Car Light On Dash: Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights

It’s a familiar scenario for many drivers: you’re driving along, perhaps enjoying your favorite music, when suddenly a beep sounds and a light illuminates on your car’s dashboard. Immediately, questions flood your mind: What does this Car Light On Dash mean? Is it serious? Do I need to pull over?

Dashboard symbols can range from easily recognizable to utterly perplexing. However, knowing the meaning of these “car light on dash” indicators is essential for every vehicle owner. These lights are your car’s way of communicating, alerting you to everything from routine system operations to urgent mechanical issues that demand immediate attention. Understanding them can save you from potential breakdowns and costly repairs.

Decoding the Colors: What Your Car Light on Dash is Telling You

Before diving into specific symbols, it’s important to understand the color-coding system used for your car light on dash. Colors are not arbitrary; they provide an immediate indication of the severity and nature of the issue.

• Green or Blue: These colors are generally good news. A green or blue car light on dash typically indicates that a particular system is active and functioning normally. For example, your headlights or cruise control being engaged.

• Yellow or Amber: A yellow or amber car light on dash is a warning sign. It suggests that something requires attention, but it’s usually not an emergency. These lights often indicate that your vehicle needs servicing soon or that a system is operating outside of its ideal parameters. Think of it as a “heads-up” to get something checked.

• Red: Red car light on dash signals a serious problem that needs immediate action. A red warning light often indicates a safety issue or a critical mechanical malfunction. If you see a red light, it’s crucial to address it promptly to prevent further damage or ensure your safety. In many cases, a red car light on dash means you should pull over safely as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that while this color guide is generally applicable, specific meanings can vary slightly between car manufacturers and models. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the most accurate interpretations of your car light on dash.

18 Essential Car Light On Dash Symbols You Need to Know

To help you navigate the world of dashboard lights, we’ve compiled a list of 18 common car light on dash symbols, categorized for easy understanding.

1. Oil Pressure Warning Light 2. Tire Pressure Warning Light 3. Engine Temperature Warning Light 4. Traction Control Alert 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 Indicator Light 10. Shift Lock Release Indicator 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Alert Light 14. Fog Light Indicator 15. Windshield Washer Fluid Light 16. Brake System Warning Light 17. Lane Departure System Light 18. Transmission Fluid Temperature Light

1. Oil Pressure Warning Light

What It Means: Represented by a symbol resembling an old-fashioned oil can, this red car light on dash indicates a critical issue with your engine’s oil pressure system. This could mean your engine is experiencing low oil levels, or, more seriously, that your oil pump is failing to circulate enough oil to properly 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 and potentially irreversible engine damage due to friction and overheating. This is a red car light on dash that demands immediate attention.

1. Safely Pull Over: As soon as it is safe to do so, pull your vehicle to the side of the road and turn off the engine.
2. Check Oil Level: Wait a few minutes for the oil to settle, then locate and remove the oil dipstick. Wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then remove it again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
3. Inspect for Leaks: Look around and under your vehicle for any signs of oil leaks.
4. Add Oil (If Low): If the oil level is low, and you have extra oil in your car, carefully add oil to bring it to the correct level.
5. Seek Professional Help: If the oil level is adequate, or if the light remains on after adding oil, do not continue driving. Contact roadside assistance or a qualified mechanic to diagnose and repair the issue. It could be a faulty oil pump or pressure sensor, requiring professional intervention.

Driving with low oil pressure can destroy your engine, resulting in extremely expensive repairs or even engine replacement.

2. Tire Pressure Warning Light

What It Means: Often referred to as the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light, this yellow car light on dash is shaped like a horseshoe or a cross-section of a tire with an exclamation point. It signals a problem with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.

• Solid TPMS Light: A continuously illuminated TPMS light usually means that one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated or, less commonly, over-inflated.
• Flashing TPMS Light: If the TPMS light flashes for 60 to 90 seconds upon starting your vehicle and then remains solid, it indicates a malfunction within the TPMS system itself. This could be a sensor issue, even if your tire pressures are currently correct.

