• Dashboard light
• Warning light
• Symbols
• What it means
• What to do
• Car
• Vehicle
• Auto
• Repair
• Service cente

It is a common thing most of us have experienced at one point – the dashboard lights always seem to pick the best time to turn on – whether we were rushing to get to work; or on a supposedly fun road trip.

They’re usually annoying.

But we also know that dashboard lights are built to warn car owners of any problem with one or more of their vehicle’s functions. 

Now, let’s face it…

Most of us do not know what all those lights mean. 

However, while some warning lights are less urgent, such as a low windscreen washer fluid warning, minor problems can most likely turn into major repairs if left ignored. 

So keep a close eye on your dashboard and pay attention to those warning lights, because they can help you avoid a car breakdown, keep you safe on the road and,

Of course, there’s no worse scenario than spending more bucks on a repair that could have been an easy fix to begin with.

What should I do if a dashboard warning light comes on in my car?

If you see a light turning on on your dashboard, do not panic.

First, keep in mind that many of these symbols will light up briefly when you turn on your engine and run a system check.

As long as the lights shut off within a few seconds, everything is operating normally. Otherwise, it’s time to pay attention.

Symbol lights can appear in different colors depending on urgency and/or severity of the issue:

Green or blue light

All good! 

Green or blue lights simply let you know that certain feature/s of your vehicle, such as cruise control or headlights, are working or currently in use. 

Orange or amber light

Orange or amber dashboard lights generally suggest a moderate hazard or warning.

One common example is the activation of the traction control system when driving on slippery roads. 

It could also indicate that the engine management system - the computer that runs the engine – is not performing well.

You may continue to drive your car with an orange warning light, but you should have a mechanic or service center diagnose and/or repair it as soon as possible.

Red light

A red dashboard light urges you to take action immediately. 

This usually serves as an urgent reminder, and can also indicate a serious issue with your vehicle. 

Some red dashboard lights are safety warnings, such as  a seat belt reminder.

While others typically signal a major issue or component failure, such as overheating engine, low engine oil pressure or a braking system problem.

If this is the case, pull over somewhere safe and figure out what’s going on. 

Your car will possibly stop working or become damaged if you continue driving.

Flashing light

If a light is flashing or blinking, contact your trusted mechanic or service center.

Dashboard Warning Lights

As you go through this list, keep in mind of the following reminders:

• Not all symbols on your dashboard indicate a system failure or damage. 

         - Some are features i.e. headlights and cruise control

         - Some are for safety i.e. safety belt reminder and door warning light

         - Some are mechanical issues i.e. low tire pressure and temperature warning light

• Different make and model means different dashboard lights. Warning lights are common and generally alike but their precise locations may vary slightly from the ones we have on our list.

• Study your car’s handbook to familiarize yourself with what they all mean. 

Meanwhile, let me guide you through the most important of them so you’ll know when to call for a tow truck and when not to.

1. Check Engine Light

What it means: 

The check engine light (CEL)  is one of the most common warning lights but also the least specific. 

That is because this light signals any issues with the components related to your engine. 

Thus, when CEL lights up, it could be any of the following:

• Your Oxygen (O2) sensor might need replacing;
• Your gas cap could be loose, damaged or lost;
• Your catalytic converter might need replacing;
• Your mass airflow sensor might need replacing; or
• Your spark plugs or wires might need replacing.

While the CEL warning light does not mean your engine is going to explode, 

the  items above  all affect how effectively your vehicle would perform, 

and the longer you ignore this warning light might result in even more expensive repair.

What to do: 

If you notice  the check engine light while you are driving, and you are not noticing any unusual smell or sound, continue driving at a moderate speed and park somewhere safe, preferably your house or nearest service center.

However, if the CEL is red or flashing, stop driving immediately! 

A flashing check engine light usually signals that you have a major problem and that could cause serious damage to your engine. 

In either case, make sure to get the light checked and the problem fixed as soon as possible. 

2. Battery Light

What it means: 

The battery light means that your car’s charging system is either short of power or not charging properly. 

This could be due to a damage on your battery but could also be due to a loose or corroded battery cable. 

Another possibility is a worn alternator, a broken accessory belt, or a general electrical fault in the system. 

Having an electrical issue is extra challenging at night as it could lead to headlights failing; and the power steering, brake servos or the engine itself could eventually stop working. 

What to do: 

Call a mobile mechanic and take your vehicle in to get serviced as soon as you can.

3. Temperature Warning

What it means: 

The temperature warning light means that the engine is very close to overheating. 

Some cars may not have a specific engine warning light. 

You may only have a temperature gauge with a red section (H) at the highest end of the gauge. 

If the needle enters the red section, then the engine is overheating.

Your engine could be running too hard to the point that it is already overheating or there is just not enough coolant or antifreeze in the system. 

If your engine does not have enough coolant, it could be because your car’s radiator is leaky, clogged or broken. 

You will likely see the coolant dripping out if this is the case. 

Another possibility is a faulty water pump or a blown head gasket, which in itself is a catastrophic failure. 

Either way, it could leave you stranded in a cloud of steam.

