Dashboard Warning Lights

Understanding what they mean and how to act. Note: different car model may have different types of lights. In this article we'ra trying to explain common dashboard lights and their meaning.

Rear Fog Light — it is activated and remains on once the driver turns on the fog beams.

Seat Belt Reminder — active as long as vehicle is moving and the belt remains unfastened. Fastening seat belt will switch off the light.

Brake System Alert — this light indicates a low brake fluid level and professional help should be sought to rectify and issues, leaks or low brake linings are a common cause, this light is sometimes used when a vehicle has an ABS fault.

Temperature Warning Light — it warns the driver of the possibility of engine overheating and usually demands the driver to stop the vehicle.

Front Airbag — amber light informs the driver when a passenger air bag has been switched off manually.

Battery Warning — seek professional help to resolve the issue.

Open Doors Indicator — this symbol is usually turned on just after the driver starts the engine and informs them that one or more doors are closed incorrectly. Safely check all doors are shut properly.

Hazard Warning Lights — activated by the driver to indicate a problem with their car to other motorists.

Oil Pressure Warning — this light will illuminate when the oil pressure sensor detects low oil pressure, the vehicle’s engine should be switched off immediately to avoid severe engine damage and the oil level checked to ensure correct quantity in the engine. Professional help should be sought if oil level is correct and light continues to show. An amber light is also used in some vehicles to warn when the oil level is getting low and top up is required.

ABS Warning Light — this light will show when you have a fault in the ABS braking system, this will not result in losing your brakes but additional safety features will have been switched off and professional help should be sought to resolve the issues. Note: The light illuminates briefly on engine start up but switches off automatically.

Engine Management Light — this light illuminates when the vehicle detects a fault with the engine management system usually related to emissions or running concerns. Can cause the vehicle to go in to limp home mode when illuminated and requires immediate professional attention.

Warning Light this light will illuminate with other lights and is usually accompanied by an error message in the display.

Tyre Pressure monitor — inflate tires to correct pressure displayed in owners manual and reset light if required to extinguish.

Bulb Failure — indicates a problem with one or more of the vehicle bulbs. Seek guidance from a motor electrician.

Rear Window Defrost — this is turned on once the driver presses the rear window defrost button. When window is clear turn off to save on battery consumption.

Child Safety Lock — if alight, the symbol shows you that the child safety lock has been activated. Remember to switch off when no longer required.

Cruise Control — this light turned on if the cruise control system is activated; note that it may differ by brand and car model.

Windshield defrost — activated by the driver to clear the front windscreen. When windshield is clear switch off to save on battery consumption.

Powertrain Malfunction — this light will illuminate when the engine management system detects a fault that requires the engine to be shut down and requires immediate attention by a qualified technician.

Traction Control Light — this light will illuminate along with the ABS light when the vehicle has a fault in the system. It will also flash when the system is operating to warn the driver of hazardous conditions.

Electronic Throttle Control Light — briefly enabled when the driver starts the engine, the indicator shows a malfunction in the Electronic Throttle Control system.

AWD — this light indicates that the All Wheel Drive system is activated.

ESP/BAS Light — similar to the ABS indicator, but especially installed to inform the driver about a potential problem with the Electronic Stability Program technology.

Overdrive Indicator — it shows the driver that the overdrive system has been turned off.

Low Fuel Notification — this panel is switched on if the fuel level gets very low. Refuelling is urgently required.

Glow Plug Warning — used on Diesel vehicles, no attempt to start the vehicle must be made until the light is extinguished. The light is also used to with the engine management light when a fault has been detected.

Turn Signals — without a doubt the most known instrument panels, the turn signals are activated once the driver changes direction and uses the indicators.

High Beam Light — it is turned on once the driver activates the high beam mode of the headlights.

Now you have major understanding what is your dashboard light means. At the BMP Autoservice we are ctearly understand how unexpected and frustrating some of your car's issues might be and we are ready to help you with comprehensive and professional aproach to keep your car well maintained and whealthy. If you got some of your warning light on at your instrument cluster, don't ignore it! Professional sought might be require. Feel free to call us at 916-334-7371 or visit our shop, conviniently located at 7275 32nd Street, North Highlands, CA 95660.

Drive safe!