Crawford’s Auto Repair offers a free warning light code scan and affordable inspection for customers from Chandler, Gilbert, and nearby areas. Use this dashboard indicator light guide below to discover what to do if a particular light illuminates.
Schedule An AppointmentDo you have a warning light illuminated on your dashboard? Then bring your vehicle to Crawford's Auto Repair for a free code scan and affordable diagnosis. We'll treat your vehicle as if it belonged to our own mother and we never try to sell unnecessary repairs. Quality You Can Trust! Call 480-201-0740 to schedule an appointment.
Dashboard Indicator Light Guide – What Should I do if the __ light comes On?
Your vehicle has numerous dashboard indicator lights or warning lights. Each of them is connected to a sensor or multiple sensors somewhere in the vehicle to help monitor vehicle systems. Use this dashboard indicator light guide to discover what to do if a warning light illuminates or bring your vehicle to the shop for a free warning light code scan and affordable diagnosis.
The actual lights that you have and the number that you have will depend on the make and model of the vehicle. We’ve tried to make a decent collection for this page so that we can describe the important ones, what they mean and what you should do if they are illuminated. Another resource is Lesson 3 of our Beginner’s Guide To Auto Repair & Maintenance. You can access the guide online or download our free ebook.
More precisely for your vehicle, you can also reference the owner’s manual which will list the exact lights that you have and what they are indicating when they are illuminated. You can see all the lights of your dashboard by inserting your key and turning it to the “on” position without starting the engine.
Dashboard lights can be different colors, including red, orange, yellow, green or blue. Traditionally a red indicator light signifies an emergency or something that needs to be addressed quickly. But that’s not a universal light design, and for some lights it depends on the situation. Here are some reasons why the “red means stop” rule can get confusing:
- The same indicator light which is red in one make and model could be orange or even yellow in another make and model. The severity is the same.
- Some red lights should be addressed before you keep driving, but you don’t necessarily have to take the vehicle to the auto repair shop. It may be something that can be fixed safely while you’re driving. For example, the seat belt warning light means you need to put on your seat belt, so do it.
- Even within the same colors, they can range in severity. For example, the low coolant light and the low window washer fluid light can both be orange or yellow. The majority of the time the low coolant light would be a much more pressing issue, but the exception is the window washer fluid becomes extremely important if your windshield is so dirty that there is no visibility while you’re driving.
- There are plenty of orange or yellow lights that are just indicators, not warnings. They just tell you that something is on, which doesn’t need servicing.
In other words, no matter what color they are, you should be familiar with the lights that are emergencies, lights that are not emergencies but still urgent, lights that mean routine maintenance, and lights that you can fix on your own. Your owner’s manual is the best place to discover that for your particular vehicle. This page is also a good reference, although it is informative only. For additional reference DriveMag has a list of 64 symbols.
Dashboard Warning Lights That Mean Stop Driving Right Now!
If you see a low oil pressure light, temperature light, brake light or battery light illuminated while driving then you should pull over as safely and as quickly as possible. These are the most urgent of all dashboard lights. Pictures of them and their variations are below. Here are some rules of thumb or tricks that might help you to be safe:
- If it has an oil can, thermometer, temperature gauge, battery, an exclamation point (!), “oil” or “brake” then pull over safely and check the owners manual. There may be less urgent lights that have some of these symbols but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- If it helps to you remember, think of Aladdin’s Lamp for the oil can and a sail boat for the thermometer. (Sometimes it helps to remember by association).
- This is the only list that you have to memorize for safety. The rest you can keep driving and refer to the owner’s manual when you get a chance.
If you memorize nothing else, memorize these four or their equivalent indicated in your owner’s manual. If they illuminate while you’re driving then pull over safely and quickly:
Low Oil Pressure Light
This light may appear briefly right when you turn on the engine. That’s OK. If it illuminates while you are driving then the oil pressure has fallen below a safe limit. It means your engine is not getting lubricated properly and continuing to drive could do serious damage up to and including the need to replace the entire engine.
