As an automotive expert at obd-de.com, I understand the slight panic that sets in when a new light illuminates on your car’s dashboard. You’re driving along, perhaps enjoying your favorite tunes, and suddenly, a beep and a symbol you’ve never seen before appear. What does that Light On In My Car mean? Is it serious? Do you need to pull over immediately?
Dashboard symbols are your car’s way of communicating. Some are simple indicators that a system is active, while others are urgent warnings that demand your attention. Understanding these symbols is crucial for every driver to ensure vehicle safety and prevent costly repairs.
Understanding the Language of Your Dashboard: Types and Colors
Not every light on in your car is a cause for alarm. Dashboard symbols can be broadly categorized by their function and color:
- Indicator Lights: These lights often signal that a specific vehicle feature is engaged or functioning. Examples include headlights, turn signals, cruise control, or fog lights.
- Warning Lights: These lights indicate potential problems or malfunctions that require attention. They can range from minor issues to serious problems that need immediate action.
- Information Lights: Some lights simply provide information, such as low fuel level or open door warnings.
The color of the light is just as important as the symbol itself:
- Green or Blue: These colors typically indicate that a system is active and operating normally. For example, your headlights or cruise control indicator might be green or blue.
- Yellow or Amber: These colors signal a potential issue that needs to be addressed soon. It’s a warning that something is not quite right and may require servicing or repair in the near future. Think of it as a “proceed with caution” light.
- Red: Red lights are serious warning signals. They indicate a critical problem that requires immediate attention. A red light often means you should pull over safely as soon as possible to investigate the issue. Ignoring a red light can lead to vehicle damage or safety hazards.
Remember, when you first start your car, it’s normal for many dashboard lights to briefly illuminate as part of a system check. As long as these lights turn off within a few seconds, it indicates that the systems are functioning correctly. However, if a light stays on or illuminates while driving, it’s important to understand what it’s telling you.
To help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of car dashboard symbols, here’s a guide to 18 common warning lights you might see light on in your car:
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 Warning Light 6. Traction Control Malfunction Light 7. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light) 8. Battery Alert Light 9. Low Fuel Indicator Light 10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light 11. Seat Belt Reminder Light 12. Airbag Warning Light 13. Security Indicator Light 14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light 15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light 16. Brake Warning Light 17. Lane Departure Warning Light 18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
1. Oil Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often resembling an old-fashioned oil can, indicates a problem with your car’s oil pressure system. If this light is on in your car, it could mean you are running low on engine oil, or that your oil pump is not effectively circulating oil to lubricate your engine’s components. Some vehicles may display the word “OIL” instead of this symbol.
What To Do: Low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage, making this a critical warning. If you see this light on in your car, safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Wait a few minutes to allow the oil to settle back into the oil pan, then check your oil level using the dipstick.
First, visually inspect around the engine for any obvious oil leaks. Then, carefully remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.
If the oil level is low, adding the correct type of engine oil might resolve the issue, and the light on in your car may turn off. However, if the oil level is sufficient, but the engine sounds unusually noisy, it could indicate a failing oil pump. If the oil level is fine and the engine sounds normal, a faulty oil pressure sensor could be the culprit. In any of these scenarios, it’s essential to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic promptly to diagnose and fix the underlying problem preventing potential engine damage.
Read: How Long Can You Go Without an Oil Change?
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light
What It Means: Often referred to as the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol, this horseshoe-shaped icon with an exclamation point signifies an issue with your tire pressure or the TPMS itself.
If you see this solid light on in your car, it means that one or more of your tires are underinflated or overinflated. Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.
If the TPMS symbol flashes for about a minute to a minute and a half when you start your vehicle and then remains illuminated, even after you’ve ensured your tires are properly inflated, it indicates a malfunction within the TPMS system. This could be due to a problem with one or more of the TPMS sensors located in your wheels.
What To Do: Driving with improper tire pressure is unsafe and can lead to tire damage, reduced fuel economy, and compromised handling. If this light is on in your car, stop at a safe location as soon as possible to check your tire pressures. Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire and inflate or deflate them to the recommended pressure, which is usually found on a sticker inside your driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual.
If the light remains on after adjusting your tire pressure, or if you suspect a TPMS malfunction (flashing light), it’s advisable to have your TPMS system checked by a professional. A malfunctioning TPMS won’t affect your tires’ performance, but it will prevent the system from alerting you to future tire pressure issues.
Read: My TPMS Light Is On: What Does It Mean?
3. Engine Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, resembling a thermometer submerged in liquid waves, is a critical warning indicating that your engine is overheating. This is often related to your engine coolant (antifreeze) system, but can arise from various causes, such as a coolant leak, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty radiator fan. If you see this light on in your car, your engine is getting dangerously hot.
