Dashboard Warning Lights
Can you identify the dashboard light when it appears? Let us help inform you below!
Tire Pressure Warning
Indicates the tire pressure monitoring system has found a tire with low air pressure or there may be a sensor malfunction. Check air pressure on all tires. Some vehicles will allow manual reset of TPMS warning lights and others will require a professional diagnosis. Refer to owner’s manual.
Brake System Warning
Could indicate a serious issue with the vehicle’s brake system or that the parking brake is engaged. If the parking or emergency brake has been released, the vehicle’s brake system should be diagnosed and serviced immediately.
Cruise Control Activated
Indicates that the vehicle’s cruise control has been engaged. The vehicle will continue traveling at a set, constant speed until cruise control is disengaged or the driver presses the brakes. Refer to owner’s manual for information on how to use cruise control.
Fog Lights Activated
Indicates that the vehicle’s fog lights have been activated. This dashboard symbol will only appear when the vehicle’s fog lights are on, and will disappear when they are turned off.
High Beams Indicator
Indicates that the vehicle’s high beams are activated. This dashboard symbol will only appear when the vehicle’s high beams are on, and will disappear when they are turned off. Remember to deactivate high beams when passing other vehicles.
Electrical Problem Warning
Indicates an issue within the vehicle’s electrical system. A vehicle’s electrical system consists of the battery, starter and alternator. Electrical system errors must be diagnosed and serviced as soon as possible.
Low Fuel Warning
Indicates that the vehicle’s fuel is low. The light will disappear when fuel is added to the vehicle’s tank. If the low fuel light does not deactivate, the vehicle’s fuel system may have a sensor malfunction and should be serviced.
Engine Temperature Warning
Indicates that the temperature of the engine is too high. If this light appears on the dashboard, the vehicle should be stopped and the engine turned off as quickly and safely as possible. This light requires immediate diagnosis and service.
Airbag Service
Indicates that there is an existing problem with one of your vehicle’s airbags. Newer models have many airbags throughout the vehicle. Have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
Open Door Warning
Indicates that one of the vehicle doors is open. If you see this dashboard warning symbol, check each of the doors on the vehicle as soon as possible to ensure that they are all properly closed without any obstructions.
Rear Hatch Door Warning
Indicates that the vehicle’s rear hatch, or trunk door is open. If you see this dashboard warning symbol, check the door on the vehicle as soon as possible to ensure that it is properly closed without any obstructions.
Low Oil Pressure
Indicates that the oil pressure is low, if the symbol has a wavy line beneath it the oil level is low. Check the oil level as soon as possible. Have your oil pressure diagnosed and serviced as soon as possible.
ABS (Antilock Brake System) Error
Indicates there is an error in the vehicle’s antilock brake system. The ABS helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle in slippery or extreme braking conditions by keeping the wheels from locking up. If this light appears, the ABS needs to be serviced as soon as possible.
Battery Warning
Indicates that the vehicle’s battery needs service. The service may be as simple as cleaning the exterior, or it may need to be recharged or replaced. Have the issue diagnosed and serviced.
Emergency Flasher
Indicates that the vehicle’s emergency flashers, or hazard lights, have been activated. These lights indicate to surrounding drivers that the vehicle is experiencing an emergency situation and to use caution.
Seatbelt Warning Light
Indicates that one or more seatbelts in the vehicle are not properly fastened. The light serves as a reminder that drivers and passengers should fasten their seatbelts before the vehicle begins to move.
Check Engine Light
Indicates that the vehicle’s engine is experiencing one or more difficulties. There are numerous issues indicated by this light, and a proper diagnosis must be made before a proper course of action can be decided.
Traction Control Warning
Indicates that the vehicle’s traction control system is deactivated or it has malfunctioned. When driving in wet or icy conditions, ensure that the traction control system is activated. Have the vehicle serviced in case of a malfunction.
