Here’s what some of the most important lights … What it means: When the oil can is yellow, it usually means that the oil level is low or the oil temperature is a bit high (depending on the car model). How serious is the particle filter light? If you have a puncture, watch our video to learn how to change a tyre in 10 simple steps. RELATED: How to Fix a Broken Seat Belt Buckle? This is easily done with only a set of pliers or a wrench. Watch later. If the fuel tank is full and the symbol is still there, there might be a problem with the fuel level tank sensor or its wirings. You will often not have any symptoms with the EPC light on, but often, it comes together with the ABS light, and if the abs light is on, the abs functions will be shut off. If your car battery is getting drained, the car will stop, and you will not start it again without external power. Low tyre pressure can cause unsafe driving conditions so reduce your speed, and try to avoid braking suddenly or making any violent steering manoeuvres. If you lock all four wheels due to hard braking, you can’t steer your vehicle. If it’s flashing, you should definitely stop driving! If the light stays on, have the vehicle's fault codes checked with the diagnostic kit to correct the malfunction. Not all warning lights are universal, some have different meanings. If your car battery is getting drained, the car will stop, and you will not start it again without external power. How to solve it: To get rid of the ABS light, the easiest way is to read your trouble code memory. How to solve it: To fix the tire pressure monitoring system light, you should first ensure that you have the correct tire pressure in all your tires. Top up the air in the tyres according to the vehicle manufacturer specification in your owner's manual. What it means: This warning light means there is a low level of washer fluid in the reservoir. 5 Things to Consider if Your Car Dash Lights Go Out in the Portland Area. A common problem for this warning light is a faulty ABS sensor, ABS ring, or sensor’s wirings. In this case the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) warning light may also be illuminated. What follows is easily the most complete list available of symbols and warnings that may appear in and on your car’s dashboard or instrument cluster. How serious is the traction control light? If it doesn’t turn off, there might be a problem with your fog light switch or any other electrical problem type. Some cars will display a warning light when they detect a failed bulb in one of the lights. After you have filled the tire pressure light, you have to reset the TPMS system. How to solve it: To solve this issue, first check the coolant level in your coolant reservoir. If you keep driving with the light on, and the oil pressure is low, it may cause major engine damage. By clicking subscribe you are adhering to our terms and conditions. How serious is the power steering light? Sometimes, there can be minimal leaks, and it is hard to find them. To check, try stopping and restarting the engine. This warning light indicates that there’s a problem with the power steering. A serious problem could damage your engine if you ignore it in some cases. If this light is red you should stop straight away, as without enough coolant your engine could get so hot that it effectively welds itself together, causing irreparable damage. It can be a fault like the control unit does not communicate with one of the sensors. This could mean that coolant levels are running low, perhaps due to a leak in the system, or it could be a sign of a larger problem, like a head gasket failure. It could also be a false sensor alarm and may not damage your engine, but you shouldn’t take the chance if you are not sure it’s a sensor problem. How serious is the TPMS light? As soon as safely possible, stop the car and turn off engine. Search RAC Drive for news, reviews, advice and more. Also known as the check engine or ECU warning light. If any remain lit or light up during your journey, then they demand your attention. Hi, I’m Magnus, the owner and the writer of Mechanic Base. Ever wondered what those colorful lights in the speedometer console meant? You should replace as soon as you can though, as if they wear out completely it could be extremely dangerous. For roadside assistance, you can call the RAC on 0330 159 1111 even if you’re not a member. Many warning lights indicate that […] The easiest way to fix this is to read the trouble code memory to find the trouble code. This light should turn ON after you turn your ignition ON for a couple of seconds (depending on the car model) and then shut off. In this case call for recovery if you have breakdown cover, as driving any further could damage the engine. Usually, the immobilizer light may cause your vehicle not to start, and you can’t drive with it. If you want to learn more about the airbag systems, you can check our other articles: Safe to drive with the airbag light on? How to solve it: If you find this sign on a car with an electric power steering pump, you should check the power steering fluid level if possible. When this light comes on you should stop as soon as possible and turn off the engine. How to solve it: To solve this problem, read your engine control module’s trouble codes and your transmission control module. Now though, it’s vital that you sort it out quickly because if any of your dashboard lights are on during your MOT, your car will fail. For further troubleshooting of the car immobilizer system, I recommend letting a skilled automotive technician look at it and reading the immobilizer system’s trouble codes. How serious is the airbag light? If you opt to wire the light to a switch on your dashboard, however, the installation will be a bit more in depth. In some cars, you have to drive for a while to update the oil level if the vehicle uses an electronic oil level measurement. There are several methods to reset the TPMS system depending on what car you have; some vehicles have to drive for 15 minutes, and some cars have a button for the reset. Low oil pressure can cause serious damage to your engine, and you may have to do a whole engine replacement. If