What To Do: Engine overheating can cause significant engine damage, so immediate action is necessary. If this light comes on in your car, your first step should be to try reducing engine load. Turn off your air conditioning, as it puts extra strain on the engine. Then, turn on your heater to the hottest setting and the fan to high. This might seem counterintuitive, but it helps to draw heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment.
If the temperature gauge doesn’t start to move back towards normal within a couple of minutes, or if steam is visible coming from under the hood, pull over to a safe location immediately and turn off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to open the hood. Opening the hood while the engine is extremely hot can be dangerous due to the risk of burns from escaping steam or hot coolant.
While waiting for the engine to cool, plan your next steps. Calling a roadside assistance service is a good option. They can help you determine if the issue is simply low coolant and can potentially top it off, or if the problem requires towing your vehicle to a repair shop.
(Many auto service providers, like Virginia Tire & Auto, offer complimentary roadside assistance coverage with their services, which can be a valuable resource in such situations.)
Read: What Happens When a Car Overheats?
4. Traction Control Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting a car with wavy lines beneath it, signifies that your vehicle’s traction control system is actively engaged. The traction control system is designed to prevent wheelspin, especially on slippery surfaces. It works by using the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to detect if one or more wheels are losing traction and spinning faster than the others. If wheelspin is detected, the system automatically applies brakes to the spinning wheel(s) and may also reduce engine power until traction is regained. This system is particularly beneficial when driving in rain, snow, or on gravel roads.
What To Do: If you see this light on in your car, it simply means the traction control system is working as intended. You can continue driving, but be mindful of the road conditions and drive cautiously, as it indicates that the system is actively helping to maintain traction, likely due to slippery conditions.
5. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
What It Means: The letters “ABS” or the symbol shown above indicate a problem within your car’s Anti-lock Braking System. ABS is a critical safety feature that prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, especially on slippery surfaces. When you brake firmly, ABS modulates the brake pressure, allowing you to maintain steering control and potentially shorten your stopping distance. If the ABS warning light is on in your car, it signifies that some part of the ABS system is malfunctioning.
What To Do: Since ABS is a vital safety system, it’s important to have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. While your regular brakes will still function, the anti-lock function may not be operational. This means in emergency braking situations, especially on slick roads, your wheels could lock up, potentially leading to loss of control. Schedule a service appointment with a qualified mechanic to have your ABS system inspected and repaired to ensure this critical safety feature is functioning correctly.
[Read: How Does the Anti-Lock Braking System Work?](https://vatire.com/car-maintenance-tips/how-does-the-anti-lock braking-system-work/)
6. Traction Control Malfunction Light
What It Means: This light, sometimes the same symbol as the traction control light but often accompanied by the word “OFF” or “!”, indicates a malfunction within your vehicle’s traction control system. It suggests that there might be a faulty sensor, damage to a component, or another issue preventing the traction control system from working properly. In some vehicles, the traction control and ABS systems are linked and share components or control modules. Therefore, this light may sometimes illuminate when there are problems with the ABS as well.
What To Do: While your car will likely still be drivable in normal conditions with this light on in your car, the traction control system may not engage when needed in slippery conditions. This means you might experience wheelspin or loss of traction in rain, snow, or on loose surfaces. It’s recommended to get your vehicle checked by a mechanic soon to diagnose the cause of the malfunction and ensure your traction control system will be operational when you need it, especially before driving in potentially hazardous weather.
7. Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light)
What It Means: The “check engine light,” often represented by an engine-shaped symbol or the words “CHECK ENGINE,” is one of the most ambiguous and potentially concerning lights on in your car. It can illuminate for a wide range of reasons, from minor issues to serious engine problems. A common, less serious cause is a loose, missing, or cracked gas cap, which can cause fuel vapors to escape. However, it can also signal more significant problems like issues with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, ignition system, or even low oil pressure or engine overheating.
What To Do: The appropriate action depends on the behavior of the check engine light. If the check engine light is solid and remains constantly illuminated, but you don’t notice any significant changes in how your car drives – no unusual noises, smells, or performance issues – you can usually continue driving for a short distance, ideally to your home or a trusted mechanic like Virginia Tire & Auto.
However, if the check engine light is red or is flashing, this is a more serious warning. A flashing check engine light often indicates a severe issue that could cause immediate damage to your engine if ignored, such as a misfire. In this case, you should stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
In either situation, it’s crucial to have the check engine light diagnosed and the underlying problem repaired promptly to prevent potential further damage and ensure your vehicle is running efficiently and safely. Modern vehicles store diagnostic trouble codes when the check engine light comes on, which mechanics can read to pinpoint the source of the problem.
