Dashboard warning lights and what they mean, from 196 owner’s manuals
Most dashboard warning lights fall into two groups: red lights usually mean stop or act now (brakes, oil pressure, overheating), and amber or yellow lights mean a system needs checking soon (check engine, ABS, tire pressure). Green and blue lights just show that something is on. Below are the lights that come up most often in the 196 owner’s manuals we’ve read, what they mean and what the manuals say to do.
The most common warning lights
- Brake system warning light (described in 147 of the 196 manuals we read): On with the parking brake set. If it stays on after the parking brake is fully released, or comes on while driving, manuals point to a brake problem such as low brake fluid: stop carefully and have it checked; many say to have the vehicle towed.
- Airbag (SRS) warning light (described in 139 of the 196 manuals we read): Should go out a few seconds after start-up. If it stays on or comes on while driving, the airbag system may have a fault and the airbags may not work as designed: see a dealer.
- ABS warning light (described in 136 of the 196 manuals we read): The antilock function needs service; ordinary braking still works if this is the only light on. See ABS light on.
- Tire pressure (TPMS) light (described in 128 of the 196 manuals we read): One or more tires is well below its pressure. If it flashes for about a minute and then stays on, the monitoring system has a fault. See TPMS reset by vehicle.
- Traction or stability control light (described in 119 of the 196 manuals we read): Flashing means the system is working; steady can mean it’s off or has a fault. See Traction control light.
- Check engine light (malfunction indicator) (described in 89 of the 196 manuals we read): An engine or emissions control problem has been detected. Many manuals say a blinking light means the engine is misfiring, which can damage the catalytic converter: slow down and have it checked right away.
- Charging system light (described in 76 of the 196 manuals we read): The charging system may not be keeping the battery charged, so the battery can run down. Manuals say to have it checked promptly and to turn off accessories if you must drive.
- Oil pressure light (described in 53 of the 196 manuals we read): Oil pressure is low, which can quickly damage the engine. Manuals say to stop safely, turn off the engine and check the oil level.
- Engine coolant temperature light (described in 41 of the 196 manuals we read): The engine is overheating. Manuals say to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as it’s safe; don’t keep driving with it on.
Find the lights for your car
Symbols and names differ between makers, and some lights only exist on certain models. Warning lights by vehicle lists 196 models, each with every light the manual explains, in our own words, and the page it’s on. We don’t reproduce the symbols themselves; your manual shows them next to each description.
Check engine light: reading the code
When the check engine light is on, the car stores a diagnostic trouble code. An inexpensive OBD2 code reader plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows the code, which tells you or your mechanic where to start. A blinking check engine light is more urgent than a steady one: many manuals say it means a misfire that can overheat the catalytic converter.
Tool for warning lights
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