What is signal light in car?

It’s important to pay attention to car dashboard warning lights because they can help you avoid a car breakdown, keep you safe on the road and potentially save you an expensive repair bill.

If a red or orange warning light appears on your dashboard, don’t ignore it. Instead, pull over somewhere safe and look up what it means in your owner’s manual. If you’re not sure what the problem is, ask your NRMA mobile mechanic or vehicle manufacturer for advice.

If a light momentarily illuminates then disappears, there may not be a problem, but it is a good idea to get it checked out by our mobile mechanics for peace of mind.

What are the most common car dashboard warning lights?

What is signal light in car?

  1. Fog light (front)

  2. Power steering warning light

  3. Fog light (rear)

  4. Washer fluid low

  5. Brake pad warning

  6. Cruise control on

  7. Direction indicators

  8. Rain and light sensor

  9. Winter mode

  10. Information indicator

  11. Glow plug/diesel pre-heat warning

  12. Frost warning

  13. Ignition switch warning

  14. Key not in vehicle

  15. Key fob battery low

  16. Distance warning

  17. Press clutch pedal

  18. Press brake pedal

  19. Steering lock warning

  20. Main beam headlights

  21. Tyre pressure low

  22. Sidelight information

  23. Exterior light fault

  24. Brake lights warning

  25. Diesel particulate filter warning

  26. Trailer tow hitch warning

  27. Air suspension warning

  28. Lane departure warning

  29. Catalytic converter warning

  30. Seat belt not on

  31. Parking brake light

  32. Battery/alternator warning

  33. Parking assist

  34. Service required

  35. Adaptive lighting

  36. Headlight range control

  37. Rear spoiler warning

  38. Convertible roof warning

  39. Airbag warning

  40. Handbrake warning

  41. Water in filter

  42. Airbag deactivated

  43. Fault problem

  44. Dipped beam headlights

  45. Dirty air filter

  46. Eco driving indicator

  47. Hill descent control

  48. Temperature warning

  49. ABS warning

  50. Fuel filter warning

  51. Door open

  52. Bonnet open

  53. Low fuel

  54. Automatic gearbox warning

  55. Speed limiter

  56. Suspension dampers

  57. Oil pressure low

  58. Windscreen defrost

  59. Boot open

  60. Stability control off

  61. Rain sensor

  62. Engine/emissions warning

  63. Rear window defrost

  64. Auto windscreen wiping

Stay safe on the roads and catch any issues as soon as possible, if you are unsure it's always safer to ask a professional.

How do I reset my dashboard warning lights?

While DIY engine code scanners are available, simply removing persistent dashboard warning lights only treats the symptom and not the cause.

Your car has been built with sensors to identify faults that range from mild to potentially catastrophic, so if you find a dashboard warning light keeps returning, it is likely indicative of a larger problem.

Our mobile mechanics can repair electrical systems and clear engine codes on most makes, including Toyota and Mazda dashboard warning lights.

A requirement for all automakers is to equip each vehicle with proper, standard lighting. Every vehicle is equipped with several lighting systems including:

  • Headlights
  • Taillights and brake lights
  • Corner marker lights
  • Hazard or warning lights
  • Turn signal lights

Turn signal lights are important for the safe operation of your vehicle. They indicate your intentions to change lanes, turn a corner, or pull over to the roadside. While not everyone uses their turn signals as regularly as they should, their usage dramatically reduces the number of accidents and driver errors.

How Car Turn Signals Work

Turn signals require electrical power in order to illuminate the turn signal light bulbs. The circuit is protected by a fuse in the power junction block in case of an electrical fault. When the turn signal lever is activated in either direction, a circuit is completed that allows power to flow to the front and rear turn signal lights on the selected side.

When the signal lights are turned on, they are not illuminated constantly. They flash in a rhythmic pattern to draw the attention of other motorists and indicate your intention. This is achieved by routing the power to the turn signals through a flasher or module that sends pulses of power to the lights instead of a steady stream.

When you complete your turn and turn the steering wheel back to center, a cam on the steering column catches on the turn signal lever and cancels the turn signal operation. If the cancel cam on your steering column is broken or you only take a slight turn, the signals may not cancel on their own and you will need to turn the signals off by moving the signal lever on your own. Make sure to get your turn signal fixed as soon as possible.

Check your car’s dashboard lighting as it is essential to identify your car’s potential problem, safety issues or immediate failure points.

What is signal light in car?

Engine Temperature Warning Light

Indicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. Click

What is signal light in car?

Battery Charge Warning Light

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Indicator light means loss of oil pressure, meaning lubrication is low or lost completely. Immediately check the oil level and pressure. Click

What is signal light in car?

Brake Warning Light

Indicator 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). Click

Your vehicle’s dashboard light plays an important role. These lights indicate an issue with your car that needs either an immediate action or checking.

What is signal light in car?

Transmission Temperature

Indicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. Click

What is signal light in car?