Read: Is It Safe to Drive Your Car With the Check Engine Light On?
8. Battery Alert Light
What It Means: This symbol, resembling a car battery, indicates a problem with your vehicle’s charging system. The charging system is responsible for keeping your battery charged while the engine is running and providing power to the electrical components of your car. If this light is on in your car, potential causes include a loose or corroded battery cable, a failing alternator (which charges the battery), or other electrical faults within the system. You might notice symptoms like dimming headlights, a fading clock display, or, in more severe cases, difficulty starting the car.
What To Do: A malfunctioning charging system can lead to a dead battery and leave you stranded. It’s advisable to address this warning light promptly. If you see this light on in your car, have your vehicle’s charging system inspected by a qualified technician. They can diagnose the source of the problem, whether it’s the battery, alternator, wiring, or another component.
If a new battery is needed, consider reputable brands like Interstate Batteries, known for their quality and reliability. Don’t delay getting this checked, as ignoring this light could result in your car not starting, requiring a jump-start to get it to a repair shop.
Read: Why Won’t My Car Start? Troubleshooting the Electrical System
9. Low Fuel Indicator Light
What It Means: This light, usually shaped like a fuel pump, is a straightforward indicator that your vehicle is running low on fuel. When this light comes on in your car, it means you’ve reached a predetermined low fuel level, and it’s time to refuel soon.
What To Do: While most cars have a reserve amount of fuel remaining when this light illuminates, it’s not wise to push your luck and drive too far. Fuel levels can fluctuate, and unexpected traffic or detours could lead to running out of gas. It’s best to stop at the nearest gas station and fill up your tank as soon as you can to avoid the inconvenience of being stranded.
Bonus Tip: Many vehicles have a small triangle or arrow symbol next to the fuel pump icon on your fuel gauge. This arrow indicates which side of your car the fuel tank door is located on – a handy feature when pulling up to a gas pump you’re unfamiliar with!
10. Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting a foot pressing a brake pedal or the word “SHIFT LOCK,” typically illuminates if you are trying to shift out of “Park” or start your engine without pressing the brake pedal firmly enough. Modern automatic transmissions are equipped with a shift lock mechanism for safety, preventing unintentional gear changes.
What To Do: If you see this light on in your car and are having trouble shifting gears or starting the ignition, the solution is simple: ensure you are pressing the brake pedal down firmly. Once you apply sufficient pressure to the brake pedal, you should be able to shift gears or start the engine normally, and the light should turn off.
11. Seat Belt Reminder Light
What It Means: This light, typically showing a person wearing a seatbelt, is a simple reminder to buckle up. It usually activates when the car is started and may be accompanied by an audible chime or dinging sound. It’s designed to remind both the driver and front-seat passengers to fasten their seatbelts.
What To Do: The action required is straightforward: fasten your seatbelt! Seat belts are a primary safety feature in vehicles, and wearing them significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries in the event of a collision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by approximately 50%. Buckling up is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself and your passengers while driving.
12. Airbag Indicator Light
What It Means: The airbag warning light, often displaying the word “AIRBAG” or a symbol of a person with an airbag deploying, signals a problem with your car’s airbag system. This system includes airbags throughout the vehicle and the sensors and control units that deploy them in a collision. If this light is on in your car, it indicates that some part of the airbag system is malfunctioning, which could affect its ability to deploy properly in an accident.
What To Do: Because airbags are a critical safety feature designed to protect occupants in a crash, it is crucial to address this warning light immediately. If you see the airbag warning light illuminated, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. They can diagnose the fault within the airbag system and perform the necessary repairs to ensure your airbags will function correctly when needed. Driving with an airbag warning light on means your airbags may not deploy in a crash, compromising your safety.
13. Security Indicator Light
What It Means: This light, often a padlock symbol or the word “SECURITY,” relates to your vehicle’s anti-theft system. Its behavior can indicate different states of the security system:
- Blinking Steadily: When the security system is armed and active (e.g., after locking your doors with the remote), the light will typically blink steadily to indicate it’s in security mode. This is normal operation.
- Solid and Car Won’t Start: If the light is solid and your car refuses to start, it indicates that the vehicle’s immobilizer system has been activated, possibly due to a perceived security threat or a system malfunction. The immobilizer prevents the engine from starting as an anti-theft measure.
- Solid and Car Running Normally: If the light is solid while the car is running normally, it suggests a malfunction within the security system itself. In this case, the security system may not be functioning correctly and might not protect your vehicle as intended.
What To Do: The action depends on the light’s behavior. If the vehicle is immobilized (solid light and won’t start), consult your owner’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate or reset the security system. This often involves specific key or key fob procedures. If the light is solid and the car is running, or if you experience any issues with your security system, it’s recommended to have it checked by a qualified technician. A malfunctioning security system won’t protect your vehicle from theft as effectively.