If this light illuminates while driving then pull over as safely and as soon as possible. Turn the engine off. Consult the owner’s manual for further instructions and have the vehicle towed to the shop.
Temperature Light (Hot Engine Temperature Light)
If this light is blue don’t worry about it. But if it’s red, orange or yellow it indicates that the cooling system is failing and that the engine is running hotter than normal limits. It can literally melt itself out of shape if you keep driving. You can possibly buy yourself a little bit of time by turning on the heater; this may seem counter intuitive but it diverts some spare coolant back to the engine which is why it helps. Still, you need to pull over safely as soon as possible and have the vehicle towed to the shop.
If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere and you don’t have roadside assistance, then you could try waiting for the engine to cool, adding some coolant and water to the radiator (or just water if that’s all you have) and restarting the engine to drive it to a shop. (Do NOT open the radiator while it’s hot!) Really it’s better and safer to just have it towed.
Brake Light
If the parking brake is disengaged and you see the brake light illuminate while you’re driving then you should assume you don’t have brakes. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. If the brakes really aren’t working then try pumping the brake pedal multiple times and it may slow the vehicle or you may have to coast to a stop. If your emergency brake is a handle between the driver and passenger seats you can also try lifting the handle firmly with the button pressed, but try not to release the button until you’ve come to a full stop. You can also try shifting to a lower gear to slow the vehicle (which is easier if you drive a manual transmission, yet automatic transmissions have some options as well for shifting down).
If the regular brakes share this light with the parking brake then make sure the parking brake is disengaged before leaving the driveway. The parking brake and Anti-Lock Brake system may have their own lights. Some of these variations are described in more detail below. They are not as serious as the regular brake light, but they should also be checked soon.
Charging System Light
This light could become an emergency real soon, the engine could stop on it’s own at any time, but with this one you have a little more time than the ones above. If it illuminates while driving then turn off all electronic accessories (AC, heater, unnecessary lights, radio, disconnect phone chargers, etc.) and pull over safely. It’s even more of an emergency at night when you could loose headlights. The temperature light may also come on at the same time.
This light indicates that your battery is not getting recharged after the engine is turned on and running. There is either a problem with the battery itself or there is a problem with the alternator.
Additional Lights Which Mean Stop Now
These lights are less common but if your vehicle has them they are additional ones that you should memorize.
Oil Temperature Light
This light means the oil is too hot. You should also stop driving if this illuminates and let it cool down. If it illuminates again then have the vehicle towed to the shop. If a red oil can is bad, and a red thermometer is bad, then it’s got to be bad when they’re combined.
Transmission Fluid Temperature Light
These lights mean your transmission fluid is too hot. It’s more likely to be in vehicles with 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive or towing vehicles. Pull over and let the transmission cool.
Loose Wheel Light
This light means that you have a loose wheel. How loose? Better find out before you keep driving.
Warning Lights That Are Not Emergencies But Still Urgent. (They Could Turn Into Emergencies If Ignored)
If you see the following lights illuminated on your dashboard then you should have your vehicle checked soon. If it illuminates while you’re driving you can keep driving but don’t ignore it for long.
Low Coolant Level
Likely one of these lights will also illuminate along with the temperature light above. If a low coolant light illuminates but the engine temperature light does not illuminate, then you can keep driving, but it is still an issue you should have checked as soon as possible and you should be monitoring closely to see if the engine temperature light illuminates.
Low Oil Level Light, Oil Level Sensor Lights
Similar to low oil pressure, a low oil level also means that your engine isn’t getting enough lubrication and it can cause severe damage. It could indicate an oil leak. Have this serviced as soon as possible.
These next three are similar to low oil level lights but they have specific meanings. You could therefore pull over to be safe since they follow the “Aladdin’s lamp rule”. In actuality they are not as serious as the Oil Pressure light above which is something you’ll discover after checking the owner’s manual if you can’t remember off the top of your head. The first is a check oil level light. The second is a minimum oil level light which means you have the lowest operating level in range, the third is an oil sensor light which means you don’t know if you have low oil or not.