Tire Pressure Warning Light

Indicator light means the pressure is low in one of your tires. Click

What is signal light in car?

Traction Control Off

Indicator light means that the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been deactivated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Steering Wheel Lock

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Trailer Tow Hitch Warning

Indicator lights mean that the tow hitch is unlocked or that there’s an issue with the lighting system. Click

What is signal light in car?

Traction Control Light

Indicator light turns on when the vehicle TCS (traction control system) is activated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Service Vehicle Soon

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Security Alert

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Side Airbag

Indicator light means a fault with the side airbag. Click

What is signal light in car?

Reduced Power Warning

Indicator light means that the Engine Computer has limited engine power output. Click

What is signal light in car?

Seat Belt Indicator

Indicator light means that a seat belt has not been secured for a passenger in the vehicle. Click

What is signal light in car?

Press Clutch Pedal

Indicator to push the clutch. Click

What is signal light in car?

Powertrain Fault

Indicator light turns on when a powertrain or AWD fault has been detected. Contact your mechanic as soon as possible. Click

What is signal light in car?

Power Steering Warning Light

Indicator light turns on if there is an issue with the power steering system, and will be disabled until fixed. Click

What is signal light in car?

Press Brake Pedal

Indicator to push the brake pedal. Click

What is signal light in car?

Parking Brake Light

Indicator light means park brake is on. Click

What is signal light in car?

Overdrive Light

Indicator light means that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. Click

What is signal light in car?

Oil Change Reminder

Indicator light means that oil life has expired. Click

What is signal light in car?

Master Warning Light

Indicator light usually accompanied by another warning light and indicates that one or more warning systems have been detected. Click

What is signal light in car?

Information Warning Light

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Icy Road Warning Light

Indicator light turns on when the outside air starts to reach freezing temperatures, around 35°F or 3°C. Click

What is signal light in car?

Gas/Fuel Cap

Indicator light turns on if the gas/fuel cap is not properly tightened. Click

What is signal light in car?

ESP Fault/Traction Control Malfunction

Indicator light means that there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control. Click

What is signal light in car?

Electric Park Brake

Indicator light turns on when the electric parking brake has a malfunction. Click

What is signal light in car?

Distance Warning

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Clogged Air Filter

Indicator light turns on when there is reduced airflow to the engine. Have the air filter replaced or inspected. Click

What is signal light in car?

Child Safety Lock

Indicator light means child safety lock is active. Click

What is signal light in car?

Check 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Catalytic Converter Warning

Indicator light means the catalytic converter is either overheating or not operating as intended. Click

What is signal light in car?

Brake Fluid

Indicator light means that the brake fluid level is low. Click

What is signal light in car?

Brake Pad Warning

Indicator light means that the brake pads are worn. Click

What is signal light in car?

Brake Lights Warning

Indicator light means an exterior brake light bulb is defective. Check the operation of all the exterior brake light bulbs. Click

What is signal light in car?

Automatic Gearbox Warning

Indicator light means there’s a gearbox/transmission malfunction. Click

What is signal light in car?

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Indicator light means there may be a malfunction in the ABS system. Click

What is signal light in car?

All Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD)

Indicator light turns on when there is a malfunction with the 4WD system. Click

What is signal light in car?

Airbag Indicator

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Airbag Deactivated

Indicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. Click

What is signal light in car?

Adaptive Suspension Dampers

Indicator light means there is a need to contact an authorised repairer. Click

What is signal light in car?

4 Wheel Drive (4WD) LOCK Indicator Light

Indicator light means that the vehicle’s 4WD Lock mode is activated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Air Suspension

Indicator light means that there is a problem with the air suspension bags, likely due to a leak or inflation issue. Click

Vehicle lighting symbols are connected to your car’s lighting system. These symbols are usually blue, green, or yellow in colour.

What is signal light in car?

Low Beam Indicator Light

Indicator light means that the vehicles dipped beam is on. Click

What is signal light in car?

Lamp Out

Indicator light means that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly. Click

What is signal light in car?

High Beam Light Indicator

Indicator light means your car’s high beam headlights are on, or if the high beam flash function is used. Click

What is signal light in car?

Headlight Range Control

Indicator light turns on if there is an issue detected with the headlight range control system. Click

What is signal light in car?

Front Fog Lights

Indicator light means front fog lights are turned on. Click

What is signal light in car?

Exterior Light Fault

Indicator light means any exterior light on your car isn’t working. Click

What is signal light in car?

Auto High Beam

Indicator light means the Auto High Beam system has switched on high beam headlights. Click

What is signal light in car?

Adaptive Light System

Indicator light will lit when adaptive headlights are turned on. Click

What is signal light in car?

Side Light Indicator

Indicator light will turn on when the normal headlights are in use. Click

What is signal light in car?

Rear Fog Lights Switched On

Indicator light means rear fog lights are on. Click

What is signal light in car?

