Dashboard Warning Lights Explained: Car Dashboard Symbols & Their Meanings
Reviewed by Eric Shepherd, ASE-Certified Technician
Few things create uncertainty faster than a warning light appearing during a Phoenix commute. One moment the car feels normal; the next, a red, amber, or flashing symbol leaves you wondering whether you can make it home or need to pull over immediately. Modern vehicles are extremely smart; they monitor themselves and have dashboard warning lights that were designed to alert you when something needs your attention. Arizona drivers should be aware of what the different lights can mean, as they can range from indicating a system is on, like the parking brake, or a system is off, like traction control. Some warning lights mean it is time to change the oil, while others may represent something more serious that has the potential to leave you and your passengers on the side of a hot freeway.
By understanding the differences among dashboard warning lights, you can determine the level of urgency and whether it is safe to continue driving or better to pull over and wait for help.
At Gemba Automotive, we have put together a list to help you decipher some of the most common warning lights and what they mean.
Dashboard Warning Light Color Meanings
Although automakers sometimes use different symbols, the dashboard warning light color system is almost universal.
Red Dashboard Warning Lights
In general, red dashboard warning lights indicate a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Some examples include the oil pressure warning light, engine temperature warning light, brake system light, and charging system warning light. If a red warning light appears, pull over as soon as it is safe and determine what the light means before continuing.
Yellow, Orange, or Amber Dashboard Warning Lights
If your car dashboard warning lights are yellow, orange, or amber, it usually means there is something going on that should be inspected soon but does not always require you to shut off the car and take a look right away. The most common orange or yellow lights include the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), traction control, ABS warning light, check engine light, and airbag warnings. In most cases, the vehicle is still drivable, but delaying repairs could cause small problems to turn into larger repairs later on.
Green Dashboard Lights
Typically, green dashboard lights are for informational purposes, such as when cruise control, EcoMode, or the headlights are on.
Blue Dashboard Lights
Blue lights generally indicate a driver assistance feature is on or that you are using your high beams.
Dashboard Warning Lights Explained
Here are some of the most common dashboard symbols and meanings every Arizona driver should know:
| Warning Light | Severity | Can You Drive? |
|---|---|---|
| Check Engine | Medium | Usually |
| Flashing Check Engine | Critical | No |
| Oil Pressure | Critical | No |
| Battery | High | Short distance |
| Engine Temperature | Critical | No |
| TPMS | Low | Yes |
| ABS | Medium | Yes |
| Brake | High | Depends |
While the symbols are generally similar, Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai, and other manufacturers can use slightly different icons. Always refer to your owner's manual for vehicle-specific meanings.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light has so many potential causes that it is one of the most misunderstood lights on the dash. When it illuminates, it means that the vehicle's computer has detected a fault affecting emissions or engine performance.
Some of the most common reasons the check engine light turns on include a loose gas cap, oxygen sensor failure, bad ignition coils, issues with the catalytic converter, as well as EVAP and fuel system leaks.
You can usually continue driving if the light has come on and the vehicle is otherwise running normally. If the light is flashing, you should pull over and stop driving because severe damage could occur.
Regardless of whether the check engine light is flashing or not, you will want to have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The oil pressure warning light can be one of the most serious car warning lights because it comes on when the engine is not maintaining oil pressure. Some common causes that would make the light illuminate include low engine oil, an oil leak, a failed oil pump, internal engine wear, or a clogged oil pickup. The best thing to do if you see this light turn on is safely stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. It only takes a few minutes of driving without proper oil pressure for the engine to be destroyed.
Battery Warning Light
One of the most common remarks we hear at Gemba Automotive is that when the battery warning light comes on, many Arizona drivers assume it means they need a new battery. Often, they do not need a new battery; the light actually means that a problem within the charging system has been detected.
