We’ve all experienced it: you’re driving along, perhaps enjoying your favorite music, when suddenly a beep sounds, and an unfamiliar symbol illuminates on your car’s dashboard. Immediately, questions arise – what does it mean? Is something wrong with my car?
While some Car Dash Symbols are easily recognizable, others can be perplexing. However, understanding these warning lights is crucial. Knowing what each symbol signifies can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a significant car problem, potentially requiring you to safely pull over and seek assistance.
Understanding the Types and Colors of Car Dashboard Symbols
It’s important to note that not every symbol that appears on your dashboard indicates a warning. Many symbols relate to activated vehicle features like headlights or cruise control, safety systems such as lane departure warnings and blind-spot monitoring, or provide information about vehicle status like tire pressure or engine temperature.
When deciphering dashboard lights, color is a key indicator. Green or blue lights are generally informational, simply indicating that a particular system is active and functioning correctly. Orange or yellow warning lights signal that your vehicle requires servicing or attention soon. These are typically less urgent than red lights, but still important to address promptly.
A red light demands immediate attention! Red dashboard lights can indicate critical safety issues, like a seat belt reminder, or serious mechanical problems, such as engine overheating. If a red mechanical warning light appears, it’s crucial to pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and investigate the issue. Continuing to drive with a red warning light could lead to vehicle damage or breakdown.
As you explore this guide to car dash symbols, remember these two important points:
- Car dashboards can vary slightly between makes and models. The symbols illustrated here are common, but your specific vehicle’s owner’s manual is the ultimate authority on the meaning of its dashboard lights.
- It’s normal for many dashboard lights to briefly illuminate when you first start your car. This is part of a system check. As long as these lights turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the systems are functioning correctly.
18 Common Car Warning Lights and Symbols Explained
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/Engine Start Indicator 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security/Anti-theft Light 14. Fog Light Indicator 15. Washer Fluid Low Indicator 16. Brake System Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Represented by a classic oil can symbol, this car dash symbol indicates a problem within your vehicle’s oil pressure system. This could mean your car is running low on engine oil, or that the oil pump is failing to circulate oil adequately to lubricate the engine’s internal components. Some vehicles may display the word “OIL” instead of this symbol.
What To Do: Low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage due to insufficient lubrication and increased friction. This is a critical warning that requires immediate attention. As soon as it’s safe, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and check your engine oil level. First, visually inspect around the engine for any obvious oil leaks. Then, use the oil dipstick to check the oil level.
If the oil level is low, adding the correct type and amount of oil might resolve the issue and cause the warning light to turn off. If the oil level is sufficient, but the engine sounds unusually noisy, it could indicate a problem with the oil pump itself. If the oil level is fine and the engine is running smoothly, a malfunctioning oil pressure sensor could be the cause. In any of these scenarios, it’s important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the underlying problem preventing proper engine lubrication.
Read: Understanding Engine Oil Changes and Why They Are Important
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)
What It Means: Often referred to as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, this horseshoe-shaped icon with an exclamation point signals an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
If the TPMS symbol is illuminated steadily (solid, not flashing), it signifies that one or more of your tires has incorrect air pressure – either too low or too high. If the TPMS symbol flashes for approximately 60 to 90 seconds when you start your vehicle and then remains on constantly, even after verifying and correcting tire pressures, it indicates a malfunction within the TPMS itself, potentially with one or more of the TPMS sensors.
What To Do: Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires is unsafe and can lead to tire damage, uneven wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised vehicle handling. It’s recommended to stop as soon as possible in a safe location to check your tire pressures using a tire pressure gauge and inflate or deflate tires to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure (usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual).
If the warning light illuminates while you are near a tire service center, consider stopping by for a free air pressure check and adjustment. They can also inspect your tires for damage and assess your TPMS sensors for potential malfunctions and provide repair or replacement options if needed. While a malfunctioning TPMS sensor won’t directly impact tire performance, it will prevent the system from alerting you to future tire pressure issues, compromising safety.
Read: Decoding Your TPMS Light: Understanding Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often resembling a thermometer submerged in liquid waves, indicates that your engine is overheating. Engine overheating is frequently related to problems with the engine coolant (antifreeze) system, but can also be triggered by other factors like a malfunctioning thermostat, a leak in the cooling system, or a faulty radiator fan.
What To Do: Immediately upon seeing this symbol, the first step is to try and reduce engine load and heat generation. Turn off your vehicle’s air conditioning system and turn on the heater to its maximum setting and fan speed. This redirects heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. If the warning light persists after a couple of minutes, it’s imperative to pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine completely. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting any further action. Important safety precaution: Do not attempt to open the hood while the engine is hot. Opening the hood of an overheated engine can be dangerous due to the risk of burns from escaping steam or hot coolant.
