Ever had that sinking feeling when a light suddenly pops up on your dashboard? You're cruising along, the music's playing, and—bam—a little orange or red symbol flashes at you. It's not exactly the kind of surprise anyone enjoys. At Phil Wright Autoplex in Russellville, AR, drivers ask all the time: "What do dashboard lights mean?" The truth is, those dashboard warning lights are your car's way of talking to you. Understanding what they're saying can help you avoid bigger problems down the road.
Your car's dashboard is a fountain of information. Some of it is crystal-clear while others can be as confusing as Egyptian hieroglyphs. When you turn the key or push the button to start, you'll see a dizzying array of symbols, each with its own unique importance. This initial display is part of a self-test function to ensure all the gauges and symbols are displaying correctly. Think of this guide as a Rosetta Stone that tells you exactly what those symbols mean and what to do whenever you see them under normal driving conditions.
Critical Red Warning Lights: Stop Immediately
Red warning lights mean stop immediately—something critical needs attention. Ignoring these can lead to severe vehicle damage or safety hazards.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This red oil symbol indicates low oil pressure, which could mean you're running low on oil or that the oil pump is malfunctioning. Driving with this warning on can cause severe engine damage within minutes. Pull over safely, shut off the engine immediately, and check your oil level. If it's low, add oil; if not, you'll need professional assistance.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
This light will briefly come on when you start the vehicle and then turn off. The engine coolant temperature warning light indicates that the vehicle has overheated. Driving with this light on can damage the engine and it may not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you see this light, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Plan for your vehicle to be towed for service.
Brake System Warning Light
This light will flash when you turn your vehicle on to show you that the light is working. If the light comes on and stays on, there's a problem with your vehicle's brakes. This light can also come on if your brake fluid is low. If you're driving when the light comes on, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so and stop carefully. Your vehicle speed may be limited when this light is on and the brake pedal may be harder to push.
Important Yellow/Orange Warning Lights: Get Checked Soon
Yellow or orange lights mean caution—get it checked soon. While not immediately dangerous, ignoring these warnings can lead to more serious problems and expensive repairs.
Check Engine Light
You'll see this light if your vehicle has detected a malfunction with the engine or propulsion system. You should get your vehicle serviced as soon as possible when you see this light. You may see this light before any problems with the engine or propulsion system is noticeable while driving. However, the light means your vehicle has detected an issue that may be a problem in the future. If you have an EV, you may see this light when experiencing charging problems.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when you turn your vehicle on. If this light stays on or you see this light when you're driving, it means there may be a problem with your vehicle's electrical system. Get your vehicle serviced immediately. Driving while this light is on can drain your vehicle's 12-volt battery. If you have to drive a short distance while this light is on, turn off vehicle features using electrical power like the radio.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor System, this light will flash when you start your vehicle. If the light stays on, it means one of your tires is significantly underinflated. If the light keeps flashing when you turn your vehicle on, the Tire Pressure Monitor System might need service. Check your Owner's Manual for help troubleshooting this feature. Low tire pressure affects fuel efficiency, handling, and tire lifespan.
Safety System Warning Lights
Airbag Readiness Light
This light will automatically flash when you turn your vehicle on. If it stays on, that means there's a problem with your airbag system and it needs service immediately. You may see a message in your instrument panel if the airbag system needs service. Take your vehicle in for service as soon as possible to ensure your safety systems are functioning properly.
Traction Control System
This light will flash when you turn your vehicle on. If the light is flashing, it means the TCS/ESC system is actively working. If the light is on and not flashing, there may be a problem with the TCS/ESC systems and they may not be able to help you maintain control of the vehicle. See your dealer for service as soon as possible.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
This light will flash when you turn your vehicle on. If this light comes on when you're driving, your vehicle needs service. If the ABS light is the only light in your instrument panel, your vehicle's regular brakes are working, but not the ABS. If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not working and there is a problem with the regular brakes.
