From open car doors to issues with the engine, dashboard warning lights help your car alert you to anything that’s out of the ordinary or problematic. However, with all those lights—and some of them displaying very infrequently—it can be hard to decipher what’s going on. Understanding what your vehicle is trying to communicate can mean the difference between a minor issue and a serious one, so here’s an overview of some of the most important dashboard warning lights and what they mean.
What Color Is the Dashboard Light?
Generally, dashboard warning lights are color-coded to help you easily distinguish how serious a problem is. Usually, the colors are the same as traffic lights—red, yellow, and green.
- Red: indicates a potential safety issue or serious problem; it can also indicate an important reminder that needs immediate attention.
- Yellow or orange: usually this means a repair or service is needed, and to operate your vehicle with caution.
- Green or blue: green or blue lights are informational; they usually indicate a system (like cruise control) is on or operating.
Is the Light Solid or Flashing?
In addition to the color of the light, it’s also important to pay attention to whether the light is staying illuminated or flashing. Flashing lights inform the driver that there’s a sense of urgency to the alert and that the issue should be addressed as soon as possible.
Types of Dashboard Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights vary by vehicle, so it’s recommended that you take some time to look through your owner’s manual to learn which one’s your car has. This will help you know what your vehicle is equipped with and to be better prepared when one of them comes on. Here are some examples of the most common lights you might see:
Check engine light
This is one of the most dreaded (and most ambiguous) of the warning lights. Usually, it looks like a silhouette of an engine, although some models actually say “CHECK ENGINE”. The check engine light can be triggered by anything from a loose gas cap or faulty sensor to a serious problem with the engine. If the light illuminates while you’re driving and everything seems OK, don’t panic. Schedule an appointment soon, and we can diagnose the issue. If it’s flashing, however, this is an urgent problem that shouldn’t wait. Pull over immediately and have your car towed to the shop for diagnostics.
Battery
The battery light is easy to identify because it looks just like a battery. This light indicates there’s an issue with charging the battery. This could be because the alternator isn’t generating enough voltage to keep the battery charged, an issue with the battery itself, or problems with the wiring or other electrical components.
Coolant temperature
The coolant temperature warning looks somewhat like a thermometer dipping into water. This light lets you know if your vehicle is running too hot. You could have low coolant levels, a broken water pump, or issues with the radiator itself. Overheating is a serious problem that can lead to irreversible engine damage if it’s ignored, so if you see this light, make sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Transmission temperature
The transmission temperature looks similar to the coolant temperature light, but instead of being in water, the thermometer is inside of a symbol that looks like a gear. The transmission temperature light indicates the transmission fluid’s temperature is too high, which could lead to transmission failure if it’s not addressed. Transmission repairs are costly, so this is another light you don’t want to ignore.
Oil pressure warning
The oil pressure warning light is another one that’s easy to identify—it looks like an old-time oil can with a drop of oil coming out of it. This light could indicate that you need to top off your oil, or it could mean something more serious, like an engine oil leak, a blown piston ring, or a worn oil pump. Check your oil levels; if they’re low, you can try topping off the oil. If the oil light turns off, that’s likely all it was. If that doesn’t do the trick or the light comes on shortly after, you’ll need to schedule an appointment.
Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
The TPMS warning light looks like 2/3 of a circle with an exclamation point in the middle. In many vehicles, you’ll find this light near the driver’s gauges or in a menu in the infotainment system. The light will illuminate when the tire pressure is too low and could create unsafe driving conditions. Check your tire pressure and fill your tires according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Then, start the car. You may need to reset the light (look for a button with an icon that matches the light) but if the light doesn’t turn off after a couple of minutes, you may have a leak in one of your tires.
Brake system
The brake system light looks like an exclamation mark inside of a circle inside a set of parenthesis. When this light comes on, it could mean you have your parking brake engaged, or it could be a more serious issue, like low brake fluid or a problem with the anti-lock brakes. On that note, if you see the anti-lock brake light (an illuminated “ABS”), it often means there’s an issue with the wheel speed sensor or a problem with the wiring, which could prevent your anti-lock brakes from engaging.
Dashboard Warning Light Illuminated? Visit the Experts at Express Yuma!
There are numerous dashboard warning lights that are associated with the various systems in your car—these are just a few of the most important ones that every driver should be aware of. If you have questions about your dashboard lights or an illuminated light that needs to be addressed, contact Express Auto/RV Care Center today at (928) 305-0767 or request an appointment through our online form.