you have filled up the reservoir, but the light is still on, there might be a problem with the washer fluid’s level sensor or a wiring issue to the sensor. If it’s a sensor problem, it will not cause any damage if you are driving with it. To measure the voltage, you need a Multimeter. If the light comes back on again after topping up you should get it checked out at a garage to fix the underlying problem. This light will come on when the engine is overheating. When this light is ON – the airbag control system is completely disabled, and you won’t have any airbags saving you in an accident. How to Fix Dashboard Lights That Won't Light. Always check a wiring diagram for your vehicle before doing these experiments. If the i-stop symbol illuminates on the dashboard in amber, despite continuously pressing the i-stop OFF switch and other when the bonnet is open and where the driver is not in the vehicle with the seat belt unfastened and the door open, there’s a fault with the system. To learn more about this warning light, check our article Service Engine Soon. RAC Motoring Services and RAC Financial Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of insurance mediation activities. Indicator light turns on when the handbrake is on. Replace the bulb to extinguish the light. Other times, this light will appear if your gas cap is open, loose, or cracked, causing fuel to evaporate. If the light comes up, drive the shortest way to a safe spot to call for towing of your vehicle. If the sensors detect a problem, you’ll be alerted to it by warning lights, which are typically displayed within the speedometer and rev counter dials or elsewhere on the dashboard of your car. In this event, you need to reset the system. Usually, you have to replace the whole engine if you drive with low oil pressure. The shift lock light is not a warning light, and therefore it should be on, and it is not dangerous to drive with. It could also be a faulty seat sensor or a faulty seat belt buckle causing this light to stay on. The electric power control system works with several different control units, like the engine, transmission, brake control unit. You can let it cool down and keep driving after a while if you have to drive to the workshop but always check the temperature gauge. It can also be a wiring problem between the sensor and the dashboard or a faulty dashboard. Use our search tool to find your nearest RAC approved garage. If you have replaced your tires, you may need to reprogram the new sensors to the control unit with a TPMS tool / OBD2 scanner. How to solve it: To repair this problem, you have to find out what problem is causing the engine light. How to solve it: When the airbag/SRS light is on, it means that there is a trouble code stored in the airbag control module. As well as releasing a plume of toxic black smoke every time you press the accelerator, driving with a blocked filter could cause more serious damage to your car. Car dashboard symbols and meanings – warning lights guide, Anti-lock brake system (ABS) warning light, Electronic stability problem (ESP) system light, diesel particulate filters and how to maintain them, video guide to checking your car’s engine oil. If the light fades after the run, it means that the coals in the alternator are worn out, and they have to be replaced, or usually, you will need to replace the whole alternator. The following are warning lights and indicators found in vehicles built by Volkswagen. What it means: This warning light means there is a problem with your electric power control system. Dash lights not working more details more specific How too. You can often find these warning lights together with the ABS light because the systems are working together and use the same wheel sensors. If you need assistance you can call the RAC on 0330 159 1111 whether you are a member or not. If the light comes up, drive the shortest way to a safe spot to call for towing of your vehicle. Also called the brake pad wear warning light, if this symbol shows up it means a sensor has detected your brake pads are too thin. The warning lights on your dashboard follow a traffic light colour system: Don't see the light you need? To read the trouble code memory, you have to use an OBD2 scanner. Your car will run as normal until the battery is dead but once it is drained nothing in your car will work – so get to a garage quickly before you run out of juice! Please see our privacy policy for more details. When the dashboard lights in your vehicle malfunction or cease to operate, the resulting effects can range from being a mere annoyance to posing a safety hazard. What it means: This warning light means that there is a problem with your TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) or that one of your tires has a low tire pressure. Check your tire pressure when the light is on. If there is a sensor or programming, reset the problem causing the light to show up; it will not damage your car if you keep driving with the car. If all this is right, you have to read the trouble code memory to figure out the problem. If you can’t get this light off and the tire pressure is correct, there may be a stored trouble code in the tire pressure monitoring system. February 7, 2019. Also known as the DPF or exhaust particulate filter warning light. What it means: This warning light indicates that the immobilizer could not recognize your car keys or there is a problem with the immobilizer system. For electric powered systems, this problem could be as simple to fix as rebooting a computer. To fix these problems, I recommend connecting an OBD2 scanner and reading the trouble codes or seeking help from a skilled car electrician to find your vehicle’s problem. EPC Light (Audi, Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen), 19 Car Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols & Meanings, 5 Reasons Why Your Brake Lights Don’t Work But Tail…, 6 Causes of Tail Lights Don't Work But Brake Lights Do, Throttle Control Warning Light (ETC) - Symptoms & Info, 5 Causes of Brake Lights Stay On & Won't Turn Off -…, Stop your vehicle immediately and tow your car to a car repair shop, Drive your car the closest way to