Lights: These are warning lights that signal a potential issue that needs attention. They suggest that your vehicle requires servicing or repair soon. While not as urgent as red lights, orange or yellow dashboard warning lights should not be ignored. They often indicate problems that could worsen over time if left unaddressed. Think of them as a ‘heads-up’ that something needs to be checked.
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Red Lights: Red dashboard warning lights demand immediate attention. They signal a serious problem that could potentially cause damage to your vehicle or compromise your safety. If a red light illuminates, it often means you should take action as soon as safely possible. For mechanical issues indicated by red lights, it’s usually advisable to pull over and assess the situation. Ignoring red warning lights can lead to breakdowns and costly repairs, and in some cases, pose a safety risk.
Remember, when you start your car, it’s normal for many dashboard warning lights to illuminate briefly. This is part of the vehicle’s system check. As long as these lights turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the systems are functioning normally. However, if a light remains on or illuminates while driving, it’s a signal that requires your attention.
18 Common Dashboard Warning Lights Explained
Below is a comprehensive guide to 18 of the most common dashboard warning lights you might encounter. Understanding each symbol and knowing the appropriate response can help you stay safe and maintain your vehicle effectively.
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, often depicted as an old-fashioned oil can, indicates a problem with your car’s oil pressure system. It means that the oil is not circulating properly at the correct pressure. This could be due to low oil levels or a malfunctioning oil pump. Insufficient oil pressure means critical engine components are not being adequately lubricated, which can lead to serious damage. Some vehicles may display the word “OIL” instead of the symbol.
What To Do: This is a critical warning. Poor engine lubrication can cause severe engine damage quickly. Safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes to allow the oil to settle back into the oil pan, then check your oil level using the dipstick.
First, inspect around the engine for any visible oil leaks. Then, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to get an accurate reading. Check if the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
If the oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue and the light may turn off. If the oil level is sufficient, but the light remains on and the engine sounds noisy, it could indicate a problem with the oil pump. If the oil level is fine and the engine sounds normal, the oil pressure sensor itself might be faulty. In any scenario where this light stays on, it’s crucial to get your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the underlying problem.
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)
What It Means: Also known as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light, this dashboard warning light, shaped like a horseshoe with an exclamation point, signals an issue with your tire pressure in one or more tires. It could also indicate a problem with the TPMS itself.
If the TPMS symbol is illuminated solidly, it means that the tire pressure in one or more of your tires is either too low or too high. Temperature changes can affect tire pressure, so this light is more common during seasonal transitions.
If the TPMS symbol flashes for about a minute to 90 seconds when you start your vehicle and then remains illuminated, even after you’ve properly inflated your tires, it indicates a malfunction within the TPMS system itself, possibly with one or more of the TPMS sensors located in the wheels.
What To Do: Driving with incorrect tire pressure is unsafe and can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even tire blowouts. Stop in a safe location as soon as possible and check your tire pressures. Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire and compare it to the recommended tire pressure listed on the sticker usually found on your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
Inflate or deflate your tires as needed to reach the correct pressure. After adjusting the tire pressure, drive for a short distance to see if the light turns off. If the light remains on or if it’s flashing, you may need to have your TPMS system inspected by a professional. A malfunctioning TPMS sensor won’t directly affect tire performance, but it will prevent the system from alerting you to future tire pressure issues.
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, resembling a thermometer submerged in liquid, indicates that your engine is overheating. Engine overheating is a serious issue and can cause significant damage to your engine. The most common cause is a problem with the engine coolant (antifreeze) system, but it can also be triggered by various other issues, such as a faulty thermostat, a leak in the cooling system, or a malfunctioning water pump.
What To Do: Immediately address an overheating engine. First, try turning off your air conditioning and turning on your heater to the highest setting with the fan on high. This might seem counterintuitive, but it helps to draw heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. Monitor the temperature gauge. If the temperature continues to rise or steam is visible, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine.
Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to do anything else. Do not open the hood immediately while the engine is hot, as this could result in burns from escaping steam or hot coolant. Once the engine has cooled down sufficiently, carefully check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir (expansion tank). If it’s low, and you have coolant available, you can carefully add coolant. However, if you’re unsure or the light comes back on quickly after restarting, it’s best to call for roadside assistance or have your car towed to a repair shop for a professional diagnosis. Driving an overheating engine can cause severe and expensive damage.
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, often showing a car with squiggly lines underneath, indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system is designed to prevent wheel spin and maintain grip, especially on slippery surfaces like wet or icy roads. When the system detects a wheel losing traction, it automatically applies braking force to that wheel and/or reduces engine power until traction is regained.
What To Do: If this light is flashing intermittently, it means the traction control system is actively working to maintain traction, which is normal in slippery conditions. You should continue driving cautiously and adjust your speed to the road conditions. There is usually no immediate action required other than being aware of potentially slippery conditions and driving accordingly. If the light is constantly illuminated and not flashing, it could indicate a malfunction in the traction control system (see the Traction Control Malfunction Light section).
