Which Warning Lights Are Active On Your Dashboard?The following guide will help you understand which car warning light symbols and indicators can be found on your dashboard for most makes and models of cars, trucks, buses and motorbikes.You’ll learn whether it is a critical warning that requires immediate attention, or whether you have time to visit a local mechanic.Don’t Trust Your Mechanic? Get help hereJump to: Warning Symbols | Safety Symbols | Lighting Symbols | Common Symbols | Advanced Feature Symbols | Diesel-Powered Vehicle SymbolsWarning SymbolsCheck your car’s dashboard lighting as it is essential to identify your car’s potential problem, safety issues or immediate failure points.Engine Temperature Warning LightIndicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. ClickBattery Charge Warning LightIndicator light means that the car’s charging system is short of power or is not charging properly. It normally indicates a problem with the battery itself or the alternator. ClickOil Pressure Warning LightIndicator light means loss of oil pressure, meaning lubrication is low or lost completely. Immediately check the oil level and pressure. ClickBrake Warning LightIndicator light turns on when the handbrake is on. If it lit continuously, it means that hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side of the brake system or that the fluid level in the master cylinder is dangerously low (due to a leak somewhere in the brake system). ClickSafety SymbolsYour vehicle’s dashboard light plays an important role. These lights indicate an issue with your car that needs either an immediate action or checking.Transmission TemperatureIndicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. ClickTire Pressure Warning LightIndicator light means the pressure is low in one of your tires. ClickTraction Control OffIndicator light means that the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been deactivated. ClickSteering Wheel LockIndicator light means your steering wheel is locked and can not be moved. To turn off the steering lock, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to at least the first position while turning the steering wheel in either direction. ClickTrailer Tow Hitch WarningIndicator lights mean that the tow hitch is unlocked or that there’s an issue with the lighting system. ClickTraction Control LightIndicator light turns on when the vehicle TCS (traction control system) is activated. ClickService Vehicle SoonIndicator light turns on when there is a fault condition in an area of the vehicle chassis systems such as—the anti-lock (ABS) brake system, the traction control (TCS) system, the electronic suspension system, or the brake hydraulic system. ClickSecurity AlertIndicator light will turn on momentarily if the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to restart. If the light is visible when the vehicle is on, then it typically indicates a malfunction in the security system. ClickSide AirbagIndicator light means a fault with the side airbag. ClickReduced Power WarningIndicator light means that the Engine Computer has limited engine power output. ClickSeat Belt IndicatorIndicator light means that a seat belt has not been secured for a passenger in the vehicle. ClickPress Clutch PedalIndicator to push the clutch. ClickPowertrain FaultIndicator light turns on when a powertrain or AWD fault has been detected. Contact your mechanic as soon as possible. ClickPower Steering Warning LightIndicator light turns on if there is an issue with the power steering system, and will be disabled until fixed. ClickPress Brake PedalIndicator to push the brake pedal. ClickParking Brake LightIndicator light means park brake is on. ClickOverdrive LightIndicator light means that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. ClickOil Change ReminderIndicator light means that oil life has expired. ClickMaster Warning LightIndicator light usually accompanied by another warning light and indicates that one or more warning systems have been detected. ClickInformation Warning LightIndicator light will turn on when a new message is stored in the information display. It will be red or amber in color depending on the severity of the message and will remain on until the cause of the message has been rectified. ClickIcy Road Warning LightIndicator light turns on when the outside air starts to reach freezing temperatures, around 35°F or 3°C. ClickGas/Fuel CapIndicator light turns on if the gas/fuel cap is not properly tightened. ClickESP Fault/Traction Control MalfunctionIndicator light means that there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control. ClickElectric Park BrakeIndicator light turns on when the electric parking brake has a malfunction. ClickDistance WarningIndicator light means that a vehicle in front is too close or