While waiting for the engine to cool, it’s wise to plan your next steps. Contacting a roadside assistance service is advisable. They can provide guidance, potentially top off your coolant if low (after the engine has cooled sufficiently and it is safe to do so), or arrange for your vehicle to be towed to a qualified repair shop for diagnosis and repair. Driving a car that is overheating can cause severe engine damage, including warped cylinder heads or a cracked engine block, leading to costly repairs.
Read: The Dangers of Engine Overheating: Causes and Prevention
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting a car with wavy lines underneath, indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system utilizes the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to monitor wheel speed. If it detects that one or more wheels are spinning faster than others (indicating a loss of traction, often on slippery surfaces like ice or wet roads), it automatically applies braking force to the slipping wheel(s) and may reduce engine power to help the vehicle regain traction and stability.
What To Do: When this light is illuminated, it simply means the traction control system is doing its job to help maintain control in slippery conditions. Continue driving cautiously, being mindful of the road conditions. There is no need to pull over or take immediate action. The system is working as intended.
5. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: The ABS warning light, typically displaying the letters “ABS” within a circle, indicates a malfunction within your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System. The ABS is a critical safety feature that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, especially on slippery surfaces, allowing you to maintain steering control and shorten stopping distances in emergency braking situations. When the ABS warning light is on, it signifies that the ABS system is not functioning correctly and may not activate in an emergency braking situation. Regular braking will still function, but the anti-lock functionality is compromised.
What To Do: Because the ABS is a vital safety system, it’s important to have the issue diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. While you can still drive your vehicle with the ABS light illuminated, your braking performance in emergency or slippery conditions may be significantly reduced. Avoid hard braking and drive more cautiously until the system is repaired. Schedule an appointment with a trusted automotive technician to diagnose the cause of the ABS malfunction and restore this crucial safety feature to proper working order.
Read: How Anti-lock Braking Systems Enhance Vehicle Safety
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This warning light, often similar to the traction control light but with the addition of the word “OFF” or an exclamation point, indicates a malfunction specifically within the traction control system. It means that the traction control system may be disabled or operating with reduced functionality due to a sensor issue, a problem within the control module, or another system fault. In some vehicles, the ABS and traction control systems share components or a control module, so this light may sometimes illuminate in conjunction with or instead of the ABS warning light when there are ABS-related issues.
What To Do: While a traction control malfunction light typically won’t prevent you from driving in normal, dry conditions, it means that your vehicle may not have the benefit of traction control in slippery conditions such as rain, snow, or ice. It’s advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to diagnose and repair the traction control system malfunction. Addressing this issue ensures that your vehicle will have optimal safety and handling capabilities, especially when driving in less-than-ideal weather conditions where traction control is most beneficial.
7. Check Engine Light
What It Means: The check engine light, often depicted as an engine outline or simply stating “CHECK ENGINE,” is one of the most ambiguous and potentially concerning car dash symbols. It can illuminate for a wide range of reasons, from minor issues to serious mechanical problems. A common and simple cause can be a loose, missing, or cracked gas cap, which allows fuel vapors to escape and triggers the system. However, it can also signal more significant issues such as problems with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensor, ignition system, or even serious engine problems like low oil pressure or overheating. Some dashboards may display the words “CHECK ENGINE” instead of the engine symbol.
What To Do: The appropriate action depends on the behavior of the check engine light. If the check engine light is steady (illuminated but not flashing) and you haven’t noticed any significant changes in your vehicle’s performance, such as unusual noises, smells, or rough running, you can usually continue driving for a short distance, ideally to your home or a trusted repair shop. However, it’s crucial to have the vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause.
If the check engine light is flashing, this indicates a more serious and potentially urgent issue that could cause immediate damage to your engine if ignored. In most vehicles, a flashing check engine light often signals a misfire in one or more cylinders, which can lead to catalytic converter damage. In this case, it’s recommended to stop driving immediately as soon as it is safe to do so. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light could result in significant engine damage and costly repairs.
In either scenario (steady or flashing), it’s essential to have the check engine light diagnosed by a qualified technician to identify the problem and perform the necessary repairs. Modern vehicles have sophisticated onboard diagnostic systems that store trouble codes when the check engine light illuminates. A mechanic can use a scan tool to retrieve these codes and pinpoint the source of the problem.
Read: Driving with the Check Engine Light On: When Is It Safe?
8. Battery Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, resembling a car battery, indicates a problem within your vehicle’s charging system, not necessarily the battery itself. The charging system is primarily composed of the battery, alternator, and related wiring. The alternator’s function is to charge the battery while the engine is running and provide power to the vehicle’s electrical systems. The battery warning light can illuminate due to a variety of issues within the charging system, including a loose or corroded battery cable, a failing alternator, a worn-out serpentine belt (which drives the alternator), or other electrical faults in the charging circuit. When this light is on, it means the battery is not being properly charged while driving, and the vehicle is running solely on battery power.