What To Do: Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

1. Stop and Check Tire Pressures: As soon as it’s safe, stop your vehicle and manually check the pressure of each tire using a tire pressure gauge. Compare these readings to the recommended tire pressures listed on the sticker typically found on your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
2. Inflate or Deflate Tires: Inflate any under-inflated tires to the recommended pressure. If a tire is over-inflated (which is less common but possible, especially after temperature changes), deflate it slightly.
3. Re-check Light: After adjusting tire pressures, drive for a short distance to see if the light turns off. It may take a few minutes for the TPMS to recalibrate.
4. TPMS System Service (If Flashing): If the TPMS light is flashing, or if it remains on after correctly inflating your tires, you likely have a problem with the TPMS sensors or system. While you can usually drive with a TPMS malfunction, it’s essential to get it checked by a tire service center or mechanic as soon as possible to ensure the system can warn you of future pressure drops.

Driving with improper tire pressure can lead to tire damage, blowouts, reduced fuel economy, and compromised handling.

3. Engine Temperature Warning Light

What It Means: This red car light on dash, often depicted as a thermometer submerged in liquid or as a stylized engine block with temperature lines, signifies that your engine is overheating. Overheating is a serious issue that can be caused by various factors, most commonly related to the engine’s cooling system. These can include low coolant (antifreeze) levels, a coolant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, a broken water pump, or even a clogged radiator.

What To Do: An overheating engine can suffer severe damage very quickly, including warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, and blown head gaskets. Immediate action is critical.

1. Immediate Action – Stop Safely: As soon as you see this red car light on dash, safely pull over to the side of the road and stop the vehicle. Turn off the engine immediately.
2. Turn on Heater (Optional, Initial Response): In the very first moments after noticing the light, and only if safe, you can try turning off your air conditioning and turning your heater to maximum heat and fan speed. This may draw some heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment. However, this is a temporary, minor measure and should not delay pulling over.
3. Do Not Open Hood Immediately: Resist the urge to immediately open the hood. An overheating engine can release scalding steam and coolant, causing serious burns. Wait at least 15-20 minutes for the engine to cool down somewhat before even considering opening the hood.
4. Check Coolant Level (After Cooling): Once the engine has cooled down significantly, carefully and slowly open the hood. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank). Check the coolant level. If it’s visibly low, it could be the primary cause. Never attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot as it is under pressure and can spray boiling coolant.
5. Seek Professional Assistance: Even if the coolant level is low and you can add coolant, overheating can indicate a more serious underlying problem. It’s best to call for roadside assistance or a tow to a qualified repair shop. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle further while it’s overheating.

Driving an overheating car can lead to catastrophic engine damage, requiring extensive and expensive repairs.

4. Traction Control Light

What It Means: This yellow car light on dash, often showing a car with squiggly lines underneath it or the word “TRAC”, indicates that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system is designed to prevent wheel spin and maintain traction, especially on slippery surfaces like wet roads, ice, or snow. When the system detects a wheel losing traction, it automatically applies braking force to that wheel and may also reduce engine power until traction is regained.

What To Do: A flashing traction control light while driving under normal conditions (not on slippery surfaces) can sometimes indicate a malfunction in the system.

1. Normal Operation (Intervention): If the traction control light flashes intermittently, especially while accelerating or cornering on slippery surfaces, it is likely operating as intended. In this case, simply adjust your driving to the conditions – reduce speed and drive cautiously.
2. Continuous Illumination (Potential Issue): If the traction control light remains continuously illuminated, and you are not experiencing slippery conditions, it could indicate a malfunction in the traction control system or a related system like the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
3. Check for Other Warning Lights: Note if any other warning lights are illuminated in conjunction with the traction control light. This can provide clues to the underlying issue.
4. Consult a Mechanic (If Persistent): While a continuously lit traction control light may not always be an immediate emergency, it’s advisable to have your vehicle checked by a mechanic to diagnose and address any potential issues with the traction control or related systems. Driving with a malfunctioning traction control system might compromise stability in slippery conditions.

5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light

What It Means: The ABS warning light, usually displaying the letters “ABS” in yellow or amber, indicates a problem with your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System. The ABS is a critical safety feature that prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control and shorten stopping distances, especially on slippery surfaces. When the ABS warning light is on, it means the ABS system is not functioning correctly and may not activate in an emergency braking situation.

