Car Warning Light Symbols And Indicators - GOFAR

Car Warning Light Symbols and Indicators

Home » Car Warning Lights: Resource Centre » Car Warning Light Symbols and Indicators

Which Warning Lights Are Active On Your Dashboard?

The following guide will help you understand which car warning light symbols and indicators can be found on your dashboard for most makes and models of cars, trucks, buses and motorbikes.

You’ll learn whether it is a critical warning that requires immediate attention, or whether you have time to visit a local mechanic.

Want a simple way to monitor your car health? Get help from GOFAR’s adaptor here

Jump to: Warning Symbols | Safety Symbols | Lighting Symbols | Common Symbols | Advanced Feature Symbols | Diesel-Powered Vehicle Symbols

Warning Symbols

Check your car’s dashboard lighting as it is essential to identify your car’s potential problem, safety issues or immediate failure points.

Engine Temperature Warning Light

Indicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. Get Diagnostic App

Battery Charge Warning Light

Indicator light means that the car’s charging system is short of power or is not charging properly. It normally indicates a problem with the battery itself or the alternator. Get Diagnostic App

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Indicator light means loss of oil pressure, meaning lubrication is low or lost completely. Immediately check the oil level and pressure. Get Diagnostic App

Brake Warning Light

Indicator light turns on when the handbrake is on. If it lit continuously, it means that hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side of the brake system or that the fluid level in the master cylinder is dangerously low (due to a leak somewhere in the brake system). Get Diagnostic App

Safety Symbols

Your vehicle’s dashboard light plays an important role. These lights indicate an issue with your car that needs either an immediate action or checking.

Transmission Temperature

Indicator light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks. Get Diagnostic App

Tire Pressure Warning Light

Indicator light means the pressure is low in one of your tires. Get Diagnostic App

Traction Control Off

Indicator light means that the vehicles TCS (traction control system) has been deactivated. Get Diagnostic App

Steering Wheel Lock

Indicator light means your steering wheel is locked and can not be moved. To turn off the steering lock, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to at least the first position while turning the steering wheel in either direction. Get Diagnostic App

Trailer Tow Hitch Warning

Indicator lights mean that the tow hitch is unlocked or that there’s an issue with the lighting system. Get Diagnostic App

Traction Control Light

Indicator light turns on when the vehicle TCS (traction control system) is activated. Get Diagnostic App

Service Vehicle Soon

Indicator light turns on when there is a fault condition in an area of the vehicle chassis systems such as—the anti-lock (ABS) brake system, the traction control (TCS) system, the electronic suspension system, or the brake hydraulic system. Get Diagnostic App

Security Alert

Indicator light will turn on momentarily if the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to restart. If the light is visible when the vehicle is on, then it typically indicates a malfunction in the security system. Get Diagnostic App

Side Airbag

Indicator light means a fault with the side airbag. Get Diagnostic App

Reduced Power Warning

Indicator light means that the Engine Computer has limited engine power output. Get Diagnostic App

Seat Belt Indicator

Indicator light means that a seat belt has not been secured for a passenger in the vehicle. Get Diagnostic App

Press Clutch Pedal

Indicator to push the clutch. Get Diagnostic App

Powertrain Fault

Indicator light turns on when a powertrain or AWD fault has been detected. Contact your mechanic as soon as possible. Get Diagnostic App

Power Steering Warning Light

Indicator light turns on if there is an issue with the power steering system, and will be disabled until fixed. Get Diagnostic App

Press Brake Pedal

Indicator to push the brake pedal. Get Diagnostic App

Parking Brake Light

Indicator light means park brake is on. Get Diagnostic App

Overdrive Light

Indicator light means that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. Get Diagnostic App

Oil Change Reminder

Indicator light means that oil life has expired. Get Diagnostic App

Master Warning Light

Indicator light usually accompanied by another warning light and indicates that one or more warning systems have been detected. Get Diagnostic App

Information Warning Light

Indicator light will turn on when a new message is stored in the information display. It will be red or amber in color depending on the severity of the message and will remain on until the cause of the message has been rectified. Get Diagnostic App

Icy Road Warning Light

Indicator light turns on when the outside air starts to reach freezing temperatures, around 35°F or 3°C. Get Diagnostic App

Gas/Fuel Cap

Indicator light turns on if the gas/fuel cap is not properly tightened. Get Diagnostic App

