What Does This Dash Light Mean?
What Does this Dash Light Mean?
Warning Symbols
Check your car's dashboard lighting as it is essential to identify your car's potential problem, safety issues or immediate failure points.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
The engine temperature light means the engine temperature has exceeded normal limits or temperatures that are standard for your engine. Check the coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks after a drive to see if something needs topped off or taken care of.
Battery Charge Warning Light
Indicator light means that your car's charging system is short on power or is not charging properly. This normally indicates a problem with the battery itself or the alternator not functioning properly.
Service Vehicle Soon
The service vehicle light turns on when there is a fault condition in an area of the vehicle chassis systems such as—the anti-lock (ABS) brake system, the traction control (TCS) system, the electronic suspension system, or the brake hydraulic system. It is best to take your vehicle to a professional for help when this pops up.
Brake Warning Light
Indicator light turns on when the handbrake is on and activated. If you do not happen to be using the handbrake or the light stays on, this means that your hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side of the brake system. It can also mean the fluid level in the master cylinder is dangerously low due to a leak in your brake system.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Oil pressure warnings mean there is a loss of oil pressure and lubrication is low or lost completely. Immediately check the oil level and pressure for safe driving. It is best to have a professional check your vehicle to ensure no other issues could be present.
Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)
Indicator light turns on whenever the engine is turned on to check the bulb. If the light stays illuminated, the car's diagnostic systems have detected a malfunction that needs to be investigated.
Oil Change Reminder
The oil change light means it is recommended to go and get a new oil change for your vehicle. Lawton Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM offers premium oil changes services designed to keep your vehicle safe on the road.
Safety Symbols
Your vehicle's dashboard light plays an important role in the safety and performance of your vehicle. Most of the time, these lights indicate an issue with your car that needs either an immediate action or simple check-up.
Seat Belt Indicator
The seat belt light means that a seat belt has not been secured for a passenger in the vehicle. Ensure every seat that is being occupied by a passenger has the seatbelt securely attached to the buckle. You should hear a clicking sound when it is placed in properly.
Airbag Deactivated
This indicator light turns on when there is a fault in one of the airbags, deactivating them until further notice or the issue is resolved.
Parking Brake Light
The parking brake light means your park brake is activated. As long as this is on, your car will remain stationary, unable to move until you turn or switch this function off. Please see your vehicle's manual on how to do so.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
Indicator light means the pressure is low in one of your tires. Most cars will have the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's specific tires on the underside of the driver's door.
Traction Control Light
The traction control light turns on when the vehicle TCS (traction control system) is activated. This allows the vehicle to maintain better traction during inclement weather or sliding on the road.
Distance Warning
Indicator light means that a vehicle in front is too close or is being approached too quicklyIt can also mean a stationary obstacle exists in the direction of travel that you are heading. These warnings usually coincide with the emergency braking system that may be equipped in newer models of cars.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
The ABS light means there may be a malfunction in the ABS system. It is highly recommended to come to Lawton Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM today for professional assistance immediately.
Airbag Indicator
Indicator light turns on when the front airbag is switched off. If this lamp lights up or flashes there is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt system. Contact a professional for help immediately.
Master Warning Light
The master warning indicator is usually accompanied by another warning light and indicates that one or more issues have been detected in your vehicle. To fix this, you should contact a professional at your local dealership.
Information Warning Light
The information light will turn on when a new message is being displayed in the digital display. It will be red or white in color depending on the severity of the malfunction and will remain on until the issue has been diagnosed and resolved.
Icy Road Warning Light
The icy roads indicator light turns on when the outside air starts to reach freezing temperatures, usually around 35°F or 3°C. While this light is on, it is recommended to carefully watch the roads and ensure both hands are on the wheel at all times.
Gas/Fuel Cap
Indicator light turns on if the gas/fuel cap is not properly tightened or on correctly. Ensure your gas cap is properly tightened by turning it clockwise until you hear a small click. Close your cap cover all the way until it is flush with your vehicle's side.
Common Symbols
To avoid future problems with your car it is important to check not just the warning lights but also the common vehicle lights for keeping up to date on what needs to be replaced or checked on a regular basis.
Windshield Defrost
The windshield defrost light means that your window defrost is currently being used on your front windshield. It is recommended to let this run for a minute or two before attempting to drive.