What To Do: While your regular brakes will still function when the ABS light is on, you will lose the benefits of the anti-lock system.

1. Normal Braking Still Possible: Your standard braking system will continue to work, allowing you to stop the vehicle. However, emergency braking might cause wheel lock-up, potentially leading to skidding and loss of control, particularly on slippery surfaces.
2. Avoid Hard Braking (If Possible): Until the ABS is repaired, try to avoid situations where you might need to brake hard. Increase your following distance and anticipate stops earlier.
3. Seek Immediate Service: Because the ABS is a vital safety system, it’s crucial to have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Do not delay getting this checked, especially if you frequently drive in areas with inclement weather or challenging road conditions.

Driving with a malfunctioning ABS system significantly reduces your vehicle’s safety margin in emergency braking situations.

6. Traction Control Malfunction Light

What It Means: This yellow car light on dash is similar in symbol to the standard traction control light but often includes an exclamation point or the word “OFF” or “FAULT”. It indicates a malfunction specifically within the traction control system. In some vehicles, the ABS and traction control systems are interconnected and share sensors and control modules. Therefore, this light can sometimes illuminate due to problems that also affect the ABS, or it can be a distinct issue with the traction control components.

What To Do: When this light is on, your traction control system is likely deactivated and will not assist in maintaining traction on slippery surfaces.

1. Traction Control Disabled: Be aware that your vehicle will not have traction control assistance. Drive cautiously, especially in wet, icy, or snowy conditions. Be gentle with acceleration and braking to avoid wheel spin or skidding.
2. Check for ABS Light: See if the ABS warning light is also illuminated. If both lights are on, it suggests a more general issue with the braking/stability control system.
3. Schedule a Diagnostic Check: While this may not be an immediate emergency in dry, normal driving conditions, it’s important to get the system checked by a mechanic. A malfunctioning traction control system reduces safety in slippery conditions and could indicate a more complex underlying problem.

7. Check Engine Light

What It Means: The check engine light, often depicted as an engine outline or simply the words “CHECK ENGINE” in yellow or amber (or sometimes red), is one of the most ambiguous and potentially concerning car light on dash indicators. It is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II) and can illuminate for a vast range of reasons, from minor and easily rectified issues to serious problems that can cause engine damage.

• Minor Issues: Sometimes, the check engine light can be triggered by something as simple as a loose or missing gas cap, which causes fuel vapors to evaporate and triggers an emissions system warning.
• Serious Issues: In other cases, it can signal significant problems such as engine misfires, catalytic converter failure, issues with oxygen sensors, problems with the mass airflow sensor, or even low oil pressure or overheating (though these often have their own dedicated lights as well).

What To Do: The appropriate action depends on the behavior of the check engine light.

1. Solid Check Engine Light (Non-Flashing): If the check engine light is on and stays solid, but your car seems to be driving normally without any noticeable issues (no strange noises, smells, loss of power, or rough idling), the problem might be less urgent, but still needs attention. You can usually drive cautiously to your home or a nearby repair shop.
   • Check Gas Cap: First, ensure your gas cap is properly tightened. If it was loose, tighten it and drive for a few trips to see if the light turns off. It can take a few driving cycles for the system to reset.
   • Schedule a Scan: If the light persists, schedule a diagnostic scan at an auto parts store or repair shop. They can read the OBD-II trouble codes, which will give you a more specific indication of the problem.
2. Flashing Check Engine Light: A flashing check engine light is a more serious warning. It usually indicates an engine misfire severe enough to potentially damage the catalytic converter. This is an urgent situation.
   • Stop Driving (If Flashing): If the check engine light is flashing, pull over safely as soon as possible and stop driving. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light can cause significant damage to your engine and emissions system.
   • Towing Recommended: It’s generally recommended to have your vehicle towed to a repair shop when the check engine light is flashing.

It’s crucial to address a check engine light promptly. Ignoring it, especially a flashing light, can lead to more extensive and expensive repairs down the road.