What To Do: If the battery warning light illuminates, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly. Initially, you might notice symptoms such as dimming headlights, flickering interior lights, a slow-running windshield wiper motor, or other electrical accessories operating weakly. In more severe cases, if the charging system fails completely and the vehicle continues to run solely on battery power, the car will eventually stall and may not restart, leaving you stranded.
To address this, have your vehicle’s charging system inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. They can diagnose the root cause of the problem, whether it’s a faulty alternator, a bad battery cable connection, or another electrical issue. If a new battery is needed, ensure it’s replaced with a high-quality battery that meets your vehicle’s specifications. Ignoring the battery warning light can lead to a complete loss of electrical power, leaving you stranded and potentially requiring a jump-start or tow.
Read: Troubleshooting Car Starting Problems: Electrical System Issues
9. Low Fuel Light
What It Means: This easily recognizable symbol, shaped like a fuel pump, simply indicates that your vehicle’s fuel level is low and you are running on reserve fuel.
What To Do: When the low fuel light illuminates, it’s a prompt to refuel your vehicle as soon as conveniently possible. While most vehicles have a reserve fuel tank that allows for some driving distance after the light comes on, the amount of reserve fuel varies between models. It’s best not to push your luck by driving excessively on low fuel. Factors such as driving style, terrain, and traffic conditions can affect fuel consumption. Locate the nearest gas station and refuel your vehicle.
Bonus Tip: Most modern vehicles have a small triangle-shaped arrow located 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, adding a touch of convenience when pulling up to the gas pump.
10. Automatic Shift Lock/Engine Start Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting a foot pressing a brake pedal or the word “SHIFT LOCK,” typically illuminates when you attempt to shift out of “Park” or start your vehicle’s engine without first pressing firmly on the brake pedal. Modern vehicles with automatic transmissions are equipped with a shift lock mechanism as a safety feature to prevent unintentional gear changes, especially when parked on an incline.
What To Do: If you see this symbol, it’s a reminder to ensure your foot is firmly pressing down on the brake pedal before attempting to shift gears out of “Park” or starting the engine. Simply apply firm pressure to the brake pedal, and then you should be able to shift gears or start the ignition as intended. The light should then turn off.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: This straightforward symbol, usually showing a person wearing a seat belt, serves as a visual and auditory reminder for the driver and front-seat passengers to fasten their seat belts. It’s typically accompanied by a repetitive chime or buzzing sound that continues until the seat belts are buckled.
What To Do: The solution is simple and crucial for safety: buckle your seat belt! Seat belts are a primary safety restraint system in vehicles and are proven to significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities in car accidents. According to safety organizations like the CDC, seat belts reduce the risk of serious crash-related injuries by approximately 50%. Ensure that both you and your passengers are properly wearing seat belts whenever the vehicle is in motion.
12. Airbag Warning Light
What It Means: The airbag warning light, often displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a side-view silhouette of a person with a circular airbag deploying in front of them, indicates a problem within the vehicle’s airbag system or Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). This could signal a malfunction in one or more airbags, the airbag sensors, the seat belt pretensioners (which tighten seat belts in a crash), or other components of the SRS.
What To Do: The airbag system is a critical safety feature designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. If the airbag warning light is illuminated, it signifies that the airbag system may not function correctly in a crash, potentially compromising occupant safety. It’s imperative to have your vehicle’s airbag system inspected and repaired by a qualified technician immediately. Do not delay addressing this warning light. Schedule a service appointment at a reputable repair facility to diagnose and rectify the airbag system malfunction, ensuring that this vital safety system is functioning as intended.
13. Security/Anti-theft Light
What It Means: This symbol, often a padlock icon or the word “SECURITY,” is related to your vehicle’s anti-theft or security system. Its behavior can indicate different states of the system:
- Blinking Steadily: When the security light is blinking at regular intervals while the vehicle is parked and turned off, it typically indicates that the vehicle’s anti-theft system is armed and actively monitoring for unauthorized entry or tampering. This is normal operation.
- Solid Illumination and Engine Won’t Start: If the security light is illuminated constantly and the vehicle fails to start, it indicates that the vehicle’s immobilizer system has been activated. This could be triggered by a perceived security threat, such as an attempt to start the car without the correct key or a system malfunction.
- Solid Illumination and Car Running Normally: If the security light remains on constantly while the vehicle is running and operating normally, it suggests a malfunction within the security system itself. In this case, the anti-theft system may not be functioning correctly and might not provide the intended security protection.
What To Do:
- Vehicle Immobilized: If the vehicle is immobilized and the security light is solid, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to deactivate or reset the security system. This often involves using the key fob in a particular way or entering a security code.