Seat Belt and Safety Reminder Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Lights
You'll see driver, front passenger, and rear passenger seat belt reminder lights if seat belts are unbuckled when you start the vehicle. They'll flash when you turn the vehicle on and stay lit if occupants don't buckle up. Most cars also have weight sensors, so even a heavy bag on the passenger seat can trigger it. Always fasten your seatbelt before driving—your safety system depends on it.
Door Ajar Light
This light comes on when a door is open or not fully latched closed. Before driving, make sure all the doors are fully closed for safety and to prevent damage to door mechanisms. This warning helps ensure all occupants are safely inside the vehicle before you begin driving.
Security Light
If your vehicle has a theft-deterrent system, this light will flash when you start your vehicle. It lets you know the system is working. If you don't see it, see your dealer for service. If this light stays on and the engine doesn't start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system. The system may need service at your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light will flash when you turn your vehicle on. It will also come on when your vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel your vehicle when possible. If the light stays on once you refuel, take your vehicle in for service. While it's tempting to see how far you can go, running on empty can damage the fuel pump over time and leave you stranded.
Driver Assistance Feature Warning Lights
Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning
These systems help keep you in your lane. White light means the system isn't active, green means it's active and assisting you, and orange/amber means the system has detected you may have unintentionally crossed lane lines. The orange/amber icon will go away once the system detects you aren't crossing lane lines any more.
Forward Collision Alert
Green light means Forward Collision Alert detects a vehicle ahead of you. Orange/amber means you may be tailgating the vehicle ahead. If the light is orange/amber, slow down and allow some distance between you and the vehicle ahead. These systems can help prevent accidents by alerting you to potential collisions.
Automatic Emergency Braking
If you've turned your Forward Collision Alert/AEB settings to "Alert Only" or "Off," the AEB disabled icon will show up in your instrument cluster so you know automatic braking is turned off. For maximum safety, turn automatic braking back on by changing your settings to "Alert and Brake."
Adaptive Cruise Control
White icon means ACC is on but you haven't set a following gap. Green means ACC is active and maintaining a following gap for you. Some systems also include curve speed control that automatically slows your vehicle down while going through curves. These advanced systems make highway driving more comfortable and safe.
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Service Specials Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if multiple dashboard warning lights come on at once?
Multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously usually indicates there's an electrical or system-wide issue. Safely pull over and schedule a dashboard light service right away. This could indicate problems with your vehicle's computer system or a serious mechanical issue that needs immediate attention.
Can I drive with my check engine light on?
If it's solid yellow, you can typically drive short distances to a service center. However, if it's flashing red, stop driving immediately as this indicates a severe engine misfire that could cause catalytic converter damage. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light can lead to expensive repairs.
How do I reset service lights after maintenance?
Many vehicles let you reset the service light through the dashboard settings or by following a specific procedure (like turning the key while pressing certain buttons). If not, a technician at Phil Wright Autoplex can handle it during your visit. Some warning lights require professional diagnostic tools to reset properly.
Are all dashboard warning lights universal?
Most symbols are standardized across manufacturers, but some GM dashboard lights or brand-specific alerts may vary slightly. Always check your owner's manual for the most accurate information about your specific vehicle's warning lights, or visit our dealership for clarification.
What's the difference between red and yellow warning lights?
Red warning lights indicate immediate danger or serious problems that require stopping the vehicle as soon as safely possible. Yellow or orange lights mean caution—you should have the issue addressed soon, but it's not an immediate emergency. Ignoring either can lead to expensive repairs.
Why do all the lights come on when I start my car?
This is normal! When you start your vehicle, all warning lights briefly illuminate as part of a bulb check to ensure they're working properly. They should turn off within a few seconds once the system completes its self-diagnosis. If any light remains on, it indicates an issue that needs attention.
Don't Ignore Your Dashboard Warnings
At Phil Wright Autoplex in Russellville, AR, we know how confusing those dashboard warning lights can be. Whether it's a check engine light, TPMS light, or another alert, our certified team can diagnose and fix the issue quickly so you can get back on the road with confidence. Understanding your car's dashboard isn't just about peace of mind—it's about safety, performance, and keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.