Vehicle reliability has increased dramatically across the whole industry in recent decades, which we can certainly all agree is a good thing. But that does mean that most of us have less experience in dealing with issues when they do arise than we would have without these improvements. In some cases, vehicles have fully digital gauge clusters, and can just tell you what the problem is in text. But it often isn't that simple, even for those vehicles with digital displays. That's why it's good to be familiar with dashboard warning lights and what they mean, so we put together this guide.
Dashboard Light Color Codes
Even when you are unsure of what a given symbol on the dash means, the color of the symbol will at least tell you how urgent the issue is. This saves you from having to look up the symbol just to know whether or not you need to pull over.
Green (sometimes blue) Icon - A green light isn't a problem at all, these are just to tell you that a certain feature or system is switched on.
Yellow (or Orange) Icon - Yellow lights indicate a problem, or at least a potential problem. Sometimes they mean there is a problem with a system, and sometimes they mean the system is working properly, but conditions require extra attention. Generally, these aren't issues that require you to pull over immediately, but will require attention in the very near future.
Red Icon - These are the issues that will require you to pull over immediately. Driving a vehicle with a red warning light on isn't safe. It might be easy to correct, but it is still very urgent.
Seat Belt
One of the people in the vehicle has their seatbelt, an absolutely vital piece of safety equipment, unbuckled.
Supplemental Restraint System
The SRS is better known as airbags. A non-functioning or malfunctioning SRS puts you at a high risk.
Charging System
Your battery is no longer receiving power to stay charged, and without electricity to power the spark plugs, your vehicle will stop running shortly.
Oil Pressure
The engine oil pressure is low, either due to a low oil level or a mechanical fault. Running the engine with low oil pressure can very quickly cause catastrophic engine problems.
Door Ajar
One of the doors is open, this is unsafe.
Trunk Open
The trunk is open
Hood Open
The hood is open
Anti-Lock Brake System
Assuming this isn't accompanied by other warnings, this indicates a problem with the ABS system, but not the brakes themselves. Still urgent, but doesn't require you to pull over immediately unless conditions are especially hazardous.
Electronic Parking Brake
This means that the parking brake is engaged. Not a problem, but you shouldn't drive with it on.
Electronic Power Steering
You'll likely feel this in the wheel before you see the light. There is a problem with your power steering, and turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds, will be much more difficult.
Engine Malfunction
This covers a huge variety of possible issues. Many of them are emissions-related, so it's an automatic e-check failure if this light is on.
Washer Fluid Low
This always sounds like a non-issue, until a truck sprays mud all over your windshield and you can't see.
Low Fuel Level
Obviously important. Even just letting it get this low isn't advisable, as the fuel pump will wear out faster when the level is low.
Low Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure is essential for proper handling and safety.
Headlight Warning
There is a different light to indicate that your headlights are on, this one indicates a problem with the headlights.
Electronic Stability Control
This doesn't necessarily indicate a problem with the system itself, it usually just means that road conditions are poor, and that the system has been engaged in order to deal with it. This does mean that you should drive carefully and watch the road, but unless it stays on constantly or is accompanied by an "OFF" below the icon, there isn't a problem with your vehicle.
Turn Signal
Indicates that your turn signal is on, both lights on at the same time means your four-way flashers are on.
Auto Stop
This light lets you know that the engine has shut off automatically to conserve fuel, rather than shut off because of a problem.
Headlights
Lets you know that your headlights are on, useful for vehicles with automatic headlights.
High Beam Indicator
Tells you that the high beams are activated. Not inherently a safety issue, but important to keep in mind as they can create a safety issue if they blind other drivers.
Get Your Vehicle Serviced at Crestmont Hyundai
Many of these warning lights mean that your vehicle will need servicing, in some cases immediately. With such critical safety issues, you want to be sure that you're getting your vehicle serviced by an expert, someone who knows your vehicle inside and out. That's what you get with Crestmont Hyundai, a service team that can get you back on the road quickly and safely.
