What does a dashboard light mean?

There are more and more lights on the instrument panel and a normal driver often has trouble knowing what a lamp is.

There are so many lights in vehicles with various symbols that sometimes look more like the cockpit of an airplane. A small consolation is at least the fact that all the symbols are divided into four basic colors.

In addition to the lamp symbol, the color of the symbol is also important.

Red indicates a potentially serious problem or safety issue. Red can also indicate an important reminder.

Yellow / orange means something needs to be serviced or repaired soon. If it is flashing, it is important that you contact your dealer or service.

Green or blue only tells you that the system is on or running.

The following is a display of the instrument panel lights.

Braking system

The red light is normally active if the parking (parking) brake is activated. If the light is on and the parking brake is not active, then the brake oil is missing. If the lamp is still active after refueling, contact a workshop to troubleshoot the fault.

Cooling system

If this light appears, stop when safe and switch off the engine immediately. Check that the coolant level is correct (not leaked). If it is leaking, top up with water (or antifreeze) to the correct fluid level (as indicated).
Warning: carefully with the plug unscrewed on the refrigerator as boiling water may come out (use a screwdriver and as a hand shield).
If the lamp still remains lit after refilling, then the cooling system does not work. Contact the service.

Engine Oil Pressure

The lamp will normally light when the ignition is switched on for a few seconds after starting the engine. If the light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine.
Check the level oil in the engine by means of a rod. If the level is below the lower limit, add a certain amount (usually 300 - 500 ml) of the appropriate engine oil.
Start the engine and wait a few seconds. If the light goes off, you can continue driving freely. If not, contact a service center. Driving a car without insufficient oil level can seriously damage the engine.

Power steering system

The light comes on when there are problems with the oil pressure in the servomotor.
Shut off the engine and remove the key for about 30 seconds and then start the engine.
If the light does not turn off afterwards and you can safely operate the vehicle, take it slowly to a service center.

Airbag and seat belt system

If the light comes on or flashes, there is a fault in the airbag system. Drive the vehicle to a service facility to have the error corrected. Failure to do so may cause the airbags and belt tensioners to not activate in the event of a collision.

Power supply system

The light indicates a fault in the electrical system, battery does not charge or malfunction of the alternator, normally burning upon giving contact.
If you can start the engine and the light is still on, then make sure you have the vehicle repaired as soon as possible. Failure to do so runs the risk of discharging the battery completely and damaging it.

Steering lock

If the indicator is red, do not operate the vehicle. Get help with the service.
If the lamp is yellow, there is an error in the control system. If it is possible to operate the vehicle safely, drive to a service facility to remedy the problem.

The key to starting the engine

If the light is red and the engine is running, do not switch it off because it may not be possible to activate it again. Drive to a service facility to troubleshoot.
If the light is yellow there is an error in the system, drive to a service facility for an error.

Belt buckle

The light is on if the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belts. If the light is active and the belt is fastened, there is a fault that needs to be rectified by a workshop.

Open door indicator

Make sure all doors are closed securely. If they are closed and the lamp is still active, troubleshoot the problem.

Open hood indicator

Indicates whether the hood is well closed. If it is closed and the lamp is still active, troubleshoot the problem.

Open trunk indicator

Make sure the boot is properly closed. If it is closed and the lamp is still active, troubleshoot the problem.

Vehicle distance indicator

A warning indicates a short distance from the front of your vehicle to a moving vehicle. The vehicle ahead is either slowing down or your vehicle is going too fast. It is necessary to slow down and maintain a reasonable distance.

Power steering problem indicator

This lamp indicates a problem with the power steering. In the case of a minor disturbance, the effect of helping to turn the steering wheel is reduced, and in the case of a larger problem - the thrust effect is completely lost. You can turn the steering wheel, but it takes a lot more power.

Exhaust Control Indicator

If the light is constantly on, stop the engine, remove the key for 30 seconds, return the key and try starting the engine. If it still burns and the vehicle goes with reduced power, have the car serviced.
If the light is blinking and the vehicle is vibrating and there is no power, do not drive the car and seek assistance / tow to service. If there is no vibration and you can take the car to a repair shop slowly and safely, do so.

