What does a kettle-shaped warning light indicate?
3 Answers
A dashboard icon resembling a "kettle" shape is the engine oil pressure warning light, which illuminates when abnormal oil pressure is detected. Below are explanations of other common warning lights: 1. Seatbelt reminder light: Most modern vehicles are equipped with this feature. An unsecured seatbelt triggers a red icon depicting a stylized person with a diagonal band across the chest (resembling a figure holding a sword), which deactivates upon fastening the seatbelt or exiting the vehicle. 2. Coolant temperature indicator: This blue thermometer-shaped light typically remains illuminated during cold starts, especially in winter. It activates when coolant temperature becomes excessively high or low. Some vehicles replace this light with an analog temperature gauge where the needle fluctuates with coolant temperature changes. 3. Maintenance reminder light: A wrench symbol on the dashboard signals scheduled vehicle maintenance requirements, not mechanical faults.
I've encountered that kettle fault light several times. Normally, when using it at home, I don't pay much attention, but it's really alarming when the light comes on as soon as it's plugged in. The most common issue is the water level being too low. If the water level sensor can't detect water, the fault light will turn on, and it will automatically shut off to prevent dry boiling and damage to the heating element. Once, I was busy and forgot to add water before turning it on, and the light immediately came on with a sizzling sound, so I quickly unplugged it. Another issue is the overheat protection. If there's too much scale buildup at the bottom of the kettle, heat can't dissipate properly, which can cause the light to come on. Or, after long-term use, the heating element may age and develop poor contact. Every time I notice the light, I first unplug it and check the water level. If adding water and retrying doesn't work, I replace the kettle. To prevent issues, I now insist on using filtered water to reduce scale buildup and regularly clean the bottom with vinegar. Small appliances like kettles may seem simple, but ignoring the fault light can affect the safety of the entire kitchen, especially in households with elderly or children. Being vigilant and developing a habit of regular checks can save a lot of trouble.
A mechanic friend explained the principle of the kettle fault light to me, and even regular users can perform basic checks. Common faults include malfunctioning water level sensors, short circuits in the heating circuit, blown fuses, or triggered thermal protectors. When the light comes on, stop using the kettle immediately. After it cools, check if the water level is too low or too high—exceeding the marked lines can also trigger sensor issues. Next, remove the base and use a screwdriver to check if the contacts are properly connected; burnt marks indicate overload damage. Use a multimeter to test if the heating element's resistance is within the normal range. I once tried fixing a kettle for my family and found that limescale had clogged the vent hole, causing the light to stay on—cleaning it solved the issue. For routine maintenance, it's recommended to soak the kettle in warm water with vinegar for an hour every three months to remove limescale, avoiding hard brushes that could scratch the surface. If the light keeps coming on repeatedly, it might indicate aging internal components that need replacement—after all, safety is far more important than saving money.
