What does it mean when the OFF light on a car is on?

[DiCassidy]

When the OFF light on a car is illuminated, it indicates that the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is either turned off or malfunctioning. Here is some relevant information: The OFF light on a car primarily refers to the ESP OFF indicator. ESP stands for Electronic Stability Program, which is an active safety feature designed to prevent the vehicle from skidding or losing control. If the ESP OFF light comes on because the ESP OFF button was accidentally pressed, simply press the button again briefly to reactivate the ESP. However, if the ESP OFF light is on due to a system malfunction, the vehicle should be taken to a 4S dealership for inspection and repair as soon as possible. Additionally, if blue or green indicator lights on the dashboard are illuminated or flashing, it means the corresponding systems are active or functioning normally. On the other hand, if yellow or red indicator lights are on or flashing, it indicates that the corresponding systems are turned off or experiencing a fault.

[VanRowan]

My car used to frequently show the OFF light, which usually indicates the vehicle stability control system is turned off. That light with the skidding car icon, right? Never turn it off randomly during rainy or snowy days - this system automatically helps correct skidding directions. New drivers often accidentally press the button near the gear lever - my uncle almost had an accident when he turned this function off while driving on mountain roads. Different manufacturers use different icons, some display ESP OFF text. Remember to check your dashboard manual for reference. If the light stays on without you pressing anything, it might be due to dirty wheel speed sensors or a system module malfunction. Next time you see this light on, don't panic immediately - first confirm whether you accidentally turned it off. If it appears without reason, go to a repair shop immediately to read the fault code for peace of mind.

[VonElisa]

When the OFF light comes on, I first recall what I might have touched, and nine times out of ten, it's the ESP off button. This electronic stability program works silently during normal driving, and preventing skidding is crucial. Once, I saw a friend turn it off to drift on ice, and this light appeared on the dashboard. But don’t try this in normal road conditions! German cars usually have a yellow skidding car symbol, while Japanese cars display VSC OFF. If the button seems fine but the light stays on, it might be due to a loose wheel speed sensor connector or a control unit error. Don’t tinker with such electronic issues yourself—I just drive straight to the 4S shop for a computer scan. After all, if the vehicle stability system fails, the car could fishtail during turns, and safety is non-negotiable.

[McHaven]

The OFF light displayed on the car usually indicates that the stability system has been manually deactivated. It's that button near the gearshift with the icon of a skidding car, right? Pressing it will illuminate the yellow light when the road is slippery during rainy days. Experienced drivers might occasionally turn it off to have some fun in open areas, but it should remain on during normal driving. Once, after maintenance, my light kept flashing randomly, and I later found out it was due to moisture corrosion on the left front wheel sensor connector. Now, whenever I see the OFF light, I check three things: make sure the button wasn't accidentally pressed, check for any tire deflation, and ensure there are no other warning lights on the dashboard. If the steering wheel feels heavier at the same time, extra caution is needed. The manual states that this function automatically intervenes when it detects slippage, so of course the dashboard will remind you when it's turned off.