Not sure what your car dashboard symbols are telling? We’re here to explain.
Get quick results with our Dash Lights Lookup!
Meaning: The Check Engine light, or Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), warns of a problem with your car's emissions system. The causes vary, from minor issues like a loose or damaged gas cap to more severe ones, such as an engine misfire or catalytic converter damage.
What to do: Check the gas cap first. If you notice the check engine light flashing, it indicates a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Use an OBD-II scanner to read diagnostic trouble codes. These codes can provide more information about the issue. If you're not comfortable diagnosing the issue yourself, it's recommended to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or an auto repair shop.
Meaning: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light serves as a vigilant reminder to keep your tires properly inflated. If this light turns on, it means that one or more of your tires may have low pressure.
What to do: Check the tire pressure on all four tires and adjust them to the recommended levels. Verify that the TPMS sensors are intact and functioning correctly. If you've corrected the tire pressure, many vehicles allow you to reset the TPMS light through the dashboard controls.
However, if the light continues to stay on or flashes, consult a mechanic for a thorough inspection.
Meaning: The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light indicates a potential issue with your vehicle's anti-lock braking system.
What to do: Check the ABS fuse first. If it is burned or blown, replace it. Then, check if the brakes feel normal. If they respond as usual, you can continue driving but have the ABS system inspected soon. However, if brakes feel unusual or impaired, drive cautiously and seek immediate professional assistance.
Meaning: The Traction Control Light, also known as the swerving car light, indicates that your vehicle's traction control system is active or there might be an issue with it.
What to do: If the light comes on during slippery road conditions, the traction control system is engaged and helps you maintain control. However, if the light stays on or flashes, there could be an issue with the traction control system. It's recommended to have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem.
Meaning: The Master Warning light is a general warning indicating various issues, often accompanied by other specific lights or messages. When this light illuminates on your dashboard, it serves as an alert that there is a specific concern that requires your attention.
What to do: Check for any accompanying specific warning lights or messages that provide more details about the issue. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual to identify the potential problem and recommended actions.
If unsure or if the issue seems serious, it's wise to seek professional assistance to diagnose and resolve the underlying concern to ensure your vehicle's safety and performance.
Meaning: The transmission light alerts a problem with your car’s transmission system.
What to do: Stop driving and let the transmission cool down. Next, check the transmission fluid level and condition and change the fluid as needed. In case the transmission light remains illuminated or if you're experiencing transmission problems, such as slipping gears, delayed shifting, or unusual noises, it's recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Meaning: The low coolant light indicates the engine's coolant temperature is too high or too low.
What to do: Pull over to a safe location and wait for the engine to cool down. Then, carefully open the hood and check the coolant level in the reservoir. If the coolant level is low, you may need to add coolant. If the coolant light remains on after you've added coolant, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic.
Meaning: The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) light indicates that the system designed to prevent unintentional lane departure is active. If the light remains on when you're not intentionally changing lanes, there may be a malfunction that requires attention.
What to do: If the LDW light remains illuminated on your dashboard, start by checking if the sensors on your front windshield are clear of obstructions like dirt or snow. You can also try temporarily disabling and then re-enabling the LDW system or simply restarting your vehicle.
If the light persists, it's advisable to seek professional assistance.
Meaning: The lamp out warning light will come on when there's a problem with one of the external bulbs.
What to do: You should check and replace any malfunctioning exterior bulbs as soon as possible to ensure proper lighting and safety.
Meaning: The windshield wiper fluid light is a warning indicator on a vehicle's dashboard that signals when the windshield washer fluid level is low.
What to do: To address this, you should refill the washer fluid reservoir with the appropriate fluid to ensure clear visibility through your windshield.
Meaning: The low fuel light illuminates when your vehicle's fuel level is running low.
What to do: You should refuel your vehicle as soon as possible to prevent running out of fuel while driving.
Meaning: The check fuel cap light typically comes on when the fuel cap is not properly tightened or securely closed after refueling.
What to do: Pull over in a safe area, turn off the engine, inspect and properly tighten the fuel cap, then restart the vehicle. If the light persists, consult the owner's manual or a mechanic for further assistance.
Meaning: The Oil Light indicates low oil pressure in your car's engine. Low oil pressure can lead to engine damage.
What to do: Pull over when safe. Then, use a dipstick to check the oil level and add oil if the level is low. If the light continues to stay on, it means that there is a problem with the oil system. In this case, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
Meaning: The brake warning light notify the driver of any problems related to the brake system.
What to do: Ensure that the parking brake is fully released. Then, check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the level is low, add the appropriate brake fluid type. In case you're not familiar with brake systems, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic. They can perform a thorough inspection of the entire braking system, including the pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, and other components.
Meaning: The SRS light or airbag light indicates the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners are malfunctioning.
What to do: Ensure that all occupants are wearing their seatbelts properly. Check if any objects are obstructing the seatbelt buckles or airbag deployment areas. If the SRS light stays on or blinks while driving, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. The SRS system is critical for occupant safety, and any malfunctions should be addressed promptly.
Meaning: The Battery light signals a malfunction in the charging system. This could be due to a faulty alternator, serpentine belt, or battery.
What to do: Ensure that the battery terminals are clean and properly secured. Inspect the serpentine belt for any signs of damage and ensure its proper connection to the alternator.
If the battery light remains on or you notice a decline in power, it's advisable to seek professional help.
Meaning: The engine temperature warning light looks like a thermometer or a temperature gauge. It is designed to alert the driver when the engine's temperature is higher than normal, indicating a potential overheating issue.
What to do: Turn off the engine promptly to prevent further overheating. Allow the engine to cool down before attempting any checks. Next, cautiously open the hood and inspect the coolant level. If it's low, you can add the appropriate coolant type to the reservoir. While checking, also examine for any visible signs of coolant leaks or potential obstructions in the radiator or cooling system. If the warning light continues to stay on, consult a professional mechanic for a thorough diagnosis and proper repair.
Meaning: The Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light signifies a potential problem with your vehicle's throttle system, which controls engine power.
What to do: Check the gas pedal for any obstructions and ensure it moves freely. Inspect the wiring for visible damage or loose connections in the throttle system.
If the light persists, or if you notice unusual throttle response or engine behavior, use an OBD II scanner to diagnose the issue or seek professional help from a mechanic.
Meaning: The security indicator light, which looks like a car with a lock symbol, indicates the activation of your vehicle’s immobilizer or anti-theft system.
What to do: If you notice the security indicator light behaving unexpectedly or if it remains illuminated when driving, try to restart your car. Next, check the car key battery by pressing any button on it, and if the LED light appears dim, it is a sign that the battery may be weak. Replace it if necessary. If the above steps do not work, seek assistance from a qualified automotive technician or dealership.
Meaning: The seat belt reminder light illuminates when a driver or passenger is not wearing their seat belt. It serves as a safety reminder to buckle up while driving.
What to do: Promptly fasten your seat belt when the light activates to ensure personal safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