5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: The ABS dashboard warning light, usually displaying the letters “ABS”, indicates a problem with your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System. The ABS is a critical safety feature that prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control in emergency braking situations or on slippery surfaces. When this light is illuminated, it means the ABS system is not functioning correctly.
What To Do: While your regular braking system will likely still work, the ABS function is compromised. In an emergency braking situation, your wheels might lock up, potentially leading to loss of control and increased stopping distance, particularly on slick roads. It’s important to have the ABS system diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Schedule a service appointment to have the issue addressed to ensure your vehicle’s safety systems are fully operational.
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light often looks similar to the traction control light but may be constantly illuminated or include the word “OFF” or “!” to indicate a malfunction. It signifies that there is a problem within the traction control system. This could be due to a faulty sensor, a damaged component, or an issue within the system’s control module. In some vehicles, the same control module manages both the ABS and traction control systems, so issues with the ABS can sometimes also trigger this light.
What To Do: While a traction control malfunction light is on, the traction control system may be disabled or working improperly. This means your vehicle may not have the benefit of traction control in slippery conditions, increasing the risk of wheel spin and loss of control. While this may not affect normal driving in dry conditions, it’s important to get it checked soon, especially if you frequently drive in areas with rain, snow, or ice. Have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the traction control system to ensure it functions correctly when needed.
7. Check Engine Light (Engine Warning Light)
What It Means: The check engine light, sometimes called the engine warning light, is one of the most common and often misunderstood dashboard warning lights. It’s usually depicted as an engine outline or the words “CHECK ENGINE”. This light can illuminate for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from minor issues to serious mechanical problems.
A common minor cause is a loose or missing gas cap, which can cause fuel vapors to escape. However, it can also signal more serious issues like problems with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensor, ignition system, or even engine misfires, low oil pressure, or overheating. Some vehicles may display the words “CHECK ENGINE” instead of the engine symbol.
What To Do: The appropriate action depends on the behavior of the check engine light.
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Solid Check Engine Light: If the check engine light is on and stays solid, but you don’t notice any significant changes in how your car drives (no unusual noises, smells, or performance issues), you can usually continue driving for a short distance, preferably to your home or a trusted repair shop. However, it’s crucial to get the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to prevent potential further damage.
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Flashing Check Engine Light: A flashing check engine light is a more serious warning. It often indicates a severe problem, such as an engine misfire, that could cause immediate damage to the catalytic converter if ignored. If the check engine light is flashing, you should stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light could lead to significant engine damage and costly repairs. Have your vehicle towed to a repair shop for immediate diagnosis and repair.
In either case, solid or flashing, a check engine light indicates a problem that needs professional attention. A mechanic can use diagnostic tools to read the error codes stored in your car’s computer system and pinpoint the cause of the light.
8. Battery Alert Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, shaped like a battery symbol, indicates a problem with your vehicle’s charging system. It doesn’t necessarily mean your battery itself is bad, but rather that the battery is not being charged correctly. Potential causes include a loose or corroded battery cable, a failing alternator (which charges the battery while the engine is running), a problem with the voltage regulator, or other electrical faults within the charging system. You might notice symptoms like dimming headlights, a fading clock display, or difficulty starting the car.
What To Do: If this light comes on while driving, your car is likely running solely on battery power. Eventually, the battery will drain completely, and your car will stall. To conserve battery power, turn off any unnecessary electrical accessories like the radio and air conditioning. Drive directly to a repair shop or your home if it’s nearby. Avoid making multiple stops, as you might not be able to restart the car once it’s turned off.
Have your vehicle’s charging system inspected by a mechanic to identify the cause of the problem. It could be a simple fix like cleaning battery terminals or tightening cables, or it could require replacing the alternator or battery. Addressing this issue promptly is essential to avoid being stranded with a dead battery.
9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, shaped like a fuel pump, is straightforward. It simply indicates that your vehicle is running low on fuel and it’s time to refuel soon.
What To Do: The immediate action is to refuel your vehicle as soon as possible. While most cars have a reserve fuel capacity when this light comes on, the amount of reserve varies between vehicles. It’s best not to push your luck and risk running out of gas, especially in inconvenient or unsafe locations. Locate the nearest gas station and fill up your tank.
Bonus Tip: Most modern vehicles have a small triangle-shaped arrow located next to the fuel pump icon on the fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your car the fuel tank filler door is located, making it easier to position your vehicle correctly at the gas pump.
10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light is less common but might appear as a foot pressing a brake pedal or a similar symbol. It usually indicates that you are trying to shift out of “Park” or start the engine without pressing the brake pedal. Modern automatic transmissions often have a shift lock mechanism that prevents shifting out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is depressed. Similarly, some vehicles require the brake pedal to be pressed to start the engine.
What To Do: The solution is simple: ensure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal. Then, attempt to shift gears or start the ignition again. This light is more of a reminder than a warning and usually resolves immediately once the brake pedal is engaged.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, often depicting a person wearing a seatbelt, is a simple reminder to buckle up. It’s usually accompanied by an audible chime or buzzing sound that continues until the driver and potentially front passenger seatbelts are fastened.