8. Battery Warning Light

What It Means: The battery warning light, typically represented by a symbol that looks like a car battery (a rectangle with positive and negative terminals), is usually red and indicates a problem with your vehicle’s charging system. This light does not necessarily mean there’s something wrong with the battery itself, but rather that the battery is not being properly charged while the engine is running. Common causes include a faulty alternator, a loose or corroded battery cable, a broken serpentine belt (which drives the alternator), or other electrical system issues.

What To Do: When the battery light is illuminated, your car is running solely on the battery’s stored charge. Eventually, the battery will be depleted, and your car will stall and stop running.

1. Electrical System Drain: You may notice other electrical symptoms, such as dimming headlights, fading interior lights, slow power windows, or the car struggling to start.
2. Minimize Electrical Load: To conserve battery power, turn off unnecessary electrical accessories like the radio, air conditioning, and any auxiliary lights.
3. Drive Directly to Service (If Close): If you are close to your home or a trusted repair shop, you might be able to drive there directly. However, be aware that your car could stall at any time.
4. Risk of Stalling: Be prepared for the car to potentially stall, especially if the light has been on for a while or if you notice electrical systems weakening.
5. Professional Diagnosis Needed: The battery warning light requires professional diagnosis to pinpoint the exact cause (alternator, cables, etc.). Have your vehicle checked by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid being stranded.

Ignoring the battery warning light can lead to your car completely losing power and leaving you stranded.

9. Low Fuel Indicator Light

What It Means: The low fuel indicator light, usually shaped like a fuel pump icon and often yellow or amber, is straightforward: it means your vehicle is running low on fuel and you need to refuel soon. The exact amount of fuel remaining when this light comes on varies by vehicle make and model, but it’s typically around 1-2 gallons (or enough for roughly 30-50 miles of driving under normal conditions).

What To Do:

1. Refuel Soon: The primary action is to refuel your vehicle as soon as reasonably possible. Locate the nearest gas station and fill up your tank.
2. Don’t Push Your Luck: While you may have a bit of range left after the light comes on, it’s not advisable to push it too far. Fuel gauges can be inaccurate, and driving with very low fuel can potentially damage your fuel pump as it may start drawing air and sediment from the bottom of the tank.
3. Fuel Tank Side Indicator: Most modern vehicles have a small arrow or triangle symbol next to the fuel pump icon on the fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your car the fuel filler door is located on – a helpful feature when pulling into a gas station you’re unfamiliar with.

Running out of fuel completely can be inconvenient and, in some situations, dangerous. It’s best to treat the low fuel light as a prompt to refuel promptly.

10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light

What It Means: This car light on dash, often depicted as a foot pressing a brake pedal or a key symbol, usually appears briefly and is related to starting your car or shifting out of “Park” (P) in an automatic transmission vehicle. It indicates that you need to press the brake pedal to either start the engine or to shift out of the “Park” position. This is a safety feature to prevent the car from accidentally moving when starting or shifting gears.

What To Do:

1. Press Brake Pedal: If this light is illuminated and you are trying to start the car or shift out of “Park”, simply press the brake pedal firmly.
2. Start Engine/Shift Gears: While holding the brake pedal down, attempt to start the engine or shift the gear selector. The light should turn off, and you should be able to proceed.
3. Normal Operation: This light is typically part of normal vehicle operation and not a warning of a problem. It’s a reminder to engage the brake for starting and shifting in automatics.

11. Seat Belt Reminder Light

What It Means: The seat belt reminder light, usually showing a person wearing a seat belt in red, is a straightforward safety reminder. It illuminates, often accompanied by an audible chime or beep, to remind the driver and sometimes front passenger to fasten their seat belts.

What To Do:

1. Fasten Seat Belts: The immediate action is to fasten your seat belt and ensure that any front-seat passengers also buckle up.
2. Light and Chime Stop: Once the seat belts are properly fastened, the light and any accompanying chime should turn off.
3. Safety Feature: This is a simple but crucial safety feature. Always wear your seat belt and ensure your passengers do too. Seat belts significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in a car accident.

12. Airbag Warning Light

What It Means: The airbag warning light, often displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a symbol of a person sitting with a deployed airbag in yellow or amber (or sometimes red), indicates a problem with your vehicle’s airbag system. This system includes airbags throughout the car, seat belt pretensioners, and the sensors and control modules that manage them. When this light is on, it means that one or more components of the airbag system may not function properly in a crash.