Common causes include:
- Failing alternator
- Weak battery
- Broken serpentine belt
- Wiring issues
- Corroded battery terminals
It is possible to continue driving, but only for a short distance if you see this light show up. If you continue driving, eventually the battery will lose all power and the engine will stall. Symbols and colors can vary by manufacturer, so the owner's manual remains the best source for vehicle-specific meanings.
Charging System Warning Light
The charging system warning light can often get mixed up with the battery light because it is usually shaped like a battery, while some automakers display a written charging system warning. However, the charging system focuses on the vehicle's ability to keep the battery charged while driving. It can illuminate for a number of reasons, including an alternator failure, weak battery, worn drive belt, corroded terminals, and wiring issues. Signs that the vehicle may be losing electrical power include dim headlights, flickering dashboard lights, electrical accessories shutting off, and the engine stalling. You will generally be able to drive briefly. If you notice electrical symptoms start to appear, you will want to stop driving before you are stranded on the side of the road.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
The Valley of the Sun has some extreme heat, and that is what makes the engine temperature warning light so important. When it turns on, it usually means your vehicle is overheating. Common causes include low coolant, a cooling system leak, or failure in the system such as the thermostat, water pump, or cooling fan. It is also possible for a plugged radiator to cause your vehicle to overheat and illuminate the light. When temperatures exceed 110 degrees, as they often do during summer, cooling systems work harder to regulate the temperature, which makes inspecting those components and performing regular maintenance extremely critical.
You should stop driving immediately if you notice the engine temperature light on. Continuing to drive can cause the engine to overheat further and lead to warped cylinder heads, damaged head gaskets, or catastrophic damage to the engine.
Brake Warning Light
The warning lights for your brakes can come on for several reasons, including if the parking brake is engaged, you are low on brake fluid, or there is a hydraulic failure. That said, if the light comes on, you can pull over as soon as it is safe, confirm the parking brake is released, and assess whether the brake pedal feels normal.
ABS Warning Light
The ABS warning light is different from the red brake warning light. The ABS light is for your anti-lock braking system, and if it turns on, it means the vehicle has detected a fault somewhere in the system. You should be able to brake normally, but the anti-lock braking function might not work as it should. You will want to have it inspected before monsoons or other wet weather conditions.
TPMS (Low Tire Pressure)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System is one of the easiest lights to trigger if you have changed the wheels on your vehicle and opted not to have new TPMS sensors installed. Otherwise, it usually illuminates when one or more of your tires are underinflated. Arizona weather can cause this light to turn on when the overnight temperature is low enough to lower your tire pressure. Other causes include a slow leak or extreme heat that puts stress on the tires. Driving with underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy and accelerate tire wear.
Traction Control Warning Light
If the traction control light turns on, it means there is an issue with the system, and you most likely do not have traction control. Traction control works to help improve stability when the tires lose grip by applying the brakes slightly to reduce wheel spin. Traction control can turn off and illuminate the light if you are on a slippery road, traveling along loose gravel, experiencing issues with a wheel speed sensor, ABS issues, or some kind of fault within the system.
Sometimes the traction control light will flash. In such an instance, it means everything is normal and your system is actively working to maintain traction. If the light comes on and stays on, it means the system has detected some kind of fault or you have turned it completely off.
It is generally okay to drive without traction control, but you will want to use extra caution since the stability assistance may be limited. If the light stays on and you have not turned the system off, you will want to schedule an inspection to ensure everything is working as it should.
Airbag Warning Light
The airbag warning light is related to your vehicle's supplemental restraint system (SRS). The warning light can be triggered by faulty impact sensors, seat belt pretensioner problems, wiring issues, battery-voltage problems, and airbag-module faults. It is important to have your vehicle inspected after this light turns on because if the SRS system detects a fault, your airbags may not deploy during a crash when you need them the most. While you can keep driving, you will want to have it checked out to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers.
Power Steering Warning Light
Most modern vehicles are equipped with either hydraulic or electric power steering, with rare exceptions like the Alfa Romeo 4C that does not have any power steering. If your vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic power steering system, low fluid, leaks, or a failed pump could trigger the warning light. If your vehicle has an electric system, it could mean there is an electrical fault somewhere in the system, a sensor failure, or a motor problem.