14. Fog Lamp Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, showing a headlight with a wavy line through it, indicates that your fog lights are switched on. Fog lights are designed to provide enhanced visibility in foggy conditions, heavy rain, or snow.
What To Do: Fog lights should only be used when visibility is significantly reduced, typically less than 100 yards. Using fog lights in clear weather or normal driving conditions can create glare for other drivers and reduce their visibility. If you notice this light on in your car in clear conditions, simply turn off your fog lights using the appropriate switch, usually located on the headlight stalk or dashboard. Remember to use fog lights responsibly and only when necessary to improve your visibility in poor weather without impairing others.
15. Washer Fluid Indicator Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting a windshield with spray or wavy lines, indicates that your windshield washer fluid reservoir is low and needs refilling. Washer fluid is essential for keeping your windshield clean, especially in adverse weather or when dealing with road grime and insects.
What To Do: When you see this light on in your car, it’s a reminder to replenish your windshield washer fluid as soon as it’s convenient. You can purchase washer fluid at any auto parts store or gas station and easily refill the reservoir, usually located under the hood and marked with a similar symbol to the dashboard light. Maintaining adequate washer fluid is important for maintaining clear visibility while driving, which is crucial for safety.
16. Brake Warning Light
What It Means: The brake warning light, often displaying the word “BRAKE” in red or the symbol shown, can indicate a couple of different scenarios:
- Parking Brake Engaged: Most commonly, this light illuminates when the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged. It’s a reminder to release the parking brake before driving.
- Braking System Issue: If the light remains on even after you’ve disengaged the parking brake, it can signal a more serious problem within your braking system. This could include low brake fluid level, worn brake pads, or other malfunctions in the hydraulic brake system.
What To Do: If you see this light on in your car, first, safely stop and ensure your parking brake is fully released. Try engaging and disengaging the parking brake a few times while the vehicle is in “Park” to make sure it’s not just a sticking parking brake switch. If the light persists after releasing the parking brake, it’s crucial to have your braking system inspected immediately. Driving with a brake system warning light on could be dangerous, as it may indicate reduced braking performance. In this case, it’s recommended to have your car towed to a qualified repair shop for inspection and repair.
17. Lane Departure Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often depicting lane markings with a car drifting out of a lane, indicates that your vehicle is equipped with a lane departure warning system and that the system is currently active or has been triggered. Lane departure warning is a safety feature that uses sensors to monitor your vehicle’s position within lane markings on the road.
What To Do: If this light comes on in your car, it means the lane departure warning system has detected that your vehicle is drifting out of its lane without signaling. It’s a prompt to correct your steering and ensure you are staying within your lane. The system may also produce an audible beep or vibration in the steering wheel as an additional warning. Sometimes, the light may illuminate intentionally when you are purposefully changing lanes and haven’t used your turn signal, as the system interprets this as unintentional lane drift. Lane departure warning is a helpful aid to prevent unintentional lane departures, particularly due to driver fatigue or distraction.
18. Transmission Temperature Warning Light
What It Means: This symbol, often resembling a thermometer in a gear or a gear with an exclamation point, indicates that your vehicle’s transmission is overheating. The transmission is a complex component that can generate heat during operation. Overheating can be caused by various factors, including low transmission fluid, worn-out transmission parts, heavy towing, or demanding driving conditions.
What To Do: Transmission overheating can lead to serious and costly damage to your transmission. If you see this light on in your car, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible and turn off the engine to allow the transmission to cool down. Wait for a significant period before attempting to drive again – at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Before resuming driving, check your transmission fluid level if your vehicle has a transmission fluid dipstick (consult your owner’s manual). If the fluid is low, you may need to add transmission fluid, but it’s best to have the system professionally checked as overheating often indicates a more serious underlying issue. If the light remains on after cooling down, or if it comes back on quickly after you start driving again, it’s advisable to call for roadside assistance and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop to prevent further transmission damage. Addressing transmission overheating promptly can save you from expensive repairs or a complete transmission failure.
Read: Transmission Repair Services
Experiencing Car Trouble?
Dashboard lights are your car’s way of asking for attention. Whether it’s a minor issue indicated by a yellow light or a serious warning signaled by a red light on in your car, addressing these promptly is key to maintaining your vehicle’s health and your safety on the road.
If you’re unsure about a light on in your car or experiencing car trouble, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Virginia Tire & Auto, our expert technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any issue, from routine maintenance like oil changes to complex repairs. We are committed to getting you back on the road safely and with peace of mind. Schedule a visit at one of our conveniently located Virginia Tire & Auto locations today!