a car repair shop. Check out this article for possible reset situations: TPMS Reset. If the light comes back on again after topping up you should get it checked out to fix the underlying problem. The oil warning light comes on when either the oil temperature gets too high or the oil level or pressure is too low. Some but not all stone chips and cracks on the windscreen can require a new screen, it depends where they are in the driver’s sight and how bad they are. If the coolant level is OK, it can be caused by overheating, and it needs proper diagnosing. Car dashboard lights: what to look for. Or, if you have RAC Breakdown Cover, call for recovery. If you are only driving short distances, you may need to connect a diagnostic scanner and do a manual regeneration. A common cause for the airbag light is the connector plug under the driver or passenger seat. A small tip is to remove the connector for the seat buckle to see if the light is turning OFF. How serious is the EPC light? If it’s flashing it means the ESP system is intervening – for example, if you’re driving on a slippery road. It can also be an internal fault in your instrument cluster. How to solve it: First, check your engine oil level to make sure there is any oil at all in the oil sump. Some use an electric pressure pump and use the old-style power steering rack, and some have an electric engine around the steering column. Power Steering/Steering Control Warning Light, 19. 3. The battery light is red, and when this light is on, maybe your alternator is not charging, and your car battery will be drained. While you’re under the hood, have a look to see if there are any obvious leaks. It’s just an indicator of the seatbelts. When this light is on, the ABS function is disabled. An overheating engine can cut out as well. Some vehicles use load-monitored sensors in the back seat and passenger seat to see if they are sitting there. This dashboard symbol should illuminate in red when the ignition switch is turned to MAR and extinguish shortly after. Always refer to your owner’s manual when you’re not 100% sure what the light indicates. Watch our video guide to checking your car’s engine oil. If this red light remains on after you fully release the parking brake, or comes on when you’re driving, it may indicate that the brake fluid level is low. Read our guide to checking your engine coolant. Occasionally, even after a problem has been solved, the dashboard light associated with it may still be active. If you can’t see any and the light goes off after topping up then you should be fine to continue your journey. You will find this light in VAG cars – Volkswagen (VW), Audi, Skoda and Seat, and some other models using VW’s EPC system. What will happen is that you may run out of washer fluid, and you cannot clean your front or rear windshield. They should then go off. That’s why I always recommend fixing this problem as fast as possible. Overheated Engine Coolant DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT. The brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car, so it’s important to act immediately when you see this red warning light. Always check your oil level when this light appears. You can do this by reading the trouble codes. Many Mercedes-Benz cars are now fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems that will let you know when the pressure falls. What it means: This warning light can mean two things. If you have a diesel, one of these lights will come on if there is a problem with the exhaust particulate filter, which removes harmful soot from the exhaust gases to reduce emissions. and What does the SRS light mean?. The oil pressure warning light indicates a loss of oil pressure, meaning lubrication is low or lost completely. Dashboard lights may be disabled as a result of a blown fuse. When the coolant temperature warning light shows up, you should always check the coolant level and stop your vehicle as fast as possible. © 2021 RAC Motoring Services. If you can’t see any and the light goes off after topping up then you should be fine to continue your journey. It’s just a warning light in some cars telling you it’s time for scheduled service (like oil replacement, spark plug replacement, etc.). You can either do it at home or let a car workshop check the trouble code memory for you. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Yes, but you should drive with extra care and aim to top up with air at the next opportunity. Breakdown cover arranged and administered by RAC Financial Services Limited (Registered No 05171817) and provided by RAC Motoring Services (Registered No 01424399) and/or RAC Insurance Ltd (Registered No 2355834). If the fluid level is ok, you have to check the trouble codes for your power steering control system. It will most likely not damage any further parts if you keep driving with the light on. What it means: This warning light means there is low oil pressure in your car’s engine. While dashboard lights may vary by vehicle, the following are some examples of very common warning and informational lights that could appear on the dashboard of your vehicle: BRAKE SYSTEM The brake system light could mean the brake fluid level is low, the parking brake is on or there is an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). If the light remains on after restarting get it checked at a garage as the ESP system is an important safety feature. Also known as the battery charge light or battery charging system light. What it means: This warning light could mean two different things depending on which car model you have. CAR dashboard warning lights communicate information about the vehicle and any potential issues or problems that need addressing immediately. Check your service manual if there is more than one reservoir. *With 12 months of Ultimate cover for new customers. Check the oil level, transmission fluid level, brake fluid level, washer level, etc. It could indicate that the filter has become blocked with soot. Unless you know how to check your brake fluid levels yourself, this will be one for the professionals, so get yourself to a garage. How to solve it: To fix this problem, you have to measure the