Child Safety Lock Activated
Indicates that the child safety locks on the rear passenger doors have been activated. This lock disables the interior door handles so the doors can only be opened from outside the vehicle.
Exterior Light Failure
Indicates that one or more of the vehicle’s external light bulbs have burned out or malfunctioned for another reason. Have the vehicle serviced to ensure proper visibility during inclement weather or nighttime driving.
Washer Fluid Level Low
Indicates that the vehicle’s windshield washer fluid level is low and needs to be replenished. Have the washer fluid reservoir refilled as soon as possible to ensure driving visibility.
Rear Washer Fluid Level Low
Indicates that the vehicle’s rear window washer fluid level is low and needs to be replenished. Have the washer fluid reservoir refilled as soon as possible to ensure driving visibility.
Turn Signal
Indicates to other drivers that the vehicle is preparing to turn or change lanes. If the turn signal begins blinking at a faster pace, the bulb is going to burn out soon and needs to be replaced.
Brake Fluid Level Low
Indicates that the vehicle’s brake fluid level is low. Brake Fluid levels will drop as the brake pads wear down or if there is a leak. Brake issues need to be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
Engine Hood Open
Indicates that the vehicle’s engine hood is open. If you see this dashboard warning symbol, check the engine hood on the vehicle as soon as possible to ensure that it is properly closed without any obstructions.
Frost Warning
Indicates a warning of a frost or freeze. This light will appear when outdoor temperatures drop to or below freezing. On some models, this symbol may also indicate that the vehicle is in snow mode.
Key Not Present
In a vehicle with a keyless ignition, this light indicates that the key is not close enough to the car for it to start or remain running. If the key is nearby, this could indicate a malfunction in the sensor and should be serviced immediately.
Lane Departure Warning
Indicates that the vehicle is leaving, or veering to one side of, a lane with detectable markers. A warning chime may activate with the dashboard symbol. If the light remains on, there may be a fault in the system that needs to be serviced.
Parking Brake Light
Indicates that the vehicle’s parking brake is engaged or that it needs to be serviced. Have the parking brake serviced to ensure it is available in situations where it is needed, such as when parking the vehicle on an incline.
Service Required
Indicates that preventative maintenance or service is required soon. These warning symbols are typically a reminder for routine maintenance, but may indicate a more serious issue that needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
Dirty Air Filter
Indicates that the vehicle’s engine air filter is dirty or clogged. While it is an important part of routine maintenance, the engine air filter should be replaced immediately if this warning symbol appears.
Horn Failure
Indicates that the vehicle’s horn has failed. This may mean that it is not emitting sound at all, or that the sound is lower than usual. The vehicle’s horn is an important safety feature, and it should be repaired as soon as possible.
Power Steering Warning
Indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle’s power steering. Symptoms of power steering issues may include unusual noises or difficulty steering. Have this issue diagnosed and serviced immediately.
Gas Cap Warning
Indicates that there is an issue with the vehicle’s gas cap. The issue may be as simple as the cap not being tightened enough. If the light does not fade after tightening the gas cap, bring the vehicle to be diagnosed and serviced.
Four-Wheel Drive Warning
Could indicate that four-wheel drive is engaged or that there is an issue with the four-wheel drive system. This system is important for rough terrain conditions. If there is an issue or a malfunction, it needs to be serviced immediately.
Fuse Warning
Indicates that there is an issue with one or more of the fuses in the vehicle. Having fuses serviced or replaced is important to keep your vehicle running. Bring the vehicle to be serviced as soon as possible.
The electronic system in today's cars relies on a series of sensors – these sensors can also tell you if there's something wrong with your car using warning symbols on the dashboard.
There are two types of warning lights – red and orange.
A red warning light suggests that you should act quickly because the problem is serious, such as an overheating engine, low engine oil pressure or a braking system problem.
An orange warning light means that the engine management system – the computer that runs the engine – has detected a fault. You may continue to drive, but you should take your car to your local service center for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.
