What Do the Dashboard Lights Mean?
4 Answers
Here is an introduction to the dashboard lights: 1. The commonly seen left and right arrows indicate turn signals. 2. Electric power steering and collision warning system indicator lights. 3. Passenger seat belt must be fastened indicator. 4. Seat belt warning light, oil-related warning, and brake system warning. 5. Key detection failure indicator. 6. Power battery fault alarm indicator. 7. ABC system error requires special attention. 8. The engine oil indicator has different colors: red and yellow. If it's red, immediate inspection is required. 9. A lightning bolt symbol represents electronic throttle control system malfunction.
I've been driving for over a decade and know dashboard lights like the back of my hand. The red, yellow, and green colors indicate different urgency levels: red is most critical - like the oil pressure light shaped like an oil can, which means oil may be empty or pressure too low, requiring immediate stop and check; yellow is a warning, such as the check engine light with its small engine icon, usually indicating emission or sensor issues that could get costlier if not fixed promptly; green mostly means good news, like when cruise control activates with a green light showing it's set. Common lights include the red thermometer for high coolant temperature (engine must be shut off if lit), red battery charge light for charging system failure, and yellow ABS light for anti-lock brake system issues. Always check if all lights turn off when starting the car, and never delay addressing illuminated warnings.
I've only owned my car for a year and often wonder what the dashboard lights mean. The most common ones include the check engine light - a yellow engine icon indicates there might be an issue affecting emissions; the oil pressure light is a red oil can, and when it lights up, it's serious - you should pull over immediately; the airbag light with a yellow human icon means the airbags might not work. Green lights like turn signals activate when turning. The fuel light reminds you to refuel - don't drive until empty. A yellow ABS light means the brakes might be unstable. Always refer to the owner's manual first - when a light comes on, don't panic, just check simple things like oil levels. Safety first - don't keep driving at high speeds when warning lights flash.
I work at a car factory and there are several types of dashboard warning lights. Red lights indicate urgency - like the oil pressure light which means you must stop immediately or risk engine failure; the battery/charging system red light signals alternator or battery issues. Yellow warning lights like the check engine light indicate retrievable trouble codes, while the ABS yellow light points to brake assist problems. Green lights signify normal functions such as headlights being on. If the coolant temperature red light comes on, shut off the engine to cool down. An illuminated airbag light means compromised safety. For any warning light, it's advised to pull over safely, consult the manual, and call roadside assistance if serious.
