Dashboard lights follow a color code. Red means a serious problem or safety issue: stop as soon as it's safe. Amber or yellow means something needs attention soon. Green or blue just shows a system is on. The red lights to never ignore are oil pressure, engine temperature, brake system and the battery/charging light.
Red lights: stop safely as soon as you can
Oil pressure (oil can)
The engine has lost oil pressure. Pull over and shut it off. Running without oil pressure can destroy an engine in minutes. Check the level once it's safe.
Engine temperature (thermometer in liquid)
The engine is overheating. AC off, heat on full, pull over and let it cool. Never open a hot radiator cap. See car overheating.
Brake system (circle with "!" or "BRAKE")
Could be the parking brake left on, low brake fluid or a hydraulic problem. If the pedal feels soft, don't drive.
Battery / charging (battery shape)
The charging system isn't working. The car is running on battery power and will die. See mobile alternator replacement.
Airbag
The airbag system has a fault and may not deploy. Get it checked soon.
Amber lights: get it checked soon
Check engine
A steady light means a stored fault; a flashing light means a severe misfire. Reduce load and get it checked now. Full guide: check engine light.
ABS
The anti-lock system is off. Normal brakes still work, but without anti-lock help in a hard stop.
Tire pressure (TPMS)
One or more tires are low. Check and inflate. A flashing TPMS light often means a sensor fault.
Traction or stability control
Flashing means it's working (on a slippery road). Steady means it's off or has a fault.
Low fuel, washer fluid, maintenance due
Simple reminders.
Diesel-specific lights
Glow plug, DPF and DEF warnings are common on diesels. See DPF and DEF problems.
Lights plus noises
A warning light with a new noise tells a mechanic a lot. Our guide to car noises explained helps you describe it.
Frequently asked questions
Why did a warning light come on and then go off?
Some faults are intermittent. The car usually stores a code anyway, so have it scanned.
Can I drive with the check engine light on?
With a steady light and a car that runs normally, usually for a short time. With a red light or a flashing check engine light, no.
Do all cars use the same symbols?
The core symbols are standard, but some vary. Your owner's manual has the full list.
Get the light checked where you're parked
A mobile mechanic can scan the codes and diagnose the cause. Find one on the locations page.
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