- Security System Malfunction: If the security light is solid while driving normally, it’s recommended to have your vehicle’s security system inspected by a qualified technician. A malfunctioning security system may not provide adequate protection against theft and could have other unintended consequences. Addressing the malfunction ensures that your vehicle’s security system is functioning reliably.
14. Fog Light Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, typically showing a headlight symbol with a wavy line passing through a vertical line, indicates that your vehicle’s front fog lights are switched on and currently in operation.
What To Do: Fog lights are designed to enhance visibility in conditions of fog, heavy rain, or snow. They are typically low-mounted and produce a wide, low beam to illuminate the road surface beneath the fog and reduce glare back to the driver. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced, typically to less than 100 yards. Using fog lights in clear weather or normal driving conditions is unnecessary and can actually create glare for other drivers, potentially reducing their visibility and causing annoyance. If you realize your fog lights are on in clear conditions, turn them off using the appropriate switch, usually located on the headlight stalk or dashboard.
15. Washer Fluid Low Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting a windshield with a squirt of fluid and resembling windshield wipers, indicates that your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs to be refilled.
What To Do: When the washer fluid indicator light illuminates, it’s a reminder to replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as it is convenient. Windshield washer fluid is essential for maintaining clear visibility, especially in inclement weather or when encountering road grime and debris. Purchase appropriate windshield washer fluid (suitable for the climate and season) and refill the reservoir, typically located under the hood, usually marked with a windshield washer symbol. Regularly checking and topping off your washer fluid helps ensure you always have clear visibility while driving.
16. Brake System Warning Light
What It Means: The brake system warning light can appear in two common forms: either the word “BRAKE” illuminated in red or a symbol of an exclamation point within a circle, often enclosed in parentheses. This light can indicate a couple of potential issues within the braking system:
- Parking Brake Engaged: Most commonly, this light illuminates when the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged or partially engaged.
- Brake System Problem: If the parking brake is fully released and the light remains on, it signals a more serious issue within the vehicle’s braking system itself. This could be due to low brake fluid level, worn brake pads, a problem with the hydraulic brake system, or other brake component malfunctions.
What To Do:
- Check Parking Brake: First, if the brake warning light is on, immediately check to ensure that your parking brake is fully released. Sometimes, it might be partially engaged without you realizing it. Fully release the parking brake and see if the light turns off.
- Brake System Inspection: If the brake warning light remains illuminated even after fully releasing the parking brake, it indicates a potential problem within the braking system that requires immediate attention. Brake system issues are serious safety concerns. Do not continue driving with a brake system warning light illuminated unless absolutely necessary to move the vehicle to a safe location. In this situation, it is strongly recommended to have your vehicle towed to a qualified repair shop for a thorough brake system inspection and repair. Driving with a brake system malfunction can significantly compromise your ability to stop safely and could lead to brake failure.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: The lane departure warning light, typically depicting a car icon drifting out of lane markings, is associated with modern vehicles equipped with a lane departure warning system. This safety feature uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s position within lane markings on the road. When the system detects that the vehicle is unintentionally drifting out of its lane (without the turn signal being activated), it provides a warning to the driver to correct course. The warning can be visual (illumination of this dashboard light), audible (a beep or chime), or haptic (steering wheel vibration), depending on the vehicle’s system.
What To Do: If the lane departure warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates that the system has detected your vehicle drifting out of its lane. Check your vehicle’s position and steering and make any necessary corrections to steer the vehicle back into the center of the lane. The lane departure warning system is designed to help prevent unintentional lane departures, which can be caused by driver fatigue, distraction, or inattentiveness. However, it’s important to note that the system is not foolproof and is not a substitute for attentive driving. The system may also activate when intentionally changing lanes without using the turn signal.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often displaying a thermometer inside a gear-like icon, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. The transmission is a complex and critical component that enables gear changes and power transfer to the wheels. Overheating of the transmission can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid level, contaminated or old transmission fluid, excessive towing or heavy loads, worn-out transmission components, or problems with the transmission cooling system.
What To Do: A transmission overheating warning light should be taken seriously as excessive heat can cause significant damage to the transmission’s internal components, potentially leading to costly repairs or transmission failure. As soon as it is safe, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road and turn off the engine to allow the transmission to cool down. Wait for a sufficient cooling period before attempting to drive again. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for any specific recommendations related to transmission overheating. It’s advisable to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified transmission specialist or mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose the cause of the overheating. Continuing to drive with a transmission overheating problem can lead to permanent transmission damage. If the warning light persists or reappears quickly after restarting, it’s best to have the vehicle towed to a repair shop to prevent further damage.
Read: Understanding Transmission Repair and Maintenance
Experiencing Car Trouble?
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