Dashboard Warning Lights

Engine oil pressure has dropped below a safe level, meaning moving parts inside the engine may not be getting enough lubrication.

The battery is not being charged properly by the alternator - the car is running on stored battery power alone.

This red light points to a problem with the braking system itself - most often low brake fluid, but it can also mean a hydraulic fault or uneven brake pressure between circuits.

The engine coolant temperature has climbed above the safe operating range - the engine is overheating.

The supplemental restraint system (airbags and seatbelt pretensioners) has detected a fault. The airbags may not deploy correctly in a crash, or could deploy unexpectedly.

The automatic transmission fluid has overheated beyond its safe operating temperature.

A dedicated sensor in the brake fluid reservoir has detected the fluid level dropping below the minimum mark, separate from the general brake system light on some vehicles.

The engine control unit has detected a fault somewhere in the engine, transmission, or emissions system and stored a trouble code (a "P" code) explaining what went wrong.

This light most commonly just means the parking brake is engaged, but if it stays on after you release it, it can share the same circuit as the brake fluid warning.

The anti-lock braking system has detected a fault and disabled itself. Normal brakes still work, but you lose anti-lock protection during hard braking.

A horseshoe-shaped light with an exclamation point means the tire pressure monitoring system has detected one or more tires below the recommended pressure. If it flashes for about a minute then stays on, the TPMS system itself has a fault rather than the tires.

A general-purpose alert (usually a red or amber exclamation mark or triangle) that lights up alongside a specific message on the instrument cluster display, pointing to a variety of possible issues.

The diesel exhaust fluid (DEF, also branded AdBlue) used to reduce emissions in modern diesel engines is running low.

The diesel particulate filter, which traps soot from the exhaust, is clogged and needs to regenerate (burn off the trapped soot) or is otherwise faulty.

The power steering system (electric or hydraulic) has detected a fault, meaning steering may suddenly become much heavier.

A wear sensor embedded in the brake pads has made contact with the rotor, signaling that the pads are close to or past their minimum thickness.

Found mainly on Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda vehicles, this light indicates a fault in the electronic throttle control system, which manages engine power delivery.

This light indicates a fault or temporary unavailability of the forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking system, which normally watches the road ahead for a possible collision.

The all-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system has detected a fault and may have reduced or disabled power transfer to the secondary axle.

This appears as part of the check engine light system when the ECU specifically detects the catalytic converter is not cleaning exhaust gases efficiently.

The system has detected that the driver or a passenger is not wearing a seatbelt, usually combined with a chime.

This light (usually a car icon with wavy skid lines) flashes briefly when the traction or stability control system is actively working to keep the car stable, for example on a slippery surface.

The driver has manually turned off the electronic stability control or traction control system, usually with a dedicated dashboard button.

On diesel engines, this coil-shaped light shows the glow plugs are preheating the combustion chambers before starting - completely normal. It becomes a fault indicator only if it flashes or stays on after the engine is running.

The fuel level has dropped to a reserve level, typically representing somewhere between 30 and 80 km (20-50 miles) of remaining range depending on the vehicle.

The windshield washer fluid reservoir is running low.

One or more doors, or sometimes the trunk/hatch, is not fully closed.

The hood latch sensor detects the hood is not fully closed and secured.

Usually a blinking light with a car and lock or key icon, showing the anti-theft immobilizer system is armed, or flagging that it does not recognize the key trying to start the car.

This light shows the status of the lane departure warning or lane keeping assist system, which alerts you (or gently steers you back) if you drift out of your lane without signaling.

A simple status light (usually blue) confirming the high-beam headlights are currently on.

A status light confirming the front or rear fog lights are switched on.

Shows that the hazard warning flashers (all four turn signals blinking together) are switched on.

Confirms cruise control (standard or adaptive) is currently active and maintaining your set speed.

A mileage or time-based maintenance reminder (usually a wrench icon), not a fault - it just means scheduled service, most commonly an oil change, is due soon.

The battery inside the wireless key fob is running low, which can eventually affect remote locking, unlocking, or keyless start range.

The ultrasonic parking sensors or automatic parking assist system has detected a fault and may be temporarily unavailable.

The adaptive front lighting system, which swivels or adjusts headlights based on steering angle and speed, has detected a fault.