Car Dashboard Warning Lights Explained
Dashboard warning lights are your vehicle's way of telling you that something needs attention. Some are reminders, while others can indicate a problem that should be checked immediately.
What Do Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
Warning-light symbols and meanings can vary between manufacturers and models, so always check your vehicle owner's manual. These are some of the common warning lights motorists may encounter.
Check Engine Light
The check-engine or engine-management light can indicate a wide range of engine, fuel, ignition, emissions or sensor faults. A diagnostic scan may be required to identify the cause.
Oil Pressure Warning
An oil-pressure warning can indicate that the engine is not receiving adequate oil pressure. Continuing to drive may cause serious engine damage.
Temperature Warning
A temperature warning may indicate that the engine is overheating. Stop safely and allow the engine to cool. Do not open a hot cooling system.
Battery / Charging Light
This warning can indicate a charging-system problem involving the alternator, battery, wiring or related components.
Brake Warning Light
A brake warning may relate to the parking brake, low brake-fluid level or another braking-system issue. Brake warnings should not be ignored.
ABS Warning Light
An ABS warning indicates a fault has been detected in the anti-lock braking system. Normal braking may still be available, but the ABS function may be affected.
Airbag / SRS Warning
An airbag or SRS warning can indicate a fault in the vehicle's supplemental restraint system. The system should be inspected.
Tyre Pressure Warning
A tyre-pressure warning may indicate that one or more tyres are underinflated or that the tyre-pressure monitoring system requires attention.
Traction / Stability Control
This light may flash while the system is actively controlling wheel slip. If it remains illuminated, there may be a fault or the system may have been switched off.
UNDERSTANDING THE COLOURS
Red, Amber and Green Warning Lights
The colour of a dashboard light can help indicate its general importance, although the exact meaning depends on the vehicle.
- Red: Often indicates an urgent warning or condition requiring immediate attention.
- Amber / Yellow: Usually indicates a fault or condition that should be checked soon.
- Green / Blue: Commonly shows that a system or function is operating.
Always use your vehicle owner's manual to confirm the exact meaning of a warning symbol.
Never Ignore a New Warning Light
If a warning light appears suddenly, especially together with unusual noises, overheating, loss of power, smoke or changes in braking or steering, have the vehicle checked.
Continuing to drive with a serious warning can turn a smaller problem into an expensive repair.
Warning Lights That Need Prompt Attention
Some warnings can indicate conditions where continuing to drive could damage the vehicle or affect safety.
Low Oil Pressure
If the oil-pressure warning remains on while the engine is running, stop safely and switch off the engine. Have the cause investigated before continuing.
Engine Overheating
Rising temperature, steam or a temperature warning can indicate overheating. Continuing to drive an overheating engine can cause major damage.
Brake System Warning
If a brake warning remains illuminated after the parking brake has been released, or braking feels different, the braking system should be inspected.
Charging System Failure
A charging warning while driving may mean the battery is no longer being charged correctly and the vehicle could eventually stop running.
Flashing Check Engine Light
A flashing engine warning can indicate a more serious fault than a steady light. Reduce unnecessary driving and have the vehicle diagnosed promptly.
Multiple Warning Lights
Several warning lights appearing together can sometimes point to an electrical, charging or communication problem and should be properly diagnosed.
DIAGNOSTICS
Don't Just Clear the Warning Light
A diagnostic fault code can help identify which system detected a problem, but the code itself does not always tell you which part needs replacing.
Proper diagnosis can involve checking live data, wiring, mechanical components, sensors and the conditions that caused the fault.
- Read diagnostic fault codes
- Inspect the related system
- Test components where necessary
- Identify the actual cause of the fault
- Repair the problem before clearing codes
Warning Light On?
Tell us which warning light is showing, your vehicle make and model, and any symptoms you have noticed. We can help you arrange the next step.
Ask Probert AutoDashboard Warning Light On?
Don't guess at the problem. Contact Probert Auto and tell us what your vehicle is doing so we can help arrange an inspection or diagnostic check.
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