GarageGuideDashboard Warning Lights: What They Mean and Can You Keep Driving?
A new light on the dashboard is not always an emergency, but some are. Here is what the most common warning lights mean and what to do about each one.
First, look at the color
Red
Serious or safety problem. Stop soon or get it checked right away.
Yellow / orange
Something needs attention soon. Usually OK to keep driving carefully.
Green / blue
Information only: something is on, like headlights or cruise control.
Check engine light Yellow / orange
What it looks like: An engine outline, sometimes with the word CHECK.
What it means: The engine computer found a problem with the engine, emissions, or a sensor. It can be as small as a loose gas cap.
Can I keep driving? Steady: usually OK to drive carefully and get it checked soon. Flashing: an active misfire. Pull over and stop, or you can damage the catalytic converter.
Oil pressure light Red
What it looks like: An old-fashioned oil can with a drip.
What it means: The engine has lost oil pressure. The oil may be very low, or the oil pump or a sensor has a problem.
Can I keep driving? No. Pull over as soon as it is safe and turn off the engine. Driving without oil pressure can destroy an engine within minutes. Check the oil level once it has cooled.
Engine temperature warning Red
What it looks like: A thermometer standing in wavy lines (water).
What it means: The engine is overheating. Common causes are low coolant, a leak, a broken fan, or a failed water pump or thermostat.
Can I keep driving? No. Pull over safely and turn off the engine. Never open the radiator cap while it is hot. Driving an overheating engine can warp it and cost thousands.
Battery / charging light Red
What it looks like: A small battery with + and – marks.
What it means: The charging system stopped charging the battery. It is usually the alternator or the belt, not the battery itself.
Can I keep driving? Only a short distance. Turn off accessories and drive straight to a safe place or a parts store. The car may die when the battery runs down.
Brake warning light Red
What it looks like: The word BRAKE, or an exclamation point inside a circle with curved lines on the sides.
What it means: The parking brake is on, or the brake fluid is low, or there is a problem in the brake system.
Can I keep driving? First make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, check the brake fluid and get the brakes inspected before driving far. If the pedal feels soft, do not drive.
ABS light Yellow / orange
What it looks like: The letters ABS inside a circle.
What it means: The anti-lock brake system has a fault and is turned off. Your normal brakes still work.
Can I keep driving? Usually yes, carefully. In a hard stop on a wet or slippery road, the wheels can lock up. Get it checked soon. If the red brake light is also on, have it checked before driving.
Tire pressure light (TPMS) Yellow / orange
What it looks like: A horseshoe shape with an exclamation point inside.
What it means: Steady: one or more tires is low. Flashing for about a minute, then steady: a problem with the tire sensors.
Can I keep driving? Yes, a short distance, if the tires look and feel normal. Check and fill the tires soon. Stop if a tire looks flat or the car handles strangely.
Airbag (SRS) light Red
What it looks like: A seated person with a large circle (the airbag) in front.
What it means: The airbag system has a fault. The airbags might not deploy in a crash.
Can I keep driving? The car will drive normally, but you may not be protected in a crash. Get it checked soon. Do not try to repair airbag parts yourself.
Traction / stability control light Yellow / orange
What it looks like: A car with two wavy lines (skid marks) behind it.
What it means: Flashing while you drive on a slippery road is normal: the system is working. Staying on means the system is turned off or has a fault.
Can I keep driving? Yes. If it stays on, drive more carefully on wet or icy roads, check that you did not turn it off with a button, and have it checked.
Power steering warning Yellow / orange
What it looks like: A steering wheel with an exclamation point.
What it means: The power steering system has a problem, or the fluid is low on cars with hydraulic steering.
Can I keep driving? Carefully. The steering may suddenly become very heavy, especially at low speeds. Get it checked soon.
Maintenance reminder Yellow / orange
What it looks like: A wrench, or words like MAINT REQD or OIL LIFE.
What it means: A scheduled service, usually an oil change, is due. It is a reminder, not a fault.
Can I keep driving? Yes. Do the service soon, then reset the reminder (your owner’s manual shows how).
Symbols vary a little between car brands. If you are not sure, check the dashboard lights section of your owner’s manual.
Not sure which light it is, or what to do?
Describe what you see on the dash and what the car is doing. The free troubleshooter asks simple questions until it finds the likely cause.
Frequently asked questions
What do the colors of dashboard lights mean?
Red means a serious problem or safety issue: stop or get it checked right away. Yellow or orange means something needs attention soon. Green and blue lights just show that something is on, like headlights or cruise control.
Which dashboard lights mean I should stop driving?
The oil pressure light, the engine temperature light, a flashing check engine light, and the red brake light with a soft pedal. Pull over safely and turn off the engine.
Why did all my dashboard lights come on at once?
Many lights coming on together, often with flickering, usually points to a weak battery, a failing alternator, or a bad ground connection. Have the battery and charging system tested.
Can a parts store tell me why a light is on?
Many auto parts stores will read check engine codes for free. Some other lights, like ABS and airbag lights, need a more advanced scan tool that shops have.