Check Gauges Light
These lights alert you to check gauges. Particularly check the temperature gauge and oil pressure gauge.
Various Brake Lights That Do Not Indicate Emergencies But Still Need Service
There are quite a few variations of brake lights. As mentioned above, if it’s the regular “BRAKE” spelled out or the exclamation point inside the circle, then pull over safely. These others are less urgent but they should still not be ignored. We only include samples here; your vehicle may have different lights. Brake lights are often a circle within parenthesis or an abbreviation in text. The first three symbols are for the anti-lock brakes. The anti-lock brakes is a system that prevents skidding in an abrupt stop. If your anti-lock brakes are not working your brakes will still work but they will lock during a panic stop. The next three symbols are for the parking brake. The parking brake should only be engaged while parked and in some vehicles it’s also used for emergencies. The next symbol is a sample for Electronic Parking Brakes. The one with the circle and fluid at the bottom means low brake fluid. The one with dashed parenthesis and “BRAKE WEAR” mean that it’s time to change the brake pads. Learn more about Brakes.
Check Engine Light
If this light is illuminated then your vehicle will not pass an emissions test. It could be anything related to the engine, the ignition system or the exhaust system. Learn more about the Free Check Engine Light Code Scan & Affordable Diagnostic.
Catalytic Converter Warning Light
Likely your catalytic converter is overheating, but it could possibly come on for other reasons. The Check Engine light may come on at the same time since it monitors anything that can affect emissions, but this light is specific to the exhaust system.
Lambda Sensor Warning Indicator
The exhaust gas oxygen sensor is dirty or inoperative.
Electronic Throttle Control System Light
This light indicates that there is a problem with the electronic throttle control system and it should be serviced.
Starting System Fault Lights
There is something wrong with the starter system. Your engine may not start or it may not start again if you turn it off. Consult the owner’s manual without turning it off and/or drive it directly to the shop.
Engine Fault Indicator-Spanner Service Indicator
This is less common but it indicates there is something wrong with the engine or transmission electronics.
Drivetrain Warning Lights
These lights indicate that either the drivetrain, transmission or differential should be serviced soon. There are others that are not pictured here. There is one warning light for the drive train where you should pull over immediately and that is the Hot Transmission Light (also called the hot transmission oil light). It’s pictured above with the “pull over now” lights and again below with the “4-wheel drive” lights. The wrench symbol is for the powertrain so technically that one could mean engine trouble too.
Power Steering Lights
If these lights come on it might be a little more challenging to steer but the vehicle can still be driven. It means there is something wrong with the power steering.
Suspension Indicator Lights
These all mean there is something wrong with the suspension system.
Precision All Wheel Steering System (P-AWS) Indicator
When this light illuminates it indicates that there is a problem with the Precision All Wheel Steering System or P-AWS, and the vehicle may be limited to 50 mph or less.
Low Tire Pressure Lights, Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light
The first three pictured lights are indicating that your tire pressure is low. The TPMS light is indicating that there is something wrong with the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, so if this light is illuminated there could be a tire pressure issue that you wouldn’t know about. If you purchased tires with a warranty then it may be best to have this light serviced by the shop that sold you the tires. Otherwise Crawford’s can service it.
Low Washer Fluid Light
These are not as serious as others but it can become dangerous if you have poor visibility due to a dirty windshield. You can top off the fluid or bring your vehicle to the shop and we’ll do it.
Wiper Failure Light
The wiper system needs to be serviced. This light is just as important as the two above for maintaining visibility in poor weather or poor visibility conditions.
Master Warning Light
This is a general warning light and it is usually accompanied by another more specific light.
Info Light/Check Owner’s Manual Light
These lights indicate that there is a message for you on the control panel or you need to check your owner’s manual for something. This can range in severity. It might be urgent or it might be time for routine maintenance.