Soot particle filter

This lamp is typical for diesel cars with a built-in soot filter. This usually marks the beginning of the filter regeneration process.
If more than one lamp is burning, do not drive the car and seek assistance along the way. The soot filter is clogged.
If one of the lights is on, continue driving at about 60 km / h for at least 15 minutes until the light goes out. If the lamp does not go out afterwards, the particulate filter is clogged and must be cleaned by a workshop.

Engine management system (gasoline engines)

Drive slowly and carefully to the service to determine and correct the fault.

Engine Management System (Diesel Engines)

It is normal for the light to burn for a few seconds when contact is made. Indicates that diesel fuel heaters are operating.
If the lamp is active or flashing while the engine is running, there is an error in the engine control system. Drive slowly to the service to troubleshoot.

Engine oil level

If the lamp is constantly on, the appropriate oil must be added to the engine as soon as possible.
If the warning flashes then the oil level sensor is faulty. Check the oil level with a bar and top up with oil if necessary. If the lamp continues to flicker afterwards, contact a workshop to correct the malfunction.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

The anti-lock braking system circuit is defective. The car can still brake but needs to be driven / braked carefully as ABS and ESP (Stability Control System) are inactive. Drive to a service facility to resolve the issue.

Stability Control System (ESP)

If the light comes on from time to time, it means that the ESP system is activated because it needs it (slippery surface, more aggressive driving). This means that the system is working properly.
If the warning is burning, then the ESP system is off or faulty. If ESP is off, you can activate it by pressing the activation button. If it goes off then everything is OK. If the lamp is still active then the ESP system does not work. The car can be driven, but with increased care. Drive the car to a service center to resolve the issue.

Tire pressure indicator

If the lamp is active, the tire pressure may not be normal. Inflate the tires to nominal pressure values ​​and memorize the value into the computer (usually a "Set" button is pressed in setting the pressure sensor in the trip computer). If the warning goes off after that, everything is OK. If not, then there is an error in the pressure sensor. You can drive until the light irritates you, then have it serviced and repair the malfunction.

Power steering system

If the battery is not removed and the light is on, there is a fault in the power steering and the service needs to be remedied.
If the battery is removed, then the system must be reset. You can do this by turning the steering wheel completely to the left, then to the right after starting the engine, and then driving a shorter time at a speed of 15 to 20 km / h. After that, the lamp should go out. If it continues to burn, go to a service center to troubleshoot the problem.

Brake Pads Worn Mark

This light indicates that the packs are (almost) spent. For your safety, drive the car as soon as possible to have the packs replaced.

Airbag system and pretensioners

If the light comes on or flashes then there is a problem in the airbag circuit. Drive to an authorized service facility to have the error remedied. If this warning is constantly active, then the airbags will not activate in the event of a collision.

Automatic transmission error

This light comes on together with a message on the display. Follow the message and act accordingly.

Air suspension

This error indicates a problem with the suspension system. This can affect the vehicle's steering, stability and ground height. Drive carefully to the service where the error will be corrected.

Adjustable shock absorbers

Error in customizable dampers. Contact service.

Rear spoiler

Error picking up rear spoiler. Contact an authorized service center, and in the meantime, do not drive more than 120 km / h as it may cause loss of vehicle handling due to reduced grip.

Monitoring of external bulbs

Some of the external bulbs (position lamps, reverse lamps, fog lights) are incorrect. Find the faulty bulb and replace it.

Stop light

Indicates that the stop light bulb is defective. Check that all the stop lamps are correct, replace those that are defective.

Light sensor and rain sensor

Error in light and rain sensors. Wipers and headlights will not turn on automatically, but if turned on manually, it will work. Contact the service to return to normal operation.

Height adjustment of headlights

There is an error in the headlamp height control system. Contact the troubleshooting service.

Automatic headlamp adjustment system

The Adaptive light control does not work automatically, ie. the headlight beam will not automatically lower when the vehicle is encountered. The headlights will still be able to be turned down manually. Contact an authorized service center to resolve the error.

Tow hitch

Check the towing hook. It may not be locked after being pulled out or retracted. If, after retrying the hook, the indicator is still lit, do not attach the trailer. Contact the troubleshooting service.