ESP Fault/Traction Control Malfunction

Indicator light means that there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control. Get Diagnostic App

Electric Park Brake

Indicator light turns on when the electric parking brake has a malfunction. Get Diagnostic App

Distance Warning

Indicator light means that a vehicle in front is too close or is being approached too quickly, or that a stationary obstacle exists in the direction of travel. Get Diagnostic App

Clogged Air Filter

Indicator light turns on when there is reduced airflow to the engine. Have the air filter replaced or inspected. Get Diagnostic App

Child Safety Lock

Indicator light means child safety lock is active. Get Diagnostic App

Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

Indicator light turns on whenever the engine is turned on to check the bulb. If the light stays illuminated, the car’s diagnostic systems have detected a malfunction that needs to be investigated. Get Diagnostic App

Catalytic Converter Warning

Indicator light means the catalytic converter is either overheating or not operating as intended. Get Diagnostic App

Brake Fluid

Indicator light means that the brake fluid level is low. Get Diagnostic App

Brake Pad Warning

Indicator light means that the brake pads are worn. Get Diagnostic App

Brake Lights Warning

Indicator light means an exterior brake light bulb is defective. Check the operation of all the exterior brake light bulbs. Get Diagnostic App

Automatic Gearbox Warning

Indicator light means there’s a gearbox/transmission malfunction. Get Diagnostic App

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Indicator light means there may be a malfunction in the ABS system. Get Diagnostic App

All Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD)

Indicator light turns on when there is a malfunction with the 4WD system. Get Diagnostic App

Airbag Indicator

Indicator light turns on when the front airbag is switched off. If this lamp lights up or flashes there is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt system. Get Diagnostic App

Airbag Deactivated

Indicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. Get Diagnostic App

Adaptive Suspension Dampers

Indicator light means there is a need to contact an authorised repairer. Get Diagnostic App

4 Wheel Drive (4WD) LOCK Indicator Light

Indicator light means that the vehicle’s 4WD Lock mode is activated. Get Diagnostic App

Air Suspension

Indicator light means that there is a problem with the air suspension bags, likely due to a leak or inflation issue. Get Diagnostic App

Lighting Symbols

Vehicle lighting symbols are connected to your car’s lighting system. These symbols are usually blue, green, or yellow in colour.

Low Beam Indicator Light

Indicator light means that the vehicles dipped beam is on. Get Diagnostic App

Lamp Out

Indicator light means that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly. Get Diagnostic App

High Beam Light Indicator

Indicator light means your car’s high beam headlights are on, or if the high beam flash function is used. Get Diagnostic App

Headlight Range Control

Indicator light turns on if there is an issue detected with the headlight range control system. Get Diagnostic App

Front Fog Lights

Indicator light means front fog lights are turned on. Get Diagnostic App

Exterior Light Fault

Indicator light means any exterior light on your car isn’t working. Get Diagnostic App

Auto High Beam

Indicator light means the Auto High Beam system has switched on high beam headlights. Get Diagnostic App

Adaptive Light System

Indicator light will lit when adaptive headlights are turned on. Get Diagnostic App

Side Light Indicator

Indicator light will turn on when the normal headlights are in use. Get Diagnostic App

Rear Fog Lights Switched On

Indicator light means rear fog lights are on. Get Diagnostic App

Rain and Light Sensor

Indicator light means there is an issue with the sensor system. The wipers and lights will not function automatically. Get Diagnostic App

Common Symbols

To avoid future problems with your car it is important to check not just the warning lights but also the common vehicle lights.

Windshield Defrost

Indicator light means that the window defrost is in operation. Get Diagnostic App

Washer Fluid Reminder

Indicator light indicates if the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty. Fill the washer fluid reservoir. Get Diagnostic App

Rear Window Defrost

Indicator light means that the rear window defrost is in operation. Get Diagnostic App

Low Fuel Level

Indicator light means that the car is running low on fuel and will soon need a refill. Get Diagnostic App

Key Not in Vehicle

Indicator light means the key is not in the car. Get Diagnostic App

Hood/Bonnet Open

Indicator light means that the car hood is not closed properly. Get Diagnostic App

Hazard Lights On

Indicator light means hazard lights are turned on. Get Diagnostic App

Fan

Indicator light means that the internal ventilation/fan is in operation. Get Diagnostic App

Door Ajar

Indicator light turns on when one or more doors of the car are not shut properly. Get Diagnostic App

Direction/Signal Indicators

Indicator light means that one of the turn signals (left or right) has been activated. Get Diagnostic App

Car on Ramp

Indicator light means that the vehicle is on a ramp/jack system. Get Diagnostic App

Advanced Feature Symbols

The advanced feature symbols of your car are associated with a special and advanced automotive feature. It prompts you if there are potential issues or if the system is active and operating.

