What Do The Dash Symbol Lights Mean?

We’re all familiar with the various colored icons that light up on our dash when we start our car. Unfortunately, few people understand what they mean or what to do when they light up. Below are some of the most common lights and an explanation of what the lights mean and what you should do if these warnings light up on your dashboard.

But first, if you have a light that’s not shown here (every car is different), or if you are not sure what needs to be done if a light turns on, consult your owner’s manual. You can also feel free to bring your car to the Neil Huffman Honda of Frankfort service department where our highly-trained service technicians will be happy to help you out.

Second, if any of the lights are blinking, it generally means that immediate attention is required. Fixing the blinking light can be as simple as fastening your seat belt or making sure a door is fully closed. But if other lights are blinking, urgent repairs or service may be necessary.

Oil Pressure/Level Warning Light

This light looks like a genie’s lamp with a drop of fluid coming out the end. It means that your oil level or pressure is reading low. Be sure to check your oil level, and if it is low, top off with the appropriate motor oil. If the oil level is fine but this light is still illuminated, it could mean a bad oil pressure sensor, clogged filter, or a failing oil pump. In any of these circumstances, service is necessary. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be an expensive service.

Various Light Indicators

These indicators tell you which lights are turned on, depending on the symbol. The blue light indicates the High Beam headlights are on (be sure to dim these for oncoming traffic.) A similar light, but green, indicates the Low Beam headlights are on. A light symbol with the dashes pointed downward, usually with a slash through the dashes, means the fog lights are on. If facing left, the front fog lights are on, if facing right, the rear fog lights are on (this is a feature common on European cars.) Two lights with the dashes pointing outward mean the parking lights are on or is a general indicator that your vehicle lights are turned on.

Battery Warning

A box with a + and – symbol indicates an issue with your battery and/or charging system. This could be a bad or declining battery or a problem with the alternator. Continuing to drive with this light on could leave you stranded if you run down your battery or your alternator is not working correctly. This light is typically red but can also be yellow.

Coolant/Antifreeze Warning Light

This light looks like a flag floating in the river. It can indicate that your coolant level is low or that your engine is overheating. In either case, immediate attention is required, and driving with an overheated vehicle may cause severe damage.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), this light indicates that one or more tires is under- or over-inflated. You need to check your tires and adjust them to the correct pressure. If this is done and the light is still on, it indicates a sensor error and one of the TPMS sensors needs to be serviced or replaced. Maintaining correct tire pressure is a critical element for safe driving. The correct pressure also assures the best traction in all driving conditions and maximizes the wear and life of your tires. While not necessarily urgent (unless a tire is losing air rapidly or if your tire is flat), this light shouldn’t be ignored.

Traction Control

This light looks like the back of a car with squiggles behind it. It illuminates when your traction control system has been engaged, so it may appear, blink or flash sporadically, especially in rain or snow. If the light stays on, it indicates a malfunction with your traction control system which you should get checked out as soon as possible. This may not be urgent, but your traction control system is a critical safety component that also impacts how your vehicle handles.

Brake Lights

If you see a red circle with an “E” or a “P” inside, it simply means your emergency (parking) brake is engaged. If a light comes on that says BRAKE or a yellow circle with ABS inside, your braking system has a major malfunction. The yellow circle indicates the Anti-Lock Braking System has a malfunction. Since both systems are critical components of operating your vehicle, servicing these systems is urgent.

Check Engine Light

A check engine light indicates that the engine’s computer has detected a malfunction. If the indicator light comes on and stays steadily lit, you should get it checked at your next routine service. If the indicator is flashing, the error is in a major engine component and immediate attention is required. Severe vehicle damage or safety problems can occur if a flashing check engine light is not addressed.

Fuel Level

A light that looks like a gas pump indicates that your fuel level is low and you should get gas as soon as possible. Please note that driving with low fuel levels can damage your fuel pump and other fuel components in your car’s fuel system. You generally never want to drive with such a low fuel level that this light comes on.

Seatbelt Indicator

This light looks like a passenger in a seat with their seatbelt on. Typically, this light is flashing and indicates a passenger in the vehicle does not have their seatbelt fastened. Sometimes items on the seat can give an indication that there is someone sitting there. For safety, move the item to the floor or trunk.

Airbag Indicator

This light looks like the side view of a person in a seat with a large balloon in front of them. This light should illuminate for a few seconds every time you start your vehicle, but should go out promptly. If this light comes back on, stays on, or is blinking, get your airbag system checked out as soon as possible.

Washer Fluid Indicator

This light shows a windshield with a fountain spray through the middle and means your windshield washer fluid level is low. You should fill it up the next time you fill your fuel tank or sooner in inclement weather conditions.

Door Ajar Indicator

This looks like a birds-eye view of a car with one or more doors open. It means that one or more doors are not fully closed or latched. It can also indicate that your hood and/or trunk lid may not be fully latched. Check your doors and make sure all are fully closed.

This is a summary of a few of the more common warning light indicators. Since every car is different, the symbols on your dashboard may vary slightly. If you want to see what lights your vehicle has, turn the key to the second position (“Run”) without starting the car (for pushbutton starters, push the button twice without your foot on the brake.)

Remember you can always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact Neil Huffman of Frankfort Honda and we’ll be happy to help you out.

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