Routine Maintenance Lights
The following lights indicate that it’s time for routine maintenance on your vehicle such as an oil change. These are less urgent than the warning lights above but they should still not be ignored.
Maintenance Required Lights
The most common maintenance service is an oil change, but these lights may illuminate for other reasons. Check the owner’s manual for reference. The single red triangle means that the service interval is approaching, the double triangle means you’ve exceeded the interval. In other makes and models the double red triangle could mean that your hazard lights are on, but usually that will be indicated by both lane change indicators blinking a the same time. It is a similar symbol seen on the hazard light button.
Orange Or Yellow Indicator Lights For External Lighting
There are other symbols which are not pictured. These are various indicator lights that are related to external lighting systems. Some may just mean that the light is on, although if that was the purpose of the light it will most likely be green or blue instead of orange or yellow. The green one pictured means the headlamp is out. Some of these just mean that a light bulb needs to be changed, but others may be related to special lighting features such as headlamp leveling, adaptive cornering, dimming, or the rear fog lamp. If you have an indicator light for external lighting that is not pictured then consult the owner’s manual.
Air Filter Clogged Indicator
This light indicates that the air filter needs to be changed. The air filter is checked with standard maintenance and oil changes but if your vehicle has this light then in may need to be done sooner.
Warning Lights That Are Specific For Diesel Engines
There are a handful of indicator lights that are unique to diesel engines. They are related to the specific unique functions and exhaust of diesel engines. Whether you drive a diesel engine for personal uses or business, Crawford’s Auto can service that vehicle. Learn more about Diesel Services.
Glow Plug Indicator
When the engine is cold it needs the glow plugs to warm up the cylinders before it’s started. This light will turn off after the engine is started. It’s more of just an indicator than a warning.
Diesel Particulate Filter Warning
This should turn green while driving which indicates that the DPF filter is regenerating properly. If it’s red then it needs to be serviced immediately.
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Low Indicator
The diesel exhaust fluid needs to be topped off.
AdBlue Service Light
AdBlue is a specific type of diesel exhaust fluid. If the light has a wrench instead of a fluid drop then it needs to be serviced immediately.
Water in Fuel Indicator
The filter which helps remove water from the fuel needs to be changed. The filter system may be called the Diesel Fuel Conditioner Module by some manufacturers.
Warning Lights That Are Specific For 4-Wheel Drive And All-Wheel Drive
The arrangement of the drivetrain and associated drivetrain parts are the main differences between some vehicles and vehicles that are 4WD or AWD. These unique parts and more specialized machinery can come with their own lights. A lot of these lights are not warning lights, they’re just indicator lights which tell you which mode you’re in (2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, etc.). If the light is simply an indicator light and not a warning light, then we didn’t include it here. We’ve included the lights that help you know when you need service. Learn more about 4-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive services.
Transmission Temperature Light
This light means your transmission is running too hot. You should pull over immediately and let it cool.
Differential Lock Indicators And Axle Lock Indicators
These lights should only be illuminated when you engage a differential lock or axle lock. When you’re stuck in the mud or snow it’s used to help get out. If it is accidentally engaged while you’re driving on the normal street then your vehicle will buck and feel like it’s tearing itself apart. Pull over safely to the side of the road to disengage it.
Malfunction, Disabled & Service Symbols For 4WD And AWD
The addition of an exclamation point, wrench, cross out, “SERVICE” or “DISABLE” to the symbol indicates that the vehicle needs to be serviced for that particular function or part. Some of these may temporarily flash while using that function. It’s when they stay on that it needs servicing. The “AWD” light may be green which simply indicates the AWD is engaged.
Warning Lights That Are Specific For Hybrid Vehicles
Hybrid vehicles would have many of the warning lights that are found above. Here we include warning lights that are unique to Hybrid vehicles. Lights which are simply indicator lights and not warning lights were not included.
Service Warning Indicator
In some hybrid vehicles this is like a Check Engine Light. It can come on for multiple reasons.