Washer Fluid Low
The washer fluid light indicates if the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is nearly empty. Fill the washer fluid reservoir through the open reservoir with any type of washer fluid that is compatible with your vehicle.
Rear Window Defrost
The rear window defrost indicator means that the rear window defrost is in operation. It is recommended to let this run for a minute or two before attempting to drive. It is perfectly safe to use both rear window & front window defrost at the same time.
Low Fuel
The low fuel light means that the car is running low on fuel and will soon need a refill. If there is a small arrow pointing left or right on your icon, this means the arrow is pointing towards which side your gas tank cap is located on.
Hood/Bonnet Open
This hood light means that the car hood is not closed properly. Ensure nothing is in the way of the latching system on the front and apply enough force to where you hear a clicking sound.
Hazard Lights On
Indicator light means hazard lights are turned on. It is highly recommended to use these when you need to pull over in an emergency, carrying a heavy load during travel, or parking on the side of a road for grabbing passerby’s attention.
Fan
The fan light means that the internal ventilation fan is in operation. You may also see similar controls near this icon that allow you to adjust the speed, temperature, and direction of the air that is coming out.
Door Ajar
This indicator light turns on when one or more doors of the car are not shut properly. Ensure every door is properly closed by applying enough force to hear a clicking sound.
Direction/Signal Indicators
These indicator lights mean that one of the turn signals (left or right) has been activated, signalling to other drivers where you intend to move. If your blinker is blinking faster than normal, one or many of your bulbs may be out and need to be replaced.
Information Warning Light
Indicator light will turn on when a new message is stored in the information display. It will be red or amber in color depending on the severity of the message and will remain on until the cause of the message has been rectified.
Eco Driving Indicator
The eco light will turn on near your speedometer when the Eco function is activated in the engine, allowing for better gas mileage. Many modern gas sedans today will have this turn off when accelerating due to the heavier gas usage needed when taking off.
Press Clutch Pedal
The press clutch pedal warning is a reminder to push the clutch when shifting or driving a manual transmission vehicle. Not many models have this feature so it is vital to be knowledgeable about driving a manual beforehand.
Recirculated Cabin Air
The recirculated air light means that the vehicle’s ventilation system is recirculating air from within the vehicle, which is best for when it’s particularly cold outside.
Advanced Feature Symbols
The advanced feature symbols of your car are associated with special and advanced features that prompt you if there are potential issues or if the system is active and operating properly.
Lane Departure Warning
The lane departure light means the vehicle is detected to be moving out of its current lane without signalling. Newer models of vehicles have computers that automatically turn the steering wheel to keep the car straight.
Forward Collision Warning
The forward collision warning turns on when a potential collision is detected, allowing the driver to be alerted when and where to pay attention to to reduce a possible collision or accident.
Brake Hold Indicator Light
The brake hold light means that the brake hold system is functioning properly, which will keep your car in place until you deactivate the feature and take your vehicle out of the park position.
Blind Spot Indicator Light
The blind spot indicator turns on when a vehicle or obstruction is detected in your vehicle's blind spot. These lights may also light up on your side rearview mirrors to notify you safely and easily on the road.
Adaptive Cruise Control
This indicator light means that the ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) is in operation. This icon without the vehicle on the left or right side means that standard cruise control is currently on in your vehicle.
Lighting Symbols
Your vehicle's lighting symbols are connected to your car's lighting system. These symbols are usually blue, green, or yellow in color, depending on the severity of the issue or intent of the message.
Front Fog Lights
The front fog lights means your vehicle's front fog lights are turned on and operating properly while driving. Many newer models of vehicles have automatic fog lights that adapt to the environment.
Low Beam Indicator Light
Low beam indicator lights means that the vehicle's dipped beam is on or activated while driving. If you happen to see the word "auto" near this icon, it means your vehicle has activated its automatic low beam system for specific environments.
High Beam Light Indicator
High beam light means your car's high beam headlights are on or the high beam flash function is currently being used. If you happen to see the word “auto” near this icon, it means your vehicle has activated its automatic high beam system for specific environments.
Rear Fog Lights Switched On
The rear fog light means your vehicle's rear fog lights are on and operating properly. Many newer models have automatic fog lights that adapt the environment in which you are driving in.