Car warning symbols and meanings – dashboard warning light guide
These are just a few of common warning lights you may encounter. If any of these lights come on it’s important to get the vehicle checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage or safety risks.
1. Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Light)
- Appearance: Usually a yellow/orange engine-shaped icon.
- Cause: This light can be triggered by a variety of engine-related issues, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, loose fuel cap, catalytic converter problems, or more serious engine malfunctions. It’s best to get the car checked with an OBD-II scanner to pinpoint the issue.
2. Oil Pressure Warning Light
- Appearance: A red oil can icon.
- Cause: This light come on when oil temperature gets too high or the oil level or oil pressure is too low. Which can be caused by low oil levels, a leak, or a failing oil pump. Ignoring this warning could lead to severe engine damage.
3. Battery Warning Light
- Appearance: A red battery symbol.
- Cause: This light suggests an issue with the car’s charging system. Common causes include a faulty alternator, battery problems, or loose wiring. The car may soon fail to start if this isn’t addressed.
4. Brake Warning Light
- Appearance: A red circle with an exclamation mark or the word “BRAKE.”
- Cause: This could indicate a problem with the braking system, such as low brake fluid levels, worn brake pads, or a more serious issue like a malfunctioning brake system. It’s crucial to check immediately.
5. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
- Appearance: A horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark inside.
- Cause: This light indicates that one or more of your tyres are underinflated. Low tyre pressure can affect safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear, so it’s important to check your tyres right away.
6. Engine Temperature Warning Light
- Appearance: A red thermometer submerged in liquid.
- Cause: This light comes on when the engine is overheating. Possible causes include a coolant leak, low coolant levels, a broken radiator fan, or a malfunctioning thermostat. Pull over immediately if this light appears.
7. ABS Warning Light
- Appearance: The letters “ABS” in a circle.
- Cause: The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) has detected a fault. While the car can still brake normally, the ABS system may not function correctly, reducing braking performance in emergency situations. A professional diagnostic check is recommended.
8. Airbag Warning Light
- Appearance: A seated person with an airbag symbol.
- Cause: This light indicates a fault with the airbag system. It could be a problem with sensors, wiring, or the airbag modules themselves. It’s crucial to get this repaired, as it affects safety in the event of a crash.
9. Power Steering Warning Light
- Appearance: A steering wheel with an exclamation mark.
- Cause: This indicates a problem with the power steering system, such as low fluid levels or a failure of the electric power steering motor. The steering may become heavier, making the car harder to control.
10. Brake Pad Warning Light
- Appearance: A circle inside dotted brackets
- Cause: This car warning light should come on before the brake pads become dangerously thin, so you have time to get them changed. You should replace as soon as you can though, as if they wear out completely it could be extremely dangerous.
11. Coolant Level Warning Light
- Appearance: An amber thermometer submerged in liquid.
- Cause: This light comes on when the coolant is below the minimum levels. Possible causes include a coolant leak or low coolant levels. You should stop and top up as soon as possible, otherwise you risk damaging your car.
13. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning Light
- Appearance: A symbol resembling a filter or a solid black triangle.
- Cause: This light typically appears in diesel vehicles and signals that the DPF is becoming clogged with soot. It can often be resolved by driving at higher speeds for a period, but persistent issues may require professional cleaning or replacement.
14. ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) Warning Light
- Appearance: A car with squiggly lines beneath it.
- Cause: This light indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s stability control system, which helps maintain control during slippery conditions or when skidding. It could indicate a sensor issue or a malfunction in the system.