Nobody wants to see an illuminated warning light on their dashboard while driving. Especially when they don’t know what it means.
My Chevy warning light guide can give you a good start at understanding those dashboard symbols.
There is also a full list of Chevy warning lights and meanings in an image and an E-book for FREE Download.
Let’s go over the Chevy dashboard symbols!
Chevy Warning Lights/Indicators and Meanings
Click the symbols for details if you want.

Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. It should go out when the engine is started.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is flashing, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a safe place to stop the vehicle.

Reduced Engine Power Light
The reduced engine power light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
This light, along with the malfunction indicator lamp, displays when a noticeable reduction in the vehicle’s performance occurs. The vehicle can be driven at a reduced speed when the reduced engine power light is on but acceleration and speed might be reduced.
If this light stays on, see your dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair.

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off.
The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on when the engine has overheated. If this happens, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Brake System Warning Light
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.

Engine Oil Pressure Light
This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.

Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. It is located in the instrument cluster. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.

Electric Parking Brake Light
This light comes on when the parking brake is applied.
If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Brake System Warning Light
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.

Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.

Brake System Warning Light
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at start up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away.
If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.

Electric Parking Brake Light
This light comes on when the parking brake is applied.
If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.

Hood Ajar Light
This light comes on when the hood is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that the hood is properly closed.

Electric Parking Brake Light
This light comes on when the parking brake is applied.
If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light
The vehicle may have a front passenger seat belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belts. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle continues several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on.
The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may come on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic devices. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.

Check Engine Light
If the light is flashing: A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady: A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required. Check the following:
● If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless fuel funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank 0 218. The diagnostic system can detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light.
● Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If the light remains on, see your dealer.

Power Steering Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. If it does not come on have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If this light stays on, or comes on while driving, the system may not be working. If this happens, see your dealer for service.

Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also turned off. If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited unless necessary to help protect the driveline from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.

Antilock Brake System Warning Light
This warning light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving, safely stop as soon as it is possible and turn off the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again to reset the system.
If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning.
If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.

Service Vehicle Soon Light
For vehicles with this light, it comes on if a condition exists that may require the vehicle to be taken in for service.
If the light comes on, take the vehicle to your dealer for service as soon as possible.

Security Light
The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.

Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled
Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off.
Comes on when you deactivate the AEB. A driver information interface message appears for five seconds.
Comes on if there is a problem with the AEB:
● The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you cleaned the camera.
● Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel.
● The area around the radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Indicator may take some time to go off after the radar sensor is cleaned. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you clean the sensor cover.
● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down.
● Indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Service Electric Parking Brake Light
This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on.
If this light stays on or comes on while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). Take the vehicle to a dealer as soon as possible.
In addition to the parking brake, other safety functions that utilize the EPB may also be degraded. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Traction Control System Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system are not fully operational and may not assist in maintaining control. Adjust driving accordingly. If the condition persists, see your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may display.
The light flashes when the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.

Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.

Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the vehicle is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady. This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also display. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label.
When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady. If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle.

Trailer Sway Control Light
This light will flash when Trailer Sway Control is active.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbols for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag are allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.

StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also turned off. If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited unless necessary to help protect the driveline from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.

Wait-to-Start Light
For diesel engines, the wait-to-start light shows that the engine is functioning properly and indicates when the engine can be started.
The fast warm-up glow plug system makes the wait-to-start light stay on for a shorter amount of time than most diesel engines.

Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. It also comes on when the fuel gauge indicator nears empty.
The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.

Ultrasonic Parking Sensor Light
If equipped, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced.
This light indicates a malfunction in the system. See your dealer for service.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Warning Light
This light, a Driver Information Center (DIC) Message, and a chime come on when there is an issue with the DEF.
If the DEF issue has not been corrected, the light will continue to flash. The vehicle’s speed may also be limited.

FCA/ACC Following Gap Light
If equipped, this light indicates the following gap setting (near, medium, or far) for FCA, and, if equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Operate Pedal Light
This light comes on when the clutch or brake pedal needs to be applied to start the vehicle.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.

Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
If equipped, this indicator will display amber when a nearby pedestrian is detected in front of the vehicle.

Owner Manual Indicator
This symbol is shown when you need to see the owner’s manual for additional instructions or information.

Lane Departure Warning Light
This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction.

Hill Descent Control Light
If equipped, the Hill Descent Control light comes on when the system is ready for use. When the light flashes, the system is active.

Lane Keep Assist Light
The light is amber when the LKA system is turned on and is assisting by gently turning the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected lane marking.
This light flashes amber as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the lane marking has been unintentionally crossed. If the system detects that the vehicle has been steered intentionally across a lane marker, the LDW may not be given.
Do not expect the LDW to occur when intentionally crossing the lane marker. LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal is active in the direction of lane departure, or if LKA detects that you are accelerating, braking, or actively steering.

Lamps On Reminder
This light comes on when the exterior lamps are in use, except when only the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) are active.

Adaptive Cruise Control Light
This light comes on when Adaptive Cruise Control (if equipped) is active.

Sport Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport Mode is selected.

IntelliBeam Light
This light comes on when the IntelliBeam system, if equipped, is enabled.

Cruise Control Light
The cruise control light is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active.

Super Cruise Light
This indicator light will illuminate when the Super cruise system is activated.

Four-Wheel-Drive Light
If equipped, the four-wheel-drive light displays what mode the vehicle is in. The light will show each mode: 2WD, 4HI, AUTO (all transfer cases); 4LOW and N (two-speed transfer case only).
The light will flash when a shift is in progress. Once the shift is complete the light will be steady.

Normal Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Normal Mode is selected.

Snow Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Snow/Ice Mode is selected.

Terrain Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Terrain Mode is selected.

Off-road Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Off-Road Mode is selected.

Front Fog Lamp Light
For vehicles with fog lamps, this light comes on when the fog lamps are on. The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off.

Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an up-shift light. When this light comes on, shift to the next higher gear if weather, road, and traffic conditions allow

High-Beam On Light
This light comes on when the high-beam headlamps are in use.
Now you know what your car is trying to tell you and have a better understanding of Chevy dashboard lights.
But it can be challenging to remember exactly the name and meaning of each symbol, right?
No problem!
I’ve compiled the full list of Chevrolet warning lights and indicators with their meanings in an image and a PDF E-book for you.
Don’t hesitate to download them for later use!
CHEVROLET WARNING LIGHTS AND INDICATORS
Get access to my full list of these dashboard lights and become a better driver.

What’s Next?
Now that you’re familiar with the Chevy dashboard lights, you’ll be ready if one of them pops up while you’re driving.
Buy a scan tool if you want to know what might be going on with your car before taking it to a dealer or repair shop.
Here’s my review on the Best GM OBD2/OBD1 Scanners. Read on and find out the right scan tool for your Chevy.
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