That sudden beep and unfamiliar symbol illuminating on your car’s dashboard can be unsettling. Every driver has experienced that moment of confusion, wondering what the new car dash light means and whether it signals serious trouble. Understanding these symbols is crucial for every car owner, ensuring you know when to take immediate action and when it’s safe to continue driving.
Car dashboard lights are designed to communicate important information about your vehicle’s condition and operation. They range from simple indicators that a system is active to critical warnings that require immediate attention. Knowing the difference can save you from potential breakdowns and costly repairs.
Understanding the Spectrum of Car Dashboard Symbols
It’s important to recognize that not all dashboard lights are warning signals. Many are simply indicators of active vehicle features, such as headlights, cruise control, lane departure warnings, or blind-spot monitoring. Others relate to standard vehicle operations, like low tire pressure or engine temperature.
The color of a car dash light is your first clue to its importance.
- Green or Blue Lights: These are generally informational. They indicate that a system is engaged and functioning correctly, such as your headlights being on or cruise control being activated.
- Yellow or Amber Lights: These are warning lights, suggesting that your vehicle requires servicing or attention soon. These lights signal potential issues that are not immediately critical but should be addressed to prevent further problems.
- Red Lights: Red Car Dash Lights indicate serious problems that demand immediate action. These can range from safety alerts, like a seat belt reminder, to critical mechanical warnings, such as engine overheating. A red mechanical warning light often means you should pull over immediately to avoid significant damage.
- Flashing Lights: Any flashing light, regardless of color, typically indicates a more urgent issue than a solid light. A flashing red light is a critical warning requiring immediate attention. A flashing yellow or amber light also signifies a problem that needs prompt attention.
Remember, car dashboard symbols can vary slightly between makes and models. When in doubt, your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the definitive guide. Most car systems also perform a self-check when you start the engine, briefly illuminating many car dash lights. This is normal, and as long as these lights turn off within a few seconds, your systems are likely operating as expected.
18 Essential Car Dash Lights and Their Meanings
Here’s a breakdown of 18 common car dash lights you might encounter:
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light 2. Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS) 3. Engine Temperature Warning Light 4. Traction Control Light 5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light 6. Traction Control Malfunction Light 7. Check Engine Light 8. Battery Warning Light 9. Low Fuel Light 10. Automatic Shift Lock Indicator 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Light 14. Fog Light Indicator 15. Washer Fluid Light 16. Brake System Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Represented by a classic oil can symbol, this car dash light indicates a problem within your engine’s oil pressure system. This could mean your engine oil level is critically low, or that your oil pump is failing to circulate oil effectively throughout the engine. Insufficient oil pressure prevents proper lubrication of engine components, leading to increased friction and potential engine damage. In some vehicles, the word “OIL” may appear instead of the symbol. This is a serious engine warning light.
What To Do: Low oil pressure can quickly lead to severe engine damage. As soon as you see this car dash light, safely pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine. Wait a few minutes, then carefully check your engine oil level using the dipstick. Also, visually inspect around your engine for any obvious oil leaks. If the oil level is low, adding oil might resolve the issue temporarily. However, if the level is adequate or the light persists after adding oil, there could be a more serious problem with your oil pump or pressure sensor. In either case, it’s vital to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the underlying cause. Driving with low oil pressure can cause irreparable damage to your engine.
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)
What It Means: Often resembling a horseshoe with an exclamation point, or sometimes just the letters “TPMS”, this car dash light signifies an issue with your Tire Pressure Monitoring System. When the TPMS light is solidly illuminated, it means one or more of your tires are significantly under-inflated or, less commonly, over-inflated. If the TPMS light flashes for about a minute upon starting your car and then remains on, it indicates a malfunction within the TPMS itself, potentially with one or more of the tire pressure sensors.
What To Do: Driving with improper tire pressure is not only unsafe, affecting handling and braking, but it can also lead to premature tire wear and reduced fuel efficiency. If the light is solid, stop as soon as safely possible to check your tire pressures with a tire pressure gauge. Inflate or deflate your tires to the recommended pressure indicated on the sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual. If the light continues to flash after inflation, or if it persists after adjusting tire pressure, you may need to have your TPMS sensors inspected and potentially replaced. While a malfunctioning TPMS sensor won’t directly damage your tires, it does mean you lose the safety benefit of being alerted to low tire pressure in the future.
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car dash light, often depicted as a thermometer submerged in liquid or wavy lines, is a critical warning that your engine is overheating. Overheating is typically caused by issues within your engine’s cooling system, most commonly related to low coolant (antifreeze) levels, a malfunctioning thermostat, a radiator problem, or a broken water pump. An overheating engine can sustain serious and expensive damage if not addressed quickly.
