What Do the Lights on My Dashboard Mean?
Any time you turn on your ignition, the dashboard illuminates with different symbols as the car performs a self-test. While in many cases the lights will go off right away, there are times the lights will stay on. But what do the lights on my car dashboard mean?
The car’s dashboard is color-coded with three class colors, just like traffic sign lights; red, yellow, and green. The red indicator indicates a potentially serious problem or issue which may stall the car. Yellow (orange at times) means something needs repair or servicing, thus, operate with caution. Green (or blue at times) generally indicates something is on or operating.
It’s essential to understand the dashboard warning lights since they inform the driver of the nature of the car and the state of urgency related to some parts of the car system. Sometimes the car light on the dashboard may keep on flashing or warning. Each car comes with a manual, which we advise you to look at to be prepared and better understand your car.
Here in this article, we look at some dash board light that are common to almost all cars.
Engine Light Car Dashboard Symbols and Meanings
Engine coolant temperature
The temperature lights indicate the temperature the car is running at. In normal cases, the temperature light will be blue in many cars. However, changing color to red means your car is overheating or extremely too high. If the lights keep flashing, check your car to salvage the situation and avoid expensive car repairs or even stalling on the road.
This is one of the issues that can lead to engine failure. If the car is overheating, there may be a problem with the coolant (antifreeze) or the engine Fan issues.
Tip: Make sure you check your coolant early in the morning before turning on your car; it’s a recommended habit.
Check Engine light
The check engine indicator light on can signify a lot of problems. First, it’s a sign of low engine oil or engine overheating. If the check engine lights it’s wise you pull over immediately and check your engine issues.
Tip* Flashing check engine lights signify your car has a serious problem that can cause engine damage or failure.
Brake system lights
Generally referred to as ABS indicator lights. The ABS light will always turn on and then automatically goes off when igniting the car. In case the lights turn on while driving, you should pull over to the next petrol station and seek mechanic help. A brake light means your braking system has an issue or failing.
Battery and charging lights
Battery lights will always self-check and then go off after ignition. In case the lights are on while driving, it means there is a problem with the charging system. Check your charging system or any loose battery terminal or otherwise the battery failure.
Engine oil pressure lights
Engine oil indicator signifies there is a problem with the engine oil. The light will be on when you turn on the ignitor and disappear. In case the lights turn on while driving, it indicates your engine oil is running low or there is an oil pump failure that requires an immediate pullover.
Tip* Always check your oil in the morning before turning on your ignitor key.
Anti-lock brake system/ Handbrake on
The antilock brake light signifies the braking system is engaged. Once you release/ pull the antilock brake pedal (or hand brake) of the light disappears immediately. However, if the lights still appear it may show a wheel jam or brake failure. Always ensure you release the hand brake once you ready to move or start driving.
Airbag indicator lights
The airbag indicator does a self-check once the ignitor is turned on. If the light doesn’t turn off, it signifies airbag problems that need to be addressed immediately. The car’s airbags help to keep you safe during accidents, so it’s ensured you address this issue immediately.
Seatbelt reminder and alarm light
A seatbelt light is a reminder to the driver or the passenger to wear a safety belt that is of good help in case of accidents. The light is accompanied by an alarm beep for some time and then goes away.
Tip* Always wear your safety belt before starting a journey.
Windshield washer fluid levels
The windshield washer will light or give a warning if the washer fluid level is low. Ensure you fill the wiper’s water tank once you pull over. Just in case it’s raining pull over to the next fueling station.
Low Fuel indicator light
The fuel indicator will flash once the fuel in the gas tank is low. The amount of fuel however varies depending on different car models, In many cases once the fuel indicator lights it can move about 50km or you got about two gallons of fuel left. Ensure you fuel on the next near station to avoid car stalling or and damaging the fuel pump.
Engine start lights or automatic shift lock
The engine start light indicates you need to engage the brake to shift the car out of parking or start the vehicle
Door Lock indicator
The door lock indicator lights when one of the vehicle doors is not well shut or when one of the door jamb switches is faulty or malfunctioning and need to be changed.
Lights On (Full light, Dim light and Fog lamp indicators)
The vehicle dashboard has lights indicators that shows the lights are on and working well. On the dashboard there is a dim light indicator which shows the car is driving on dim mode, it’s vital to the driver to show the lights mode especially when there is an oncoming car or approaching vehicle.
The dashboard has a Blue color indicator that shows or light when you switch the full lights on. It helps the driver to know what mode he or she is driving on when they are approaching vehicles.
On the dashboard also there is a fog lamp indicator usually in yellow color that shows when the fog-lights are turned on.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
Well known as TPMS indicator, it will show or brink when one of the tires or more has too low or and too high air pressure. Once the indicator shows, it’s good you address the pressure immediately as it can cause vehicle stability issues which is extremely unsafe for you and your vehicle. Generally, many car wheels operate optimally with air pressure between 30 psi to 35 psi (pounds per square inch).
Once the car TPMS shows stop on the next gasoline station or use your personal portable tire inflators such as AVID POWER dual power Tire Inflator Air Compressor with Inflation and Deflation Modes.
Tip* Vehicles have a PSI sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb that guides on the recommended tire pressure
Traction Control Light
The indicator shows when the traction control is activated or when it malfunctions. The traction indicator shows when the traction control system is activated and usually utilizes the vehicle antilock system to determine if one of the wheels is spinning faster than others. Once the system detects one of the wheels is slipping, it will automatically show and apply brakes until the vehicle regains traction. This is extremely important, especially when driving in snow or rain. It will always show in red color light.
The vehicle traction lights will show when driving with yellow color if it is broken or one of the sensors is faulty or malfunctioning. It’s worth noting some cars use the same control module for the traction control systems and antilock brake systems. In such scenarios, the light may show when there is a problem with the vehicle ABS.
Charge Level power indicator lights
