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Dashboard Warning Lights and What They Mean

The following guide will help you understand which car warning light symbols and indicators can be found on car dashboard for most makes and models of cars, trucks, buses and motorbikes.





  1. Fog light (front)

  2. Power steering warning light

  3. Fog light (rear)

  4. Washer fluid low

  5. Brake pad warning

  6. Cruise control on

  7. Direction indicators

  8. Rain and light sensor

  9. Winter mode

  10. Information indicator

  11. Glow plug/diesel pre-heat warning

  12. Frost warning

  13. Ignition switch warning

  14. Key not in vehicle

  15. Key fob battery low

  16. Distance warning

  17. Press clutch pedal

  18. Press brake pedal

  19. Steering lock warning

  20. Main beam headlights

  21. Tyre pressure low

  22. Sidelight information

  23. Exterior light fault

  24. Brake lights warning

  25. Diesel particulate filter warning

  26. Trailer tow hitch warning

  27. Air suspension warning

  28. Lane departure warning

  29. Catalytic converter warning

  30. Seat belt not on

  31. Parking brake light

  32. Battery/alternator warning

  33. Parking assist

  34. Service required

  35. Adaptive lighting

  36. Headlight range control

  37. Rear spoiler warning

  38. Convertible roof warning

  39. Airbag warning

  40. Handbrake warning

  41. Water in filter

  42. Airbag deactivated

  43. Fault problem

  44. Dipped beam headlights

  45. Dirty air filter

  46. Eco driving indicator

  47. Hill descent control

  48. Temperature warning

  49. ABS warning

  50. Fuel filter warning

  51. Door open

  52. Bonnet open

  53. Low fuel

  54. Automatic gearbox warning

  55. Speed limiter

  56. Suspension dampers

  57. Oil pressure low

  58. Windscreen defrost

  59. Boot open

  60. Stability control off

  61. Rain sensor

  62. Engine/emissions warning

  63. Rear window defrost

  64. Auto windscreen wiping

Engine Temperature Warning Light

Indicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks.


Battery Charge Warning Light

Indicator light means that the car’s charging system is short of power or is not charging properly. It normally indicates a problem with the battery itself or the alternator.


Oil Pressure Warning Light

Indicator light means loss of oil pressure, meaning lubrication is low or lost completely. Immediately check the oil level and pressure.


Parking Brake Warning Light

Indicator light turns on when the handbrake is on. If it lit continuously, it means that hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side of the brake system or that the fluid level in the master cylinder is dangerously low (due to a leak somewhere in the brake system).


Tire Pressure Warning Light

Indicator light means the pressure is low in one of your tires.


Traction Control Off

Indicator light means that the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been deactivated.


Steering Wheel Lock

Indicator light means your steering wheel is locked and can not be moved. To turn off the steering lock, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to at least the first position while turning the steering wheel in either direction.


Trailer Tow Hitch Warning

Indicator lights mean that the tow hitch is unlocked or that there’s an issue with the lighting system.


Traction Control Light

Indicator light turns on when the vehicle TCS (traction control system) is activated.


Service Vehicle Soon

Indicator light turns on when there is a fault condition in an area of the vehicle chassis systems such as—the anti-lock (ABS) brake system, the traction control (TCS) system, the electronic suspension system, or the brake hydraulic system.


Immobilizer Security Alert

Indicator light will turn on momentarily if the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to restart. If the light is visible when the vehicle is on, then it typically indicates a malfunction in the security system.


Reduced Power Warning

Indicator light means that the Engine Computer has limited engine power output.


Powertrain Fault

Indicator light turns on when a powertrain or AWD fault has been detected. Contact your mechanic as soon as possible.


Brake Pad Warning

Indicator light means that the brake pads are worn


Air Suspension

Indicator light means that there is a problem with the air suspension bags, likely due to a leak or inflation issue.


Catalytic Converter Warning

Indicator light means the catalytic converter is either overheating or not operating as intended.


Brake Fluid

Indicator light means that the brake fluid level is low.


Key Fob Battery Low

Indicator light lets you know when your key fob battery needs to be changed and replaced, so you can continue using the remote.


Eco Driving Indicator

Indicator light will turn on when the Eco function is activated.


Start/Stop Warning Light

Indicator light turns on to inform the driver that Intelligent Stop / Start system is active and the engine has been shut down.


Glow Plug Indicator ( Diesel Cars)

Indicator light means that the engine’s glow plugs are warming up and the engine should not be started until the light goes out. If it flashes, an issue has been detected, such as a worn out glow plug.


Fuel Filter Warning

Indicator light means that the diesel fuel filter is full, and needs to be emptied to avoid engine damage.


Exhaust Fluid

Indicator light means that the diesel exhaust fluid reservoir is low on fluid


AdBlue Tank is Empty

Indicator light means you have to fill the tank with more exhaust fluid.


AdBlue Malfunction

Indicator light means either the AdBlue system is malfunctioning or the system is not filled with the standard liquid.


Water Fluid Filter Warning

Indicator light means water in fuel filter has reached maximum capacity. Drain the water from filter.





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1 Comment


Fred Mayamba
May 07, 2022

Such an informative segment... kudos

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