What To Do: Immediately address an engine overheating warning. First, try turning off your air conditioning and turning on your heater to maximum heat and fan speed. This counterintuitive step helps draw heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. If the light remains on or the temperature gauge continues to climb, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. Do not open the hood immediately! Wait at least 15-20 minutes for the engine to cool down to prevent burns from hot steam or coolant. Once cooled, you can carefully check your coolant level. If it’s low, and you have coolant available, you can carefully add some. However, even if adding coolant makes the light go off, it’s crucial to have your cooling system professionally inspected to identify the root cause of the overheating. Continuing to drive an overheating car can lead to a blown head gasket, warped cylinder head, or even complete engine failure.
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: Usually displayed as a car with squiggly lines behind it, this car dash light indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. Traction control is a safety feature that helps prevent wheel spin and loss of control, especially on slippery surfaces like wet or icy roads. The system works by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and/or reducing engine power when it detects a wheel losing traction.
What To Do: When the traction control light is flashing, it simply means the system is working as intended. You don’t need to take immediate action, but it’s a reminder to drive cautiously and be aware of potentially slippery road conditions. If the light is constantly illuminated and not flashing, it could indicate a problem with the traction control system itself (see “Traction Control Malfunction Light” below).
5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
ABS Warning Light
What It Means: The “ABS” car dash light signals a malfunction within your Anti-lock Braking System. 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 the ABS light is on, it means the ABS system is not functioning correctly, and your brakes may behave like traditional, non-ABS brakes.
What To Do: While your regular braking system will likely still function, the crucial ABS safety feature is compromised. It’s important to have your ABS system diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Drive cautiously, especially in conditions where you might need to brake hard, and avoid sudden stops if possible. Schedule a service appointment to get your ABS system checked and restored to proper working order.
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This car dash light, sometimes similar to the traction control light but often with the word “OFF” or “!” symbol, indicates a problem specifically within the traction control system. It could be due to a faulty sensor, a problem with the control module, or a related issue. In some vehicles, the ABS and traction control systems share components, so this light might also illuminate if there’s an issue with the ABS system that also affects traction control.
What To Do: A traction control malfunction means this safety system may not activate when needed in slippery conditions. While it typically won’t affect normal dry-road driving, your vehicle’s safety margin in rain, snow, or ice is reduced. It’s advisable to have your traction control system inspected and repaired to ensure it’s functioning properly, especially if you live in an area with inclement weather.
7. Check Engine Light
Check Engine Light
What It Means: The “Check Engine Light,” often depicted as an engine outline, is one of the most ambiguous car dash lights. It can illuminate for a wide range of reasons, from minor issues like a loose gas cap (allowing fuel vapors to escape) to serious engine or emissions control problems. A faulty oxygen sensor, catalytic converter issue, or problems with the ignition system can all trigger the check engine light. In some cars, the words “CHECK ENGINE” may appear instead of the symbol.
What To Do: The appropriate action depends on the behavior of the check engine light. If the light is solid and your car seems to be driving normally, you can often continue driving for a short distance, ideally to your home or a trusted mechanic. However, schedule a diagnostic check as soon as possible to determine the cause of the light. If the check engine light is flashing, this indicates a more serious and potentially immediate problem, such as engine misfires that could damage your catalytic converter. In this case, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light can lead to more extensive and expensive engine damage. Have your vehicle towed to a repair shop for diagnosis.
8. Battery Warning Light
What It Means: Shaped like a battery, this car dash light indicates a problem with your vehicle’s charging system, not necessarily the battery itself. The issue could stem from a loose or corroded battery cable connection, a failing alternator (which charges the battery while the engine is running), or other electrical system faults. If the charging system isn’t working correctly, your battery may not be getting recharged, and eventually, your car may stall or fail to start.
What To Do: If the battery warning light illuminates, it’s crucial to have your charging system inspected promptly. You might notice other electrical symptoms like dimming headlights, a slow-running windshield wiper, or other electrical accessories malfunctioning. If the light comes on while driving, try to minimize electrical load by turning off unnecessary accessories like the radio and air conditioning. If possible, drive directly to a repair shop to have the charging system checked. If you continue to drive with a faulty charging system, your battery may become completely depleted, leaving you stranded.
9. Low Fuel Light
Low Fuel Light
What It Means: Resembling a fuel pump, this car dash light is a straightforward indicator that your vehicle is running low on fuel and it’s time to refuel soon.
What To Do: Locate the nearest gas station and refuel as soon as conveniently possible. While you may have some reserve fuel left when this light illuminates, it’s best not to push your luck, especially in unfamiliar areas or during adverse weather conditions. Running completely out of fuel can stall your car and potentially damage certain fuel system components. Bonus Tip: Most cars have a small arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your vehicle the fuel filler door is located on, making refueling more convenient.
10. Automatic Shift Lock Indicator
What It Means: This car dash light, often showing a foot pressing a brake pedal and a gear selector symbol, typically illuminates if you are trying to shift out of “Park” or start your car without fully pressing the brake pedal. Automatic transmissions have a shift lock mechanism that prevents shifting out of “Park” unless the brake pedal is engaged, as a safety measure to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
What To Do: Simply ensure your foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal. Then, you should be able to shift gears or start the ignition without issue. This light is a reminder to always engage the brake pedal when shifting from “Park” or starting your vehicle.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: Depicted as a person wearing a seat belt, this car dash light is a simple reminder for the driver or front passenger to fasten their seat belts. It’s usually accompanied by an audible chime or dinging sound.