Movable Roof Indicator (Convertible)

The indicator is on when the movable roof is opened or closed. If the lamp is active and the roof is open or closed, repeat the procedure. If the warning still does not go off afterwards, contact the service for troubleshooting.

The key is not in the vehicle

This only exists in vehicles that have a wireless key to start the engine (one that does not have to be inserted into a lock or slot but can remain in the pocket).
The indicator goes off if the key is removed from the vehicle while the engine is running. When the engine is shut off, it will not be possible to start the engine without a key.

Driving assistance in lane

This indication works when the lane track system is active and no lane tracks are detected. If this light comes on with the "System fault" message, contact the troubleshooting service.

Depress the clutch pedal

The clutch pedal must be depressed when starting the engine. Contact the user guide for an explanation of this phenomenon.

Windshield washer fluid level

Windshield washer fluid reservoir empty. Fill it with the appropriate liquid depending on the season.

Fog light indicator

This warning indicator indicates that there is an active fog light at the rear end of the car. Only switch on fog light with reduced visibility.

Low fuel level in the tank

The indicator shows that the fuel level in the tank is "on reserve". Drive to a nearby gas station and top up with "all fumes" fuel.

Fuel line indicator

Driving is safe, but water must be removed as soon as possible. Diesel engines have a separator in the tank, which removes this water, and this light indicates when it is necessary for service. However, if the light comes on immediately after refueling, the fuel may be contaminated. The engine must be switched off as soon as possible as the injection system may be damaged.

Indicator service

Service Required - A warning light indicates that service is required, either scheduled, scheduled, or unplanned if vehicle electronics assess the current need to visit service.

Low temperature / ice risk indicator

The lamp indicates a temperature drop below a certain value, usually below + 4 ° C.

Indicator required filling of AdBlue additive

The warning light displays an informational message with a specified range. It will not be possible to start the engine after the accessory has been used up. Restarting the engine will only be possible after refilling the additives and deleting the engine startup error message via diagnostics.

Start-Stop System Indicator

The light indicates that the start / stop system has shut off the engine. The engine starts automatically when the clutch pedal is depressed. In the case of an automatic transmission, just let the brake pedal go. It is recommended that the system be deactivated (especially in the case of a turbocharged engine) after a longer highway ride or if the engine is sufficiently stressed. The turbocharger is overheated and needs to cool for at least one minute at idle. It is also a good idea to shut down the system if you are moving at short intervals in the column. Sometimes it happens that the engine in the column shuts down and even 100 times in a row. Although both the battery and the starter are more durable than in vehicles without a start-stop system, this does not mean that the life span is unlimited.

Cruise control

The indicator is active when cruise control is activated. driving at constant speed. This is a normal occurrence. Contact the user guide for how the system works.

Depress the brake pedal (automatic transmission)

Light only on automatic transmission models. Indicates that the brake pedal must be depressed as the transmission shifts from the parking position (P) to the driving position (D).

Driving assistance in lane

This green indicator indicates that the highway lane monitoring system is active and road markings are being detected.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Indicator indicating that adaptive cruise control is active. Apart from classic cruise control, it means that the system will automatically monitor the speed and distance of the vehicle in front of the car and, accordingly, reduce / increase the speed of movement.

ECO indicator

The indicator light illuminates when the ECO power saving mode is activated. The control electronics ensure that the vehicle consumes as little fuel as possible while driving. In practice, the engine usually has less power, reacts more slowly to gas pressures, provides poor performance, automatic transmission at lower speeds, can reduce (interrupt) air conditioning (

DAC (Downhill Assist Control) and HDC (Hill Descent Control) indicators

The indicator light illuminates when the steep incline assist system is activated. The system then controls the speed and stability of the vehicle, that is, maintains a constant speed of about 8 km / h and stabilizes the vehicle in the desired driving direction. Pressing the throttle, max. increasing the speed to about 25-30 km / h, while braking can slow the speed to about 5-6 km / h.

Low Coolant Temperature Indicator

Vehicles that do not have a coolant temperature indicator are equipped with blue warning lights. This lights up when the coolant temperature is too low. It is switched off if the coolant temperature exceeds a certain manufacturer level. If the light is on, it is not recommended to start the engine at high speed, but to travel more slowly until the light goes out.

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Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!