Hybrid Battery Indicator
This light indicates that there is something wrong with the hybrid battery or recharging system. You’ll notice it is actually listed above since it’s the same light for charging systems in regular gasoline vehicles, but here it is relisted to show similarities with the lights below.
Additional Hybrid Battery & Power System Warning Lights For Hybrids
All of these lights indicate that there is a problem with the hybrid battery, recharging and power system.
Check External Sound System Light
Since Hybrids are so quiet at low speeds some of them are equipped with a sound system to alert pedestrians. Other indicators may indicate this system is on or off. This light means the system needs to be checked and probably serviced.
Warning Lights That Are Only Serviced By The Dealer Or Authorized Service Center
If any of these lights are illuminated then you’ll need to take your vehicle to the dealer or an authorized service center to have them serviced.
Airbag And Supplemental Restraint System
Serviced by dealer only. It may just indicate that the airbag is on and a child or underweight passenger should not be sitting there. Check the owner’s manual.
Tire Pressure Warnings
If you purchased your tires with a warranty then it’s best to have the shop that sold you the tires service this light. Otherwise Crawford’s can service it.
Lights That Don’t Require A Technician But You Should Do What They Say
Although the following lights may be red, orange or yellow, you will generally not need to have your vehicle brought to a technician to have it inspected. But you should do what it wants you to do before driving. The obvious exceptions are when extenuating circumstances don’t allow you to do what it wants. For example, if the door ajar light is red then shut the door and don’t drive with the door open. But if the door won’t shut because it’s broken, then you can bring it to the shop.
Seatbelt Reminder
Put your dadgum seat belt on! If the light is not enough the dash might also be beeping at you.
Rear Seat Belt Reminder
Tell passengers to put on their seat belts.
Rear Seat Belt Reminder
Tell passengers to put on their seat belts.
Door Ajar Indicator
Close the door before driving. Which door? Hee, hee, it's not specific. You'll have to test them all.
Trunk Ajar Light
Close your trunk.
Open Trunk Light
Close your trunk.
Door Hood Light
Close your hood.
Security Indicator Symbol
Car won't start without your wireless key fob.
Security Lock Light
Vehicle won't start without your wireless key fob.
Low Fuel Light
You have about 25 miles before you need to refill with gas. It's actually more in most vehicles but better to be safe than sorry.
Check Gas Cap
Close your gas cap. Hopefully you didn't drive away with the gas station's nozzle still inserted!
Side Airbag Light
If there is not enough weight in the seat this light will come on to indicate the side air bag is off. It may also be a text symbol that says ``Side Airbag Off``.
Stability Control Fault
There are many different variations of this light including different text acronyms. They mean that your vehicle is detecting slippery conditions. Slow down and drive carefully.
Stability Control Switched Off
There are many variations of this light. It means that your stability control system is off and it will not detect slippery driving conditions. If it has an exclamation point next to it then it needs to be serviced.
Distance Warning Indicator
The car in front is too close or you're approaching it too quickly. Turn off your cruise control and allow a safe distance.
Blind Spot Indicator
Beware, someone is driving in your blind spot. This may be on the side rear-view mirror where it is occurring instead of the dash.
Key Not Found Indicator
Insert your key in the ignition all the way to start the vehicle.
Haul Indicator
Your vehicle is in tow mode.
If you have any warning lights illuminated in your dash then bring your vehicle to Crawford’s for a free warning light code scan and affordable diagnostic. Call 480-201-0740.
If you have a warning light on your dashboard then Crawford’s Auto will provide a free code scan and affordable diagnostic. The code scan will help indicate where we should begin the diagnostic and then we will discuss with you how involved that diagnostic might be. At Crawford’s Auto Repair we don’t hire service writers, we don’t pay staff by commissions and we never try to sell unnecessary repairs. Our highly trained technicians will treat your vehicle as if it belonged to our own mother and give you a straightforward presentation of the findings. Call 480-201-0740 to schedule an appointment today.
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