What To Do: Buckle your seat belt immediately. Seat belts are a critical safety feature, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury in a car accident. The reminder light and chime will typically stop once the seat belt is fastened.
12. Airbag Warning Light
What It Means: The “Airbag” or SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) car dash light, often showing a side profile of a person with a deployed airbag, indicates a problem within the airbag system. This could mean a malfunction with one or more airbags, the airbag sensors, the seat belt pretensioners (which tighten seat belts in a crash), or the system’s electronics.
What To Do: An airbag system malfunction is a serious safety concern. If this light is illuminated, it means your airbags may not deploy properly in a collision, reducing your protection in an accident. It’s crucial to have your airbag system diagnosed and repaired by a qualified technician as soon as possible. Schedule a service appointment to have the SRS system inspected and restored to proper working order.
13. Security Light
Security Indicator Light
What It Means: Often represented by a padlock symbol or the word “SECURITY,” this car dash light is related to your vehicle’s anti-theft system. If the light is blinking intermittently, it usually means the security system is armed and active, which is normal when the car is locked or off. If the light is solidly illuminated and the car won’t start, it indicates the immobilizer system has been activated, possibly due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction. If the light is solid and the car is running normally, it suggests a malfunction within the security system itself.
What To Do: 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 using your key fob or key in a specific way. If the security light is solid while driving or if you suspect a system malfunction, have your vehicle’s security system checked by a technician to ensure it’s working correctly and not causing false alarms or preventing your car from starting when it shouldn’t.
14. Fog Light Indicator
What It Means: This car dash light, typically showing a headlight symbol with a wavy line crossing through the light beams, indicates that your fog lights are turned on. Fog lights are designed to provide supplemental illumination in foggy or very low visibility conditions.
What To Do: Fog lights should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced due to fog, heavy rain, or snow. Using fog lights in clear conditions can create glare for other drivers and may even be illegal in some areas. If the fog light indicator is on and conditions are clear, turn off your fog lights using the appropriate switch, usually located on your headlight control stalk or dashboard.
15. Washer Fluid Light
Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: This car dash light, often depicting a windshield with water spray, is a simple reminder that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs to be refilled.
What To Do: Replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as possible. Having adequate washer fluid is essential for maintaining clear visibility, especially in dirty or inclement weather conditions. Washer fluid helps remove dirt, grime, and insects from your windshield, ensuring safe driving.
16. Brake System Warning Light
What It Means: The brake system warning light is usually a red symbol, often the word “BRAKE” or an exclamation point inside a circle. This light can indicate two main issues: either your parking brake is engaged, or there’s a problem with your primary braking system. A brake system problem could be related to low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or other issues within the hydraulic brake system.
What To Do: First, if the brake warning light is on, ensure your parking brake is fully disengaged. If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, it signals a potential problem with your braking system. This is a serious safety concern. Do not drive your vehicle if you suspect a brake system malfunction. Have your car towed to a qualified repair shop immediately for a brake system inspection. Driving with a brake system problem can be extremely dangerous.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This car dash light, often showing lane markings with a car drifting out of a lane, indicates that your vehicle’s Lane Departure Warning System is active. This system is designed to alert you if it detects your vehicle unintentionally drifting out of its lane on the road.
What To Do: If the lane departure warning light illuminates, it means the system has detected lane drift. Correct your steering to bring your vehicle back into the center of your lane. The system may also activate intentionally when you are making a lane change with your turn signal activated. The lane departure warning system is a driver-assistance feature to help prevent unintentional lane departures, often due to driver fatigue or distraction.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This car dash light, often resembling a thermometer inside a gear symbol, indicates that your transmission is overheating. Transmission overheating can be caused by low transmission fluid, old or degraded transmission fluid, heavy towing, hard driving, or internal transmission problems. Overheating can cause significant damage to your transmission.
What To Do: If the transmission temperature warning light comes on, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off your engine to allow the transmission to cool down. Wait for at least 20-30 minutes before attempting to drive again. Check your transmission fluid level if your vehicle has a dipstick for this purpose (consult your owner’s manual). If the fluid is low, adding fluid might help temporarily, but it’s crucial to have your transmission system inspected by a professional to determine the underlying cause of the overheating. Continued driving with an overheating transmission can lead to costly repairs or even transmission failure. If the light persists or returns quickly, have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Don’t Ignore Your Car Dash Lights
Understanding your car dash lights is a vital aspect of vehicle ownership and safety. Ignoring these warning signals can lead to minor issues escalating into major repairs, costly breakdowns, or even dangerous driving situations. When a warning light illuminates, take the time to understand what it means and take appropriate action promptly. Consulting your owner’s manual is always a good first step, and for any serious warning lights, seeking professional diagnosis and repair is highly recommended to keep your car running safely and reliably.