What to do:  

First, you can try troubleshooting.

Turn off the A/C and turn the heater on to disperse the heat to the passenger compartment. 

If after a couple of minutes, the temperature warning light is still on, pull over as soon as it is safe and turn off your engine.

WARNING:   

Do not pop the hood while the engine is still hot or running – this is pretty self explanatory.

Let your engine cool down 30 – 60 minutes before opening the hood and removing the radiator cap.

While waiting for the car to cool down, look under your car to see if there are any leaks. 

It’s also a good time to call a mobile mechanic to get your coolant topped off or get a tow to a nearby repair shop. 

4. Oil Pressure Warning

What it means: 

Oil pressure is generated through an oil pump, which is vital in the proper distribution of the engine oil throughout the system. 

A depleting oil pressure on the engine can cause premature wear and possible seizing up of your car’s engine.

If there’s an issue with your vehicle’s oil pressure system, the oil pressure warning light would appear. 

This could be due to a variety of factors such as insufficient engine oil, a worn oil pump, and other worn internal components. 

What to do: 

Pull over as soon as it is safe and turn off your engine. 

Look around the engine bay for possible oil leaks, and then check the fluid level. 

The easiest way to check the fluid level is to pull out your dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth. 

Once you’ve inserted the dipstick back, check it again and it should be easy to determine the oil level. 

If there’s no leak and your oil level is low,  it could be because you are way over the recommended interval for oil change.

You may simply have to top up the oil to make the light go out. 

REMINDER: Don’t drive it until you put more oil in!

If it remains on, there could be a much more serious issue that requires a garage to investigate. 

5. Brake System Warning

What it means: 

This warning light illuminates when there is a problem with your brakes. 

If the brake system warning lights up only when you are pressing down on the brake pedal, it could be because you have left the handbrake engaged slightly while pulling away. 

In some vehicles. a letter ‘P’ lights up whenever the parking brake is on, instead of an exclamation mark so ensure that the parking brake is released before pulling away.

If it doesn’t solve the problem, it is possible that the brake fluid level is dangerously low due.

This could be due to a leak somewhere in the brake system.

Another possibility is a loss of hydraulic pressure on one side of the brake system or a faulty brake pad wear sensor.

What to do: 

First thing first, make sure that your handbrake is released.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, stop the car as soon as you can and look around to see if there’s a leak in the brake system. If so, add brake fluid.

If the brake system warning light stayed on even after adding a brake fluid, contact your trusted mechanic and have the brake system inspected immediately. 

6. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning

What it means: 

The antilock brake system (ABS) regulates brake pressure and improves braking performance on slippery roads by pulsing the brakes to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding. 

If the ABS warning light is on, it means that something is not functioning well with the system. 

Common causes include faulty wheel speed sensor or an ABS controller issue. The wheels could lock up any time which makes it unsafe to drive.

In some vehicles, the ABS turns blue or green whenever the antilock brake system is in use.

Sometimes you will only see a text that says “Anti-lock” instead of “ABS.” 

If the ABS warning light is red or amber, then there could be an issue.

What to do:  

This is an important feature that involves your safety and should NOT be ignored.  

The brakes should still function if this light comes on while you’re driving, but emergency braking performance will be reduced. 

Drive slowly.

Pull over somewhere safe, preferably home or the nearest service center and have a mechanic diagnose the issue as soon as possible.

7. Traction-control Warning

What it means: 

The traction control system uses your anti-lock brake system (ABS), which selectively applies brakes to limit the wheels from slipping during acceleration.

It often engages when driving on icy and snowy roads, wet pavement, sand, and gravel, when the wheels could potentially lose its grip. 

This symbol signals that you are close to the limit of grip. 

If the warning  light stays on throughout your course, it possibly means that your traction control system is not functioning properly due to issues or simply because the system is switched off. 

What to do: 

Slow down and drive appropriately whenever the light is on. 

If the dashboard light stays on even on dry, smoother roads, check if the traction control system is on. 

Otherwise,  you’ll need to get the system checked as soon as possible.

8. Airbag Indicator

What it means:  

Also known as Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). 

This indicator light typically features a red airbag icon, though in some vehicles, it is replaced by a text that says "SRS" or "AIR BAG”.

Your car’s airbags will keep you safe when an accident occurs.  

If the airbag light is flashing or stays illuminated after you turn the ignition on, one or more of your airbags could be faulty. 

Hence,  the airbags may not deploy in the event of a car crash and the seatbelt pretensioners may not tighten appropriately. 

What to do: 

Have a qualified mechanic diagnose and fix this problem.

9. Safety Belt Reminder

What it means:

The safety belt reminder features the outline of a person wearing a seatbelt, and it will continue to light up until you buckle up!

The vast majority of new cars today come with pressure sensors in the seats and seatbelts to let you know if any of your passengers haven’t fastened their safety belts.

If this is the case, the dashboard light will stay on, oftentimes accompanied by chiming or beeping.

If all passengers have buckled up and the light continues to illuminate,  this could mean that there is a problem with the belt buckle sensor or one of the pressure sensors under the seat.

What to do: 

Buckle up! 

