Dashboard Warning Lights: Which Ones Mean Stop Now
Dashboard lights follow a simple color code on most cars: red means stop or deal with it now, yellow or amber means get it checked soon. Here are the ones you're most likely to see and what to do.
By the ATS Auto Repair team in Harahan ·
Red lights: pull over
Oil pressure (an oil can)
The engine isn't getting enough oil pressure. Pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it's safe. Driving without oil pressure can destroy an engine quickly. Check the oil level once the car has sat a few minutes. Even if the level looks fine, don't keep driving it. Call us.
Engine temperature (a thermometer)
The engine is overheating. Turn off the A/C, turn the heater on full, and pull over if it doesn't drop. Don't open the radiator cap while it's hot. See cooling system repair.
Brake warning (BRAKE or a circle with !)
First make sure the parking brake is all the way off. If the light stays on, the brake fluid may be low, which can mean worn pads or a leak. If the pedal feels soft or goes low, don't drive it. See brake repair.
Battery / charging (a battery)
This one usually means the car isn't charging, not that the battery is bad. The car is running on what's left in the battery, and it will die once that runs out. Turn off what you don't need (radio, seat heaters, A/C) and head straight to a shop or home. See battery and charging system testing.
Yellow lights: get it checked soon
Check engine
Steady: get it scanned soon. Flashing: the engine is likely misfiring badly. Ease off and get it in right away. See check engine light diagnostics.
Tire pressure (horseshoe shape with !)
One or more tires is low. Check all four with a gauge. If it comes on when the weather first cools off, the cold may have dropped the pressure. If it's flashing and then stays on, there's usually a problem with a sensor. See tires.
ABS
The anti-lock part of your brakes is off. Normal braking should still work, but the wheels can lock up in a hard stop, especially on wet roads. Often it's a wheel speed sensor.
Airbag (SRS)
There's a fault in the airbag system, and the airbags may not deploy in a crash. Get it looked at.
Traction or stability control (car with squiggly lines)
If it flickers while you're driving on a wet road, it's working. If it stays on, the system has a fault and is off.
A few tips
- Every light should come on for a second or two when you start the car, then go off. That's the bulb check. If one stays on, pay attention to it.
- Your owner's manual has a page showing every light on your dash. Snap a photo of it and keep it in your phone.
- Two lights together, like check engine and temperature, or battery and brake, are more serious than either one alone.
Not sure what you're looking at?
Take a photo of the dash and call (504) 737-4096. We'll tell you whether to drive it in or stop. We're at 6229 Jefferson Hwy in Harahan.
Questions we get
Is it safe to drive with the tire pressure light on?
Check the tires first. If one is visibly low or flat, don't drive on it. If they all look OK, fill them to the pressure on the door sticker and see if the light goes off.
What's the difference between the battery light and a dead battery?
The battery light usually means the charging system isn't keeping the battery charged, often an alternator or belt problem. The car will run until the battery is drained.
Why is my check engine light flashing?
A flashing check engine light usually means a serious misfire. Ease off and get the car checked right away to avoid damaging the catalytic converter.
Related
This is general information, not a diagnosis of your car. Every car is different, so call us with your year, make and model, or bring it by.
Ready to get it looked at?
Call (504) 737-4096 or book online.