What To Do: The airbag system is a critical safety feature, and a malfunction can compromise occupant protection in an accident.

1. Potential Airbag Malfunction: When the airbag warning light is on, it could mean that airbags might not deploy in a collision, or in some cases, they could deploy unexpectedly.
2. Immediate Service Recommended: It’s crucial to have your vehicle’s airbag system diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Do not delay getting this checked.
3. Safety Risk: Driving with an airbag warning light illuminated means that your vehicle may not provide the intended level of protection in a crash.

13. Security Alert Light

What It Means: The security indicator light, often depicted as a padlock symbol or a car silhouette with a key or padlock, relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft or security system. Its behavior can indicate different states of the system:

• Blinking Light (Normal): A steadily blinking security light when the vehicle is off and locked usually indicates that the anti-theft system is armed and actively monitoring for unauthorized entry. This is normal operation.
• Solid Light, Car Won’t Start (Immobilization): If the security light is solid and the car refuses to start, it often means the immobilizer system has been activated. This could be due to a perceived security threat (attempted theft) or a system malfunction.
• Solid Light, Car Running Normally (Malfunction): If the security light is solid while the car is running normally, it suggests a malfunction within the security system itself.

What To Do:

1. Blinking (Normal): No action is needed for a normal, blinking security light when the car is locked.
2. Solid, No Start (Immobilization):
   • Consult Owner’s Manual: Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on deactivating the immobilizer system. This often involves using the key fob in a particular way or entering a security code.
   • Check Key Fob: Ensure your key fob battery is not dead or weak.
   • Professional Help: If you cannot disarm the immobilizer, you may need to contact a locksmith or your dealership for assistance.
3. Solid, Car Running (Malfunction): If the security light is continuously on while driving, it indicates a malfunction in the security system that needs to be diagnosed and repaired to ensure the system functions correctly for theft protection.

14. Fog Light Indicator Light

What It Means: The fog light indicator light, usually green or amber and showing a headlight symbol with a wavy vertical line through it, indicates that your vehicle’s fog lights are turned on. Fog lights are designed to provide improved visibility in foggy or heavy rain conditions by projecting a wide, low beam of light that cuts under the fog and illuminates the road surface.

What To Do:

1. Fog Lights On (Indicated): This light simply confirms that your fog lights are currently active.
2. Use Only in Low Visibility: Fog lights should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced due to fog, heavy rain, snow, or dust. Using fog lights in clear conditions can create glare for other drivers and is often illegal.
3. Turn Off When Visibility Improves: Remember to turn off your fog lights when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.

15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light

What It Means: The washer fluid indicator light, often depicting a windshield with a squirt of fluid or wavy lines and sometimes the word “WASHER FLUID” in yellow or amber, is a simple reminder that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs to be refilled.

What To Do:

1. Refill Washer Fluid: The action is straightforward: replenish your windshield washer fluid reservoir. You can purchase washer fluid at any auto parts store or gas station.
2. Importance of Washer Fluid: Maintaining adequate washer fluid is important for keeping your windshield clean, especially in dirty or inclement weather conditions, which is crucial for visibility and safe driving.

16. Brake System Warning Light

What It Means: The brake system warning light is usually red and can appear in two main forms:

• “BRAKE” Text: The word “BRAKE” illuminated in red.
• Exclamation Point in Circle: A red exclamation point enclosed in a circle, sometimes with parentheses around it.

This red car light on dash can indicate a few different brake-related issues:

• Parking Brake Engaged: Most commonly, it means the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged or partially engaged.
• Low Brake Fluid: It can also signal low brake fluid level in the master cylinder.
• Brake System Problem: In some cases, it can indicate a more serious problem within the braking system itself.

