04/Feb/2023
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The instrument panel on the dashboard has multiple gauges and indicators. The ones that are included in each vehicle will vary by make and model. A better resource to learn the meaning of each dashboard symbol for a specific vehicle is the owner’s manual for that vehicle.
- Dashboard lights can be red, orange (or yellow), or blue.
- Generally, when a red light comes on while driving, it means you should immediately pull over safely and call a tow truck. However, there are some exceptions – some lights which are generally red can be yellow or orange, and some red lights can be fixed immediately (seat belt light – put your seat belt on, door ajar light – close all the doors).
- Orange or yellow lights generally indicate that there is a problem with your vehicle, but it is safe to drive to a repair facility or your home residence to investigate further.
The following are the general symbols:
Airbag Light or Supplemental Restraint Warning Light
Red, Orange, or
Yellow. Whenever this light illuminates the airbag system senses a
problem, which could be a safety issue. It doesn’t necessarily mean
that the airbags will not work. The airbags might or might not still
deploy during an accident. The light means that there is a part of the airbag system that may not work.
Anti-Lock Brakes Light
Orange or yellow light. This indicates a
failure in the anti-lock brake (ABS) system and anti-lock brakes are
disabled. The purpose of the ABS is to allow steering control of a
vehicle while braking and to avoid skidding during a panic stop. If
this light is on, then the normal conventional brake function will
continue. If it’s on in the event of a panic stop then the vehicle will
skid.
Brake Light
Red light, immediately pull over safely and have the
vehicle towed (or disengage the parking brake if applicable). This
light indicates that there is something wrong with the brakes. There
could be a low brake fluid level, there could be a hydraulic brake
failure, or the parking brake is engaged.
Change Oil Soon
Orange or yellow light. This light indicates that
routine oil change and maintenance is due. It’s based on revolutions of
the crankshaft, which is even more accurate than basing routine oil
changes on mileage.
Check Engine Light
Red or yellow light. There is a problem with the
vehicle emissions and the vehicle’s computer will have diagnostic
trouble codes (DTCs) which will be retrieved when the vehicle is
inspected. The light may come on and then off. If there are any
performance issues with the way the vehicle is driving, then pull over
and have it towed. If the light comes on and stays on, or comes on and
then flashes during acceleration, then immediately pull over safely and
have it towed to a shop.
Door Ajar Indicator Light
Red light. One of the vehicle doors is open.
Close the open door before proceeding to drive. There may also be a
separate light for the trunk.
High Beam Indicator or Brights.
Usually blue, but can be red on older
vehicles. This indicates that your brights are on.
Low Coolant Level Light
Red, Orange, or yellow light. This light
indicates that the engine coolant level is low, which could be due to a
leak. It is still safe to drive as long as the engine temperature light
is not on. In some vehicles, the first symbol above, the thermometer
symbol, can also be a temperature light. Some
vehicles can have a blue thermometer symbol. Consult the owner’s manual
for its description.
Low Fuel Light
Yellow or Orange. This light indicates that fuel is
low. It could also be a simple round light that illuminates when the
fuel gauge is nearing empty.
Low Oil Level Light
Yellow or Orange. The oil level is low. Refill the
oil as soon as possible and bring the vehicle to a shop to see why it
was low.
Low Oil Pressure or Engine Oil Pressure Light
Red light (immediately
pull over safely). Once you pull over you could check your oil level
and add oil if it’s low. If the light continues to be illuminated then you
should have your vehicle towed to a facility. Catastrophic engine
failure will occur if the oil pressure is low. Repairs for these
damages can be very expensive.
Parking Brake Light
Red light. The parking brake is engaged or not
fully released. Release it completely before driving.
Service Vehicle Soon
Yellow light. This light may be used in
conjunction with other lights. Depending on which other lights are
illuminated, there may be a problem with the anti-lock brakes (ABS),
brake hydraulic system, and traction control system (TCS).
Temperature Light (or Hot Light)
Red light (immediately pull over
safely, turn off the engine, and have it towed). This light means
engine temperature has exceeded maximum parameters. Severe engine
failure will result if you continue to drive.
Throttle Control Warning Light
Yellow or orange. In some vehicles, the
throttle has an electronic control system. These lights indicate that
there is a problem with the system. Has the vehicle been serviced as soon
as possible? In some makes and models, the wrench light can be for other
purposes. Be sure to consult the owner’s manual.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
Yellow or orange. This light indicates
that one or more of the tires has fallen below 25% of the recommended
pressure. Have the tires checked soon?
Turn Signals and Hazard Light Display
These will only illuminate when
a turn signal (left or right) or the hazard lights (both
simultaneously) are turned on. If one stays on instead of blinking in
rhythm or blinks slower or quicker than usual then there is a problem.
One of the bulbs may need to be replaced or there is something wrong
with the circuit.
Voltage Light.
Red Light (pull over safely and get it towed). If this
particular light illuminates while you’re on the freeway then you may
be able to proceed to the next exit. This light indicates that voltage is below the minimum specification
and your vehicle will stop running once the battery dies. Safely pulling
over and having the vehicle towed is even more important at night since
you’ll lose the use of your headlights, which tend to drain the battery
even quicker. Some of the samples are yellow; in this case, you should still
treat it as a red light.
Security Light.
Red, Orange, or Yellow. This indicates that there is a
problem with the theft deterrent system. Sometimes the vehicle will not run
if this light illuminates or blinks.
Seat Belt Light.
Red light. This means that the driver and/or passenger do
not have their seat belts fastened.
Traction Control Light or Low Track Light
Yellow, orange, or blue light.
This indicates drive wheel speed is higher than the coasting wheel speed.
For example, if you have front-wheel drive, then the front-wheel speed is
higher than the rear-wheel speed. This can be useful on ice, dirt, or any
low-traction condition. Be careful while driving in these conditions,
especially when turning.
Author: Global Spare Parts, Oman
