Car Dashboard Warning Lights: What Do They All Mean, Anyway?

If you compiled a list of all the dashboard warning lights used on all makes and models of cars, you’d end up with about 480 different symbols and indicators. There are several common car and truck warning lights that you should be aware of when driving. Make sure to check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific dashboard warning lights.

The first thing to remember if a dashboard car warning light comes on while driving is not to panic. Next, look at the color of the lighted symbol.

If you see a red light on the car’s dashboard, this means there’s a safety issue or something is seriously wrong with your car. Safely pull over, turn off the engine, and call a repair service or shop to see if your car is safe to drive or if it needs service and you need a tow.

If you see orange or yellow dashboard lights it is reminding you that something needs to be serviced soon, like an oil change, or that something is wrong with your emissions system. While not an emergency, you should have a car mechanic look at the problem as soon as possible.

Tip: If a yellow car warning light starts blinking, treat it as you would a red light and call a repair service right away.

If you see green or blue symbols on the car’s dashboard, this may indicate a system is working properly or a system is on, such as when your high beam headlights are on.

1. Check engine light

This dashboard light comes on when a problem affecting your vehicle’s exhaust emissions causes your car’s computer system to trigger a repair code. If red, pull over safely, turn off the engine, and contact a repair shop immediately.

Learn more about when your engine light is on here.

2. Oil pressure warning

If this warning light stays lit, it indicates loss of oil pressure. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and check the oil level.

3. Coolant temp warning

This symbol indicates the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and let the engine cool off before checking your coolant level.

4. Brake system light

You might notice a brake system dashboard warning light when the parking brake is on. If so, there's a problem with the braking system, anti-lock brake system (ABS) or the brake fluid is low. Contact a repair shop as soon as possible to have your brakes checked.

How to deal safely with squealing brakes.

5. Tire pressure warning

When one of your tires is underinflated by 25%, the tire pressure warning indicator will light up. Stop and check your tire pressure on each tire to determine which is low so you can get it properly filled to continue driving.

How to check your tire pressure.

6. Low fuel indicator

Many drivers are familiar with the low fuel indicator light. When you have less than two gallons of fuel left in your gas tank, this symbol with appear to let you know it’s time to find a gas station.

7. Battery/charging alert

The charging system light (usually a battery symbol or the word "ALT" or "GEN") illuminates when the vehicle's electrical system is no longer being supplied power by the alternator. Have your mechanic test the alternator at your earliest convenience.

8. Transmission temperature

This car warning light will come on when the transmission is operating at higher than optimum temperature or the transmission fluid is hotter than normal. Safely pull over, shut off the engine, and contact your mechanic as the transmission cools.

9. Service vehicle soon indicator

This indicator alerts you that your vehicle is nearing a recommended or warranty service event, such as changing the oil or rotating your tires. When you see this, you should contact a repair shop to schedule an appointment.

10. Airbag fault

If there's a fault in your airbag system and one or more airbags have been disabled, the airbag fault dashboard light will come on. Contact a repair shop as soon as possible. You can find a list of dealers here.