If your seat belt is fastened, the warning light may come on if you have a lot of weight on one of the seats. 

Either remove the weight or fasten the seatbelt on the corresponding seat. 

If the light and/or beeping continues even after the belts are buckled, bring it into the service center to be fixed.

10. Automatic Shift Lock

What it means: 

You will see this symbol lighting up when you start your ignition or when you are shifting gears without engaging the brake. 

The automatic shift lock will lock your vehicle in park or neutral until you engage the brake. 

This reduces the risk of the vehicle rolling away if the gear selector is pushed accidentally. 

What to do:

Press the brake pedal before shift gears or start the ignition

11. Door/boot/bonnet Warning

What it means: 

These lights are simply telling you that one of the openings – be it your door, boot or bonnet – is still open or has not been shut properly. 

These are very useful especially when you have kids or pets with you.

What to do:

Shut the door/ boot / bonnet properly.

12. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

What it means: 

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System or TPMS monitors the amount of air in the tires.

If the pressure in one or more of your tires is too low or too high. the TPMS symbol will automatically light up.

In some modern vehicles, it could also indicate which exact tire has irregular pressure.

This has been an increasingly common, important feature; so much so that it’s been mandatory for carmakers to include TPMS in their vehicles for the last few years.

This is because too low or too high tire pressures can adversely affect braking and cornering and can cause a dangerous blow-out at high speed. 

Common reasons are punctures and seasonal temperature changes, which can cause a tire to lose pressure gradually. 

If the TPMS light flashes for 60-90 seconds when you turn on your vehicle and then stays illuminated, even if your tires are properly inflated, then it could be a possible issue with your TPMS sensors.

What to do:  

Check the tires.

If it has an obvious puncture, you’ll need to change the wheel or use a puncture repair kit. 

Driving with a flat or underinflated tire  can damage your rim, and can drastically alter the vehicle’s handling. 

If the tires are all still inflated, you should drive to the closest service station to check the pressures and add air if necessary.

Otherwise, pull over safely and call for a tow truck immediately.

13. Cruise Control

What it means:

The cruise control light can indicate a few things depending on the color. 

Green often means that the cruise control has been set. 

A red or amber light can indicate that cruise control has not been set or that there is an issue with the system. 

What to do:

Refer to your owner’s manual for specific information on setting up the cruise control or bring your car to any trusted service station to be checked.

14. Power Steering Warning

What it means:

The power steering light illuminates when a problem is detected with the power steering. 

What to do:

If your vehicle is equipped with an EPS or electric power steering, you’ll need to take it to a mechanic to get the issue diagnosed. 

If the car has hydraulic power steering, the warning light usually indicates an insufficient power steering fluid. 

Pull over safely and check for leaks. 

Top it off with steering fluid and schedule a service appointment if it doesn't fix the problem.

15. Check Gas Cap

What it means:

Gas cap prevents fuel from evaporating and keeps dust, rain and other contaminants from entering the tank.

If the indicator light means that the gas/fuel cap is not properly tightened.

Some vehicles would display text that says “Check Gas Cap”

What to do: 

Pull over and tighten the gas cap. 

If the light stays on even after tightening the gas cap, it may be cracked or damaged.

Go to the nearest auto parts shop to get a replacement.

If the problem persists, take the vehicle to a trusted mechanic. 

16. Low-fuel Warning 

What it means: 

This is a warning light that comes on when the fuel tank is almost out of gasoline or diesel.

The fuel level required to trigger this warning light can vary from vehicle to vehicle, but it is usually when you have one to two gallons of fuel left or when you’ve driven around 50-70 miles.

Running out of petrol will not result in mechanical damage, but stopping on the road due to running dry is an offense. 

What To Do: 

Don’t push your luck! 

You never know how the weather or traffic would play out, so it’s best to drive to the nearest gas station and fill up. 

If you are using diesel, it is important to bleed the air from the fuel lines and injectors before the engine could start properly. This means it would require more than just filling the tank back up.

Bonus tip: 

Most vehicles have a triangle-shaped arrow next to the gas pump icon on your fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of the vehicle the fuel tank is on.

If it seems that you are using more fuel than you regularly would, it is possible that you have a leak.

Look under your car to check for leaks. 

If so, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop as soon as possible.

17. Fog Lamp Indicator

What it means: 

This symbol shows that your fog lights are on. 

Fog lights are used in conditions when visibility is severely restricted – less than 100m – typically due to fog, snow or heavy rain. 

They are not needed during high visibility conditions – that is what your headlights are for – and they should only be used when your main lights are not enough to see the road clearly.

What to do: 

If you turn them on unnecessarily, they can make it difficult for other drivers on the road.

Hence, be considerate to other drivers and turn it off if not needed.

18. Washer Fluid Indicator

What it means: 

The washer fluid indicator lights up when the windshield washer fluid is about to run out. 

What to do: 

Fill up the reservoir with fluid as soon as you can.  

The same symbol can be seen on the cap of the washer fluid reservoir, to easily spot where to add the fluid. 

Most vehicles have only one washer fluid reservoir and it’s normally found under the hood.