What To Do: Fasten your seatbelt! Seatbelts are a critical safety feature, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury in a car accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts reduce the risk of serious crash-related injuries and death by about 50%. Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are properly wearing their seatbelts.
12. Airbag Warning Light
What It Means: The airbag dashboard warning light, usually displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a symbol of a person with a deployed airbag, indicates a problem with the vehicle’s airbag system. This system includes airbags throughout the car, sensors, and the control module. A malfunction could mean that one or more airbags may not deploy in the event of a collision.
What To Do: Airbags are a vital safety feature designed to protect occupants in accidents. If this light is illuminated, it’s crucial to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic immediately. A malfunctioning airbag system can significantly reduce your safety in a crash. Do not delay in getting this issue diagnosed and repaired to ensure your airbags will function as intended if needed.
13. Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, often shaped like a padlock or car key symbol, relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft or security system. Its behavior can indicate different states of the system:
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Blinking Light: A steadily blinking security light usually indicates that the vehicle’s security system is armed and active. This is normal when the car is locked and the system is engaged.
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Solid Light and Car Won’t Start: If the security light is solid and the car won’t start, it could mean that the vehicle’s immobilizer system has been activated, possibly due to a perceived security threat, a malfunction, or an issue with the car’s key or key fob.
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Solid Light and Car Runs Normally: If the security light is solid while the car is running normally, it suggests a malfunction within the security system itself.
What To Do:
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Immobilized Vehicle: If your vehicle is immobilized and the security light is solid, consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate the security system. This often involves a specific procedure using the key or key fob.
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Security System Malfunction: If the security system appears to be malfunctioning (solid light while driving normally), it’s advisable to have it checked by a mechanic. A malfunctioning security system might not protect your vehicle properly from theft.
14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, usually depicting a headlight symbol with a wavy line through it, 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 unnecessarily in clear conditions can actually reduce visibility for other drivers by causing glare. Turn off your fog lights when they are no longer needed to avoid inconveniencing other drivers and to comply with traffic regulations.
15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, often showing a windshield with a squirt of fluid, 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 is convenient. Low washer fluid can impair your visibility when you need to clean your windshield from dirt, bugs, or road grime, especially in inclement weather. Regularly check and refill your washer fluid reservoir to ensure you always have adequate fluid for clear visibility.
16. Brake Warning Light
What It Means: The brake dashboard warning light can appear in two forms: either the word “BRAKE” in red or an exclamation point within a circle, often enclosed in parentheses. It can indicate two primary issues:
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Parking Brake Engaged: Most commonly, this light illuminates when the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged.
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Braking System Problem: If the light remains on even when the parking brake is fully released, it signals a potential problem with your braking system itself. This could be due to low brake fluid level, worn brake pads, or other issues within the hydraulic braking system.
What To Do:
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Check Parking Brake: First, ensure that your parking brake is fully released. Sometimes it might not be fully disengaged. Try setting and then fully releasing the parking brake again.
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Braking System Issue: If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, it indicates a potential braking system problem. This is a serious safety concern. Have your vehicle inspected immediately. If you suspect a brake system issue, it’s best to have your car towed to a repair shop rather than driving it, as compromised brakes can be extremely dangerous.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, often depicting lane markings with a car drifting out of lane, is related to your vehicle’s Lane Departure Warning System. This system is designed to alert you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane unintentionally without signaling.
What To Do: If this light illuminates, it means the Lane Departure Warning System has detected that your vehicle is drifting out of its lane. Correct your steering to bring the vehicle back into the lane. The system is a driver aid and is designed to help prevent unintentional lane departures, which can be caused by driver fatigue or distraction. Note that the system may also activate when you intentionally change lanes without using your turn signal.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This dashboard warning light, often resembling a thermometer or gear symbol, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. Transmission overheating can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid level, contaminated or old transmission fluid, heavy towing, or worn-out transmission components. Overheating can cause significant damage to the transmission.
What To Do: If this light comes on, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and turn off the engine to allow the transmission to cool down. Wait for at least 20-30 minutes before attempting to drive again. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on checking the transmission fluid level (some vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick, while others do not).
If the light persists after cooling down or comes back on quickly after restarting, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a transmission specialist or a qualified mechanic. Driving with an overheated transmission can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. If you are towing heavy loads and the light illuminates frequently, you may need to reduce the load or driving speed. In persistent cases, it is advisable to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Experiencing Car Trouble?
Understanding your dashboard warning lights is the first step in taking care of your vehicle. If you encounter any of these warning lights and are unsure of the cause or the correct action, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.
Whether you need routine maintenance like an oil change or require more complex diagnostics and repairs, Virginia Tire & Auto’s expert technicians are ready to assist. Don’t ignore those dashboard warning lights – they are there to help you keep your car safe and reliable on the road. Schedule a service appointment at one of our conveniently located Virginia Tire & Auto locations today!