What To Do:

1. Check Parking Brake First: The first and easiest thing to check is whether your parking brake is engaged. Ensure it is fully released.
2. Test Parking Brake: Try setting and releasing the parking brake fully a few times to make sure it’s not sticking or partially engaged.
3. Check Brake Fluid Level (If Light Persists): If the light remains on after releasing the parking brake, and if you are comfortable doing so, carefully check your brake fluid reservoir level (usually under the hood, a translucent container). If it’s visibly low, it could be the cause. However, low brake fluid usually indicates a leak in the brake system, which needs professional attention.
4. Seek Immediate Service (If Light Persists): If the light stays on even after releasing the parking brake, and especially if you suspect low brake fluid or any other brake system issue, it’s crucial to have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic immediately. Do not drive with a persistent brake warning light, as it could indicate a serious safety risk. If necessary, have the vehicle towed to a repair shop.

Brake system problems are serious safety hazards and must be addressed promptly.

17. Lane Departure Warning Light

What It Means: The lane departure warning light, often green or amber and showing lane markings with a car drifting out of the lane, indicates the status of your vehicle’s lane departure warning system. This system uses sensors (cameras or lasers) to monitor your vehicle’s position within lane markings on the road.

• Green Light (System Active): A green lane departure warning light usually means the system is active and ready to warn you if you start to drift out of your lane unintentionally.
• Amber/Yellow Light (Warning or System Issue): An amber or yellow light may indicate that the system has detected a lane departure and issued a warning (often a beep or steering wheel vibration). It could also indicate a temporary issue with the system, such as sensors being obscured by dirt or snow, or the system being temporarily disabled.

What To Do:

1. Green Light (Normal): If the light is green, the system is active and functioning normally. No action is needed.
2. Amber/Yellow Light – Correct Steering: If the light is amber or yellow and accompanied by a warning, gently correct your steering to bring your vehicle back into the lane. The system is alerting you that you are drifting out of your lane.
3. Check System Status (If Persistent Amber): If the amber/yellow light persists without you drifting lanes, check your vehicle’s settings to ensure the lane departure warning system is still enabled. If it is enabled and the light remains on, there might be a temporary sensor obstruction or a system malfunction that might require service if it becomes persistent. Sometimes heavy rain, snow, or dirt on sensors can temporarily affect system performance.

18. Transmission Fluid Temperature Light

What It Means: The transmission fluid temperature warning light, often depicted as a gear symbol with a thermometer inside it or wavy lines indicating heat, is usually red or amber. It signifies that the fluid in your automatic transmission is overheating. Overheating transmission fluid can lead to serious transmission damage. Causes can include low transmission fluid level, heavy towing, hard driving, worn transmission components, or issues with the transmission cooler.

What To Do: An overheated transmission is a serious issue that requires prompt attention.

1. Stop Safely and Immediately: As soon as you see this car light on dash, safely pull over to the side of the road and stop your vehicle. Turn off the engine.
2. Allow Transmission to Cool: Let the transmission cool down for at least 20-30 minutes. Do not attempt to drive immediately.
3. Check Transmission Fluid Level (If You Know How and Vehicle Permits): Some vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick (check your owner’s manual). If yours does, and you know how to check it, carefully check the fluid level after the transmission has cooled somewhat. Low fluid can be a cause of overheating. Note: Many modern vehicles have sealed transmissions without a dipstick, in which case you cannot easily check the fluid level.
4. Seek Professional Service: Even if the light goes off after cooling down, transmission overheating is a sign of a potential problem. It’s essential to have your transmission system diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause of overheating and prevent further damage. If the light persists or comes back on quickly after restarting, towing the vehicle to a repair shop is recommended.

Driving with an overheated transmission can cause severe and costly damage to the transmission.

Still Seeing a Car Light on Dash You Don’t Recognize?

This guide covers many of the most common car light on dash symbols, but vehicle dashboards can vary, and new symbols are introduced as car technology evolves. If you encounter a car light on dash that you don’t recognize or are unsure about its meaning, the best course of action is always to:

1. Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual is the definitive guide to all the symbols and warning lights specific to your car model. It will provide detailed explanations and recommended actions.
2. Contact a Trusted Mechanic or Dealership: If you are still unsure after consulting your manual, or if the light indicates a potentially serious issue, contact a qualified mechanic or your car dealership’s service department for diagnosis and repair.

Understanding your car light on dash is a key part of responsible vehicle ownership. By knowing what these symbols mean and taking appropriate action, you can ensure your safety, maintain your vehicle’s health, and avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.