Recirculated Cabin Air

Indicator light means that the vehicle’s ventilation system is recirculating air from within the vehicle, suitable when particularly cold outside. Get Diagnostic App

Rear Spoiler Warning

Indicator light turns on when there is a fault in the rear spoiler system. Get Diagnostic App

Parking with Park Assist Pilot

Indicator light means PAP (Park Assist Pilot) is activated. Get Diagnostic App

Lane Departure Warning

Indicator light means the vehicle is detected to be moving out of its current lane without signalling. Get Diagnostic App

Lane Assist

Indicator light turns on when the lane assist system is switched on and road markings can be detected. Get Diagnostic App

Key Fob Battery Low

Indicator light lets you know when your key fob battery needs to be changed and replaced, so you can continue using the remote. Get Diagnostic App

Ignition Switch Warning

Indicator light means there’s an issue with the ignition system or the car key. It could be due to a glitch or worn out key. Get Diagnostic App

Hill Descent Control

Indicator light turns on when the system is activated and helps you maintain a specific speed while driving down a hill. Get Diagnostic App

Forward Collision Warning

Indicator light turns on when a potential collision is detected. Get Diagnostic App

Eco Driving Indicator

Indicator light will turn on when the Eco function is activated. Get Diagnostic App

Cruise Control

Indicator light means the cruise control system is activated. Get Diagnostic App

Convertible Roof Warning Light

Indicator light will turn on while the roof is either opening or closing. If the lamp is lit continuously the roof is not fully opened, or there is a fault in the system. Get Diagnostic App

Brake Hold Indicator Light

Indicator light means that the brake hold system is functioning properly. Get Diagnostic App

Blind Spot Indicator Light

Indicator light turns on when a vehicle or obstruction is detected in the blind spot. Get Diagnostic App

Auto Windscreen Wiping

Indicator light means the windscreen wipers are in operation on Automatic mode. Get Diagnostic App

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)

Indicator light turns on when the AEB system is turned off or when the radar sensor or cover is blocked with dirt or snow. Get Diagnostic App

Adaptive Cruise Control

Indicator light means that the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) is in operation. Get Diagnostic App

Winter Mode

Indicator light lets you know you’re driving on winter mode. Get Diagnostic App

Start/Stop Warning Light

Indicator light turns on to inform the driver that Intelligent Stop / Start system is active and the engine has been shut down. Get Diagnostic App

Speed Limiter

Indicator light means that the speed limiter function is activated. Get Diagnostic App

Seat Temperature

Indicator light means that the air flow is distributed between front side window, windscreen and footwell de-misting vents. Get Diagnostic App

Diesel-Powered Vehicle Symbols

One of the common diesel-powered car dashboard light symbols is the glow plug indicator. This lighting pre-glows when it is warming up and worn-out glow if there’s a plug issue.

Glow Plug Indicator

Indicator light means that the engine’s glow plugs are warming up and the engine should not be started until the light goes out. If it flashes, an issue has been detected, such as a worn out glow plug. Get Diagnostic App

Fuel Filter Warning

Indicator light means that the diesel fuel filter is full, and needs to be emptied to avoid engine damage. Get Diagnostic App

Exhaust Fluid

Indicator light means that the diesel exhaust fluid reservoir is low on fluid. Get Diagnostic App

AdBlue Tank is Empty

Indicator light means you have to fill the tank with more exhaust fluid. Get Diagnostic App

AdBlue Malfunction

Indicator light means either the AdBlue system is malfunctioning or the system is not filled with the standard liquid. Get Diagnostic App

Water Fluid Filter Warning

Indicator light means water in fuel filter has reached maximum capacity. Drain the water from filter. Get Diagnostic App

Your Questions Answered – View all

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Perhaps unsurprisingly, a dashboard lights warning is a driver’s worst nightmare. First of all, it just pops on. No explanation whatsoever. Read more

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What Are the Most Common Check Engine Light Issues?

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Can You Drive a Car with the Check Engine Light On?

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