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. Show 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?
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:
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 WorkTurn 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.
Engine Temperature Warning Light Indicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. Click
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
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
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.
Transmission Temperature Indicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. Click
Tire Pressure Warning Light Indicator light means the pressure is low in one of your tires. Click
Traction Control Off Indicator light means that the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been deactivated. Click
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
Trailer Tow Hitch Warning Indicator lights mean that the tow hitch is unlocked or that there’s an issue with the lighting system. Click
Traction Control Light Indicator light turns on when the vehicle TCS (traction control system) is activated. Click
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
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
Side Airbag Indicator light means a fault with the side airbag. Click
Reduced Power Warning Indicator light means that the Engine Computer has limited engine power output. Click
Seat Belt Indicator Indicator light means that a seat belt has not been secured for a passenger in the vehicle. Click
Press Clutch Pedal Indicator to push the clutch. Click
Powertrain Fault Indicator light turns on when a powertrain or AWD fault has been detected. Contact your mechanic as soon as possible. Click
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
Press Brake Pedal Indicator to push the brake pedal. Click
Parking Brake Light Indicator light means park brake is on. Click
Overdrive Light Indicator light means that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. Click
Oil Change Reminder Indicator light means that oil life has expired. Click
Master Warning Light Indicator light usually accompanied by another warning light and indicates that one or more warning systems have been detected. Click
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
Icy Road Warning Light Indicator light turns on when the outside air starts to reach freezing temperatures, around 35°F or 3°C. Click
Gas/Fuel Cap Indicator light turns on if the gas/fuel cap is not properly tightened. Click
ESP Fault/Traction Control Malfunction Indicator light means that there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control. Click
Electric Park Brake Indicator light turns on when the electric parking brake has a malfunction. Click
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
Clogged Air Filter Indicator light turns on when there is reduced airflow to the engine. Have the air filter replaced or inspected. Click
Child Safety Lock Indicator light means child safety lock is active. Click
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
Catalytic Converter Warning Indicator light means the catalytic converter is either overheating or not operating as intended. Click
Brake Fluid Indicator light means that the brake fluid level is low. Click
Brake Pad Warning Indicator light means that the brake pads are worn. Click
Brake Lights Warning Indicator light means an exterior brake light bulb is defective. Check the operation of all the exterior brake light bulbs. Click
Automatic Gearbox Warning Indicator light means there’s a gearbox/transmission malfunction. Click
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Indicator light means there may be a malfunction in the ABS system. Click
All Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD) Indicator light turns on when there is a malfunction with the 4WD system. Click
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
Airbag Deactivated Indicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. Click
Adaptive Suspension Dampers Indicator light means there is a need to contact an authorised repairer. Click
4 Wheel Drive (4WD) LOCK Indicator Light Indicator light means that the vehicle’s 4WD Lock mode is activated. Click
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.
Low Beam Indicator Light Indicator light means that the vehicles dipped beam is on. Click
Lamp Out Indicator light means that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly. Click
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
Headlight Range Control Indicator light turns on if there is an issue detected with the headlight range control system. Click
Front Fog Lights Indicator light means front fog lights are turned on. Click
Exterior Light Fault Indicator light means any exterior light on your car isn’t working. Click
Auto High Beam Indicator light means the Auto High Beam system has switched on high beam headlights. Click
Adaptive Light System Indicator light will lit when adaptive headlights are turned on. Click
Side Light Indicator Indicator light will turn on when the normal headlights are in use. Click
Rear Fog Lights Switched On Indicator light means rear fog lights are on. Click
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.
Windshield Defrost Indicator light means that the window defrost is in operation. Click
Washer Fluid Reminder Indicator light indicates if the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty. Fill the washer fluid reservoir. Click
Rear Window Defrost Indicator light means that the rear window defrost is in operation. Click
Low Fuel Level Indicator light means that the car is running low on fuel and will soon need a refill. Click
Key Not in Vehicle Indicator light means the key is not in the car. Click
Hood/Bonnet Open Indicator light means that the car hood is not closed properly. Click
Hazard Lights On Indicator light means hazard lights are turned on. Click
Fan Indicator light means that the internal ventilation/fan is in operation. Click
Door Ajar Indicator light turns on when one or more doors of the car are not shut properly. Click
Direction/Signal Indicators Indicator light means that one of the turn signals (left or right) has been activated. Click
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.
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
Rear Spoiler Warning Indicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. Click
Parking with Park Assist Pilot Indicator light means PAP (Park Assist Pilot) is activated. Click
Lane Departure Warning Indicator light means the vehicle is detected to be moving out of its current lane without signalling. Click
Lane Assist Indicator light turns on when the lane assist system is switched on and road markings can be detected. Click
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
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
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
Forward Collision Warning Indicator light turns on when a potential collision is detected. Click
Eco Driving Indicator Indicator light will turn on when the Eco function is activated. Click
Cruise Control Indicator light means the cruise control system is activated. Click
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
Brake Hold Indicator Light Indicator light means that the brake hold system is functioning properly. Click
Blind Spot Indicator Light Indicator light turns on when a vehicle or obstruction is detected in the blind spot. Click
Auto Windscreen Wiping Indicator light means the windscreen wipers are in operation on Automatic mode. Click
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
Adaptive Cruise Control Indicator light means that the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) is in operation. Click
Winter Mode Indicator light lets you know you’re driving on winter mode. Click
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
Speed Limiter Indicator light means that the speed limiter function is activated. Click
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.
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
Fuel Filter Warning Indicator light means that the diesel fuel filter is full, and needs to be emptied to avoid engine damage. Click
Exhaust Fluid Indicator light means that the diesel exhaust fluid reservoir is low on fluid. Click
AdBlue Tank is Empty Indicator light means you have to fill the tank with more exhaust fluid. Click
AdBlue Malfunction Indicator light means either the AdBlue system is malfunctioning or the system is not filled with the standard liquid. Click
Water Fluid Filter Warning Indicator light means water in fuel filter has reached maximum capacity. Drain the water from filter. Click
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