is being approached too quickly, or that a stationary obstacle exists in the direction of travel. ClickClogged Air FilterIndicator light turns on when there is reduced airflow to the engine. Have the air filter replaced or inspected. ClickChild Safety LockIndicator light means child safety lock is active. ClickCheck Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)Indicator light turns on whenever the engine is turned on to check the bulb. If the light stays illuminated, the car’s diagnostic systems have detected a malfunction that needs to be investigated. ClickCatalytic Converter WarningIndicator light means the catalytic converter is either overheating or not operating as intended. ClickBrake FluidIndicator light means that the brake fluid level is low. ClickBrake Pad WarningIndicator light means that the brake pads are worn. ClickBrake Lights WarningIndicator light means an exterior brake light bulb is defective. Check the operation of all the exterior brake light bulbs. ClickAutomatic Gearbox WarningIndicator light means there’s a gearbox/transmission malfunction. ClickAnti-lock Braking System (ABS)Indicator light means there may be a malfunction in the ABS system. ClickAll Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD)Indicator light turns on when there is a malfunction with the 4WD system. ClickAirbag IndicatorIndicator light turns on when the front airbag is switched off. If this lamp lights up or flashes there is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt system. ClickAirbag DeactivatedIndicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. ClickAdaptive Suspension DampersIndicator light means there is a need to contact an authorised repairer. Click4 Wheel Drive (4WD) LOCK Indicator LightIndicator light means that the vehicle’s 4WD Lock mode is activated. ClickAir SuspensionIndicator light means that there is a problem with the air suspension bags, likely due to a leak or inflation issue. ClickLighting SymbolsVehicle lighting symbols are connected to your car’s lighting system. These symbols are usually blue, green, or yellow in colour.Low Beam Indicator LightIndicator light means that the vehicles dipped beam is on. ClickLamp OutIndicator light means that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly. ClickHigh Beam Light IndicatorIndicator light means your car’s high beam headlights are on, or if the high beam flash function is used. ClickHeadlight Range ControlIndicator light turns on if there is an issue detected with the headlight range control system. ClickFront Fog LightsIndicator light means front fog lights are turned on. ClickExterior Light FaultIndicator light means any exterior light on your car isn’t working. ClickAuto High BeamIndicator light means the Auto High Beam system has switched on high beam headlights. ClickAdaptive Light SystemIndicator light will lit when adaptive headlights are turned on. ClickSide Light IndicatorIndicator light will turn on when the normal headlights are in use. ClickRear Fog Lights Switched OnIndicator light means rear fog lights are on. ClickRain and Light SensorIndicator light means there is an issue with the sensor system. The wipers and lights will not function automatically. ClickCommon SymbolsTo avoid future problems with your car it is important to check not just the warning lights but also the common vehicle lights.Windshield DefrostIndicator light means that the window defrost is in operation. ClickWasher Fluid ReminderIndicator light indicates if the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty. Fill the washer fluid reservoir. ClickRear Window DefrostIndicator light means that the rear window defrost is in operation. ClickLow Fuel LevelIndicator light means that the car is running low on fuel and will soon need a refill. ClickKey Not in VehicleIndicator light means the key is not in the car. ClickHood/Bonnet OpenIndicator light means that the car hood is not closed properly. ClickHazard Lights OnIndicator light means hazard lights are turned on. ClickFanIndicator light means that the internal ventilation/fan is in operation. ClickDoor AjarIndicator light turns on when one or more doors of the car are not shut properly. ClickDirection/Signal IndicatorsIndicator light means that one of the turn signals (left or right) has been activated. ClickCar on RampIndicator light means that the vehicle is on a ramp/jack system. ClickAdvanced Feature SymbolsThe advanced feature symbols of your car are associated with a special and advanced automotive feature. It prompts you if there are potential issues or if the system is active and operating.Recirculated Cabin AirIndicator light means that the vehicle’s ventilation system is recirculating air from within the vehicle, suitable when particularly cold outside. ClickRear Spoiler WarningIndicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. ClickParking with Park Assist PilotIndicator light means PAP (Park Assist Pilot) is activated. ClickLane Departure WarningIndicator light means the vehicle is detected to be moving out of its current lane without signalling. ClickLane AssistIndicator light turns on when the lane assist system is switched on and road markings can be detected. ClickKey Fob Battery LowIndicator light lets you know when your key fob battery needs to be changed and replaced, so you can continue using the remote. ClickIgnition Switch WarningIndicator light means there’s an issue with the ignition system or the car key. It could be due to a glitch or worn out key. ClickHill Descent ControlIndicator light turns on when the system is activated and helps you maintain a specific speed while driving down a hill. ClickForward Collision WarningIndicator light turns on when a potential collision is detected. ClickEco Driving IndicatorIndicator light will turn on when the Eco function is activated. ClickCruise ControlIndicator light means the cruise control system is activated. ClickConvertible Roof Warning LightIndicator light will turn on while the roof is either opening or closing. If the lamp is lit continuously the roof is not fully opened, or there is a fault in the system. ClickBrake Hold Indicator LightIndicator light means that the brake hold system is functioning properly. ClickBlind Spot Indicator LightIndicator light turns on when a vehicle or obstruction is detected in the blind spot. ClickAuto Windscreen WipingIndicator light means the windscreen wipers are in operation on Automatic mode. ClickAutomatic Emergency Braking (AEB)Indicator light turns on when the AEB system is turned off or when the radar sensor or cover is blocked with dirt or snow. ClickAdaptive Cruise ControlIndicator light means that the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) is in operation. ClickWinter ModeIndicator light lets you know you’re driving on winter mode. ClickStart/Stop Warning LightIndicator light turns on to inform the driver that Intelligent Stop / Start system is active and the engine has been shut down. ClickSpeed LimiterIndicator light means that the speed limiter function is activated. ClickSeat TemperatureIndicator light means that the air flow is distributed between front side window, windscreen and footwell de-misting vents. ClickDiesel-Powered Vehicle SymbolsOne of the common diesel-powered car dashboard light symbols is the glow plug indicator. This lighting pre-glows when it is warming up and worn-out glow if there’s a plug issue.Glow Plug IndicatorIndicator light means that the engine’s glow plugs are warming up and the engine should not be started until the light goes out. If it flashes, an issue has been detected, such as a worn out glow plug. ClickFuel Filter WarningIndicator light means that the diesel fuel filter is full, and needs to be emptied to avoid engine damage. ClickExhaust FluidIndicator light means that the diesel exhaust fluid reservoir is low on fluid. ClickAdBlue Tank is EmptyIndicator light means you have to fill the tank with more exhaust fluid. ClickAdBlue MalfunctionIndicator light means either the AdBlue system is malfunctioning or the system is not filled with the standard liquid. ClickWater Fluid Filter WarningIndicator light means water in fuel filter has reached maximum capacity. Drain the water from filter. ClickYour Questions Answered – View allWhy Is My Check Engine Light Still There?You’ve got a check engine light warning on your dash. Now what? You must be worried. And that’s okay, because clearly your car is in trouble. Read moreCheck Engine Lights: What to do and How to Fix ErrorsLike most car warning lights, the check engine light is a yellow, orange, or red engine symbol that appears on your dash when your car’s system malfunctions. Read moreHow to Check My Dashboard Lights for ErrorsPerhaps unsurprisingly, a dashboard lights warning is a driver’s worst nightmare. First of all, it just pops on. No explanation whatsoever. Read moreIs Your Check Engine Light Flashing on the Dashboard?News Flash: Failing to acknowledge a flashing light on your dashboard can get you stranded in the middle of nowhere or stuck on the side of a busy highway. Read moreWhat Are the Most Common Check Engine Light Issues?Fact: when the check engine light comes on it spells bad news. There’s something wrong under the hood. Read moreCan You Drive a Car with the Check Engine Light On?You’re driving, when suddenly the dreadful yellow-orange Check Engine Light comes on! What should you do? Read moreMonitor engine faults every 2 seconds with GOFARAlerts you when your car is sick and tells you how serious it isHelps you drive smarter and spend up to 30% less on fuelFree App + easy self-install + no tools neededCheck Your Car’s Compatibility