![]() If you see this light turn on, pull over and wait for your engine to cool down. Low coolant (antifreeze) levels, failed thermostat or a faulty water pump may be the culprit. Your vehicle should be checked out, however if the light begins flashing while you are driving on a slippery road, the light means the system is functioning correctly and will turn off on its own.Įngine temperature/coolant temperature – Your engine is overheating. If the light is flashing, this is indicative of a more serious problem and you should not drive.Įlectronic stability program (ESP) – This light often turns and stays on due to a faulty ABS sensor, steering sensor, brake pedal switch or the system has been turned off. If the light is still illuminated, schedule an appointment to get your vehicle checked out. Try tightening your gas cap – this can cause fuel to evaporate and a sensor to go off. If your emergency brake isn’t causing the problem, the light may be alerting you to low brake fluid levels, worn brake pads or a sensor failure.Ĭheck engine/engine management – If this light comes on while driving, you’re probably safe to continue to your destination. If you see this light while driving, pull over and ensure the handbrake isn’t on. The problem may stem from needing a new battery, broken alternator or a faulty computer system.īrake system – As the name indicates, this means there is an issue with the braking system. If a mechanic isn’t nearby, pull over to a safe location incase your vehicle won’t turn on again and you need roadside assistance. If your battery/charging system light turns on, shut off things like the aforementioned electronics and make your way to a mechanic. Your battery is responsible for making things like your stereo, air conditioner and lights operate. If your charging system isn’t functioning, eventually the battery won’t be recharged. While your brakes will still work, it’s best to have the problem evaluated by a professional.īattery/charging system – This light indicates the vehicle is operating on battery power only and you have a short amount of time before it stops working. The light can indicate several problems including broken wheel speed sensors, hydraulic pump issues, low brake fluid or even a blown fuse. The ABS prevents your brakes from locking up when you make a sudden stop. ![]() A mechanic can determine what is causing the problem and how to fix it.Īnti-lock braking system (ABS) – It’s not uncommon for this icon to briefly illuminate when you start your car, however there is a problem if it doesn’t turn off once you’re driving. An airbag problem isn’t something you should try to fix on your own. It’s risky to drive a vehicle if there is a chance the airbags won’t deploy. The exact symbol on your dashboard may be slightly different than the icons below, but these images will give you a general idea of your car dashboard symbols and meanings.Īirbag warning – There is a problem with the airbag system. High beam lights are an example of a dashboard symbol that will illuminate blue or green when turned on. These lights are often more informational and indicate a feature is in use. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the engine management lights are common yellow or orange symbols.Ī green or blue light on your dashboard is the best color to see. While it may be safe to continue driving, you’ll want to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Some common red dashboard symbols include low oil pressure and airbag warning lights.ĭashboard symbols that are yellow or orange should be thought of as an advisory or warning. It may even be unsafe to continue driving depending on the specific symbol. Red dashboard icons are the most urgent and shouldn’t be ignored. Dashboard symbols are color-coded in red, yellow or orange and blue or green. The warning lights and symbols vary somewhat from one vehicle make and model to another, but there are general similarities regardless of the manufacturer. While some car dashboard symbols and meanings are easy to figure out, others leave you wondering if something is seriously wrong. There is nothing like getting behind the wheel only to mysteriously have a symbol illuminate on your dashboard.
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