voltage the alternator charges the battery on idle. Share. You can check the trouble codes with an OBD2 scanner. Make sure you have fuel in the tank all the time. This light appears when there is a trouble code stored in your engine control unit. If this is the issue, the dashboard light fuse, located in the fuse box, must be replaced. Often, the fuel level tank sensor can get stuck inside the tank, and it can help drive and refill the tank a couple of times. But what do all these symbols mean, and what should I do when one of them appears on my dashboard? Also known as the low engine oil or low oil pressure light. To find out more about how to diagnose this warning light, you can check our article Traction control light. Check if any of the above-mentioned reasons have occurred. Your brakes will still work, but the ABS might not engage if you need to make an emergency stop. 4. RAC Insurance Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. When you are driving, your car is making regenerations when the engine is hot, and you drive long distances. If the light stays on you should take your car to get checked as soon as possible. You should check your motor oil level and pressure as soon as you can. Check out our car manufacturer-specific warning lights pages: Also known as the brake system warning light, parking brake warning light or brake fluid warning light. That’s why I recommend repairing the problem as soon as possible. What it means: You can find this light in cars with automatic transmission. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) Warning Sign, 9. ABS is an important safety feature that really comes into play when you need to make an abrupt stop, or in difficult driving conditions like icy roads. If you keep driving with the light on and your fuel level goes to zero, your vehicle will stop. Vehicle must be stopped immediately as an overheating engine can seize. It’s important to know what car dashboard warning lights mean because you might be able to avoid a car breakdown or full-on failure. What it means: The Engine/Check engine light means there is a problem with your engine. Also known as the EPS or EPAS warning light. How to solve it: To find the problem with this warning light, read the ABS control unit’s trouble code memory to see any stored trouble codes. What it means: This light indicates that a low voltage is detected. In some vehicles, it is the opposite; you have to short the two wires. Have a look for any obvious oil leaks under the car, and then check the oil levels, topping up if necessary. What it means: This light means there is a problem with the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System). To find which sensor it is, you have to read the engine control unit’s trouble code memory.If you are only driving short distances, this light can light up if a particle filter regeneration was done a long time ago. If it’s a fuel level sensor problem, it’s not dangerous to drive with. The washer fluid light is not very serious about keeping driving with. If you do run out of charge, you can try to jump start it, or call for recovery if you have RAC Breakdown cover. What it means: This light means there is a problem with your Airbag / SRS control system. The light will most likely not damage any other parts, but it is a traffic security question. How serious is the battery light? Restart the engine after 2 minutes to reset the engine management system. Pull over and stop as soon as it’s safe to do so - keep your speed low and avoid braking suddenly. Some cars have scheduled service for a replacement of the diesel particle filter (Like BMW). But it will not damage anything more if you keep driving with it. The control units need to inform the driver there is a problem with the system, and therefore all these different warning symbols exist. How to solve it: Normally, you have to refill your fuel tank to get this light to turn OFF. The check engine light can signify a lot of problems with your engine. While you’re under the hood, have a look to see if there are any obvious leaks. If the airbag system is not working properly, it may not go off in a crash - or in some cases it could even deploy unexpectedly and cause a crash. This list covers general symbols that appear in the most common car models. We’ve put together an easy guide on those pesky car dashboard lights and what they mean. NOTE: The coolant may be boiling, and you should never open the cap if the engine is hot as it may cause serious injuries. How serious is the oil pressure light? Stop the car when it is safe to do so and turn off the engine. If the check engine light comes on you should get it checked as soon as you can, as by continuing to drive you risk causing further, potentially irreparable damage to your engine. A car's dashboard lights control switch can dim dashboard lights as well as turn them on or off. You can find the correct tire pressure in your service manual or at the body when you open the driver’s door. I have been working with cars for 10 years, specialized in diagnostics and troubleshooting. You have to use an OBD2 scanner to read the airbag control system. Unless you know how to check your brake fluid levels yourself, this will be one for the professionals. You should always check that all your lights on the vehicle are working properly. When the particle filter light is on, the particle filter’s cleaning processes will be shut off, and it may cause your particle filter to clog up the filter entirely, and your car will stop. These 5 car dashboard warning lights should be considered very serious when they illuminate. Different cars can have slightly different looking symbols. If you keep driving with the light on, it can cause serious damage to your engine, which may result in an engine replacement. If that doesn’t get the light to turn off, have your vehicle checked out by a … When the light is on, your airbag system is out of function, and the airbags will not deploy if an accident occurs. If the particle light just showed up, it will not damage your car if you do not drive too far with it. Read our guide to checking your engine coolant.
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