Rain and Light Sensor

Indicator light means there is an issue with the sensor system. The wipers and lights will not function automatically. Click

To avoid future problems with your car it is important to check not just the warning lights but also the common vehicle lights.

What is signal light in car?

Windshield Defrost

Indicator light means that the window defrost is in operation. Click

What is signal light in car?

Washer Fluid Reminder

Indicator light indicates if the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty. Fill the washer fluid reservoir. Click

What is signal light in car?

Rear Window Defrost

Indicator light means that the rear window defrost is in operation. Click

What is signal light in car?

Low Fuel Level

Indicator light means that the car is running low on fuel and will soon need a refill. Click

What is signal light in car?

Key Not in Vehicle

Indicator light means the key is not in the car. Click

What is signal light in car?

Hood/Bonnet Open

Indicator light means that the car hood is not closed properly. Click

What is signal light in car?

Hazard Lights On

Indicator light means hazard lights are turned on. Click

What is signal light in car?

Fan

Indicator light means that the internal ventilation/fan is in operation. Click

What is signal light in car?

Door Ajar

Indicator light turns on when one or more doors of the car are not shut properly. Click

What is signal light in car?

Direction/Signal Indicators

Indicator light means that one of the turn signals (left or right) has been activated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Car on Ramp

Indicator light means that the vehicle is on a ramp/jack system. Click

The 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.

What is signal light in car?

Recirculated Cabin Air

Indicator light means that the vehicle’s ventilation system is recirculating air from within the vehicle, suitable when particularly cold outside. Click

What is signal light in car?

Rear Spoiler Warning

Indicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. Click

What is signal light in car?

Parking with Park Assist Pilot

Indicator light means PAP (Park Assist Pilot) is activated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Lane Departure Warning

Indicator light means the vehicle is detected to be moving out of its current lane without signalling. Click

What is signal light in car?

Lane Assist

Indicator light turns on when the lane assist system is switched on and road markings can be detected. Click

What is signal light in car?

Key Fob Battery Low

Indicator light lets you know when your key fob battery needs to be changed and replaced, so you can continue using the remote. Click

What is signal light in car?

Ignition Switch Warning

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Hill Descent Control

Indicator light turns on when the system is activated and helps you maintain a specific speed while driving down a hill. Click

What is signal light in car?

Forward Collision Warning

Indicator light turns on when a potential collision is detected. Click

What is signal light in car?

Eco Driving Indicator

Indicator light will turn on when the Eco function is activated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Cruise Control

Indicator light means the cruise control system is activated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Convertible Roof Warning Light

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Brake Hold Indicator Light

Indicator light means that the brake hold system is functioning properly. Click

What is signal light in car?

Blind Spot Indicator Light

Indicator light turns on when a vehicle or obstruction is detected in the blind spot. Click

What is signal light in car?

Auto Windscreen Wiping

Indicator light means the windscreen wipers are in operation on Automatic mode. Click

What is signal light in car?

Automatic 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Adaptive Cruise Control

Indicator light means that the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) is in operation. Click

What is signal light in car?

Winter Mode

Indicator light lets you know you’re driving on winter mode. Click

What is signal light in car?

Start/Stop Warning Light

Indicator light turns on to inform the driver that Intelligent Stop / Start system is active and the engine has been shut down. Click

What is signal light in car?

Speed Limiter

Indicator light means that the speed limiter function is activated. Click

What is signal light in car?

Seat Temperature

Indicator light means that the air flow is distributed between front side window, windscreen and footwell de-misting vents. Click

One 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.

What is signal light in car?

Glow Plug Indicator

Indicator 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. Click

What is signal light in car?

Fuel Filter Warning

Indicator light means that the diesel fuel filter is full, and needs to be emptied to avoid engine damage. Click

What is signal light in car?

Exhaust Fluid

Indicator light means that the diesel exhaust fluid reservoir is low on fluid. Click

What is signal light in car?

AdBlue Tank is Empty

Indicator light means you have to fill the tank with more exhaust fluid. Click

What is signal light in car?

AdBlue Malfunction

Indicator light means either the AdBlue system is malfunctioning or the system is not filled with the standard liquid. Click

What is signal light in car?

Water Fluid Filter Warning

Indicator light means water in fuel filter has reached maximum capacity. Drain the water from filter. Click

What is signal light in car?

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What is signal light in car?

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What is signal light in car?

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, a dashboard lights warning is a driver’s worst nightmare. First of all, it just pops on. No explanation whatsoever. Read more

What is signal light in car?

Is Your Check Engine Light Flashing on the Dashboard?

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What is signal light in car?

What 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 more

What is signal light in car?

Can You Drive a Car with the Check Engine Light On?

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What is signal light in car?

What is signal light in car?

  • Alerts you when your car is sick and tells you how serious it is
  • Helps you drive smarter and spend up to 30% less on fuel
  • Free App + easy self-install + no tools needed

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