In either case, you will notice that it feels harder to steer your car and turn the wheel when you are stopped or at low speed; you might notice whining noises or intermittent steering assistance. Generally, it is safe to keep driving, but it will become more difficult over time, and it is recommended to have an inspection as soon as you can.
Service Vehicle Soon Light
Similar to the check engine light, the Service Vehicle Soon light can have a lot of different meanings. Sometimes it can be a scheduled maintenance reminder, such as an oil change reminder, or it could be something more serious like a body control module alert, an electrical fault somewhere, or a manufacturer-specific system warning. Because each automaker uses the light differently, you will want to have your vehicle inspected to determine the cause of it.
Dashboard Warning Lights That Mean Stop Driving Immediately
If you notice any of the following warning lights while driving, you will want to pull over and safely stop.
| Warning Light | Severity | Continue Driving? |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Pressure | Critical | No |
| Engine Temperature | Critical | No |
| Brake System | Critical | No |
| Charging System (with dim lights or stalling) | High | Stop as soon as safely possible |
Continuing to drive with the above car dashboard warning lights can result in expensive repairs or unsafe driving conditions.
Dashboard Warning Lights That Usually Allow You to Drive Carefully to a Repair Shop
You will most likely be able to make it to the nearest Gemba Automotive if you experience any of the following yellow dashboard warning lights:
- Solid Check Engine Light
- TPMS
- ABS
- Traction Control
- Service Vehicle Soon
However, if a warning light is accompanied by any of the following, you should stop driving immediately:
- Engine overheating
- Smoke
- Strange noises
- Loss of power
- Poor braking
Arizona Driving Can Trigger Dashboard Warning Lights
Arizona places unique stress on vehicles. Because Phoenix-area temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees during summer, warning lights related to cooling systems, batteries, and tires are especially common.
What to Do When a Dashboard Warning Light Comes On
If a dashboard warning light comes on while you are driving, the most important thing you can do is stay calm. Next, look at the light and identify if it is red, yellow, green, or blue, and listen for any unusual noises. If you notice an excessive amount of fluid, smoke, or if the vehicle no longer feels safe, stop driving and pull over. You can have the vehicle towed and schedule a professional inspection right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dashboard Warning Lights
What is the most serious dashboard warning light?
Generally, the oil pressure warning light is considered the most serious warning light because an engine could be destroyed within minutes if it is operating without adequate oil pressure.
Can I drive with the check engine light on?
If the light is solid and the vehicle is running normally, that usually means it is okay to drive it to a repair facility. If the check engine light is flashing, stop driving as soon as it is safe.
What do orange dashboard lights mean?
Dashboard warning lights that are yellow, orange, or amber typically mean there is a problem that needs attention, but it is not usually an emergency.
What does the exclamation point warning light mean?
If your car is equipped with a warning light that looks like an exclamation mark, it could indicate several different systems depending on your vehicle. The most popular is the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and if it comes on, it usually means you have low tire pressure. Other possibilities include brake system issues or other manufacturer-specific warnings.
Why are all my dashboard lights on?
When you start your car, it will illuminate all the lights for a moment to indicate they are working. Once the vehicle is started, multiple warning lights could indicate an issue with the charging system, failing battery, electrical issue, or communication fault between vehicle modules.
Does hot Arizona weather trigger dashboard warning lights?
Arizona's extreme heat can contribute to battery failures, overheating, tire pressure fluctuations, cooling system issues, and increased stress on electrical components, all of which may trigger dashboard warning lights.
Not Sure What Your Dashboard Warning Light Means?
At Gemba Automotive, our ASE-certified technicians use professional diagnostic equipment to accurately identify the cause of car dashboard warning lights, explain your car dashboard lights' meaning, and recommend the repairs your vehicle actually needs.