Warning lights
Dashboard warning lights, explained
Pick the light you are looking at. Each page answers the roadside question first: can I keep driving?
Stop driving
- Oil pressure warning lightEngine oil pressure has dropped below the minimum the engine needs to lubricate itself.
- Engine temperature / coolant warning lightThe engine is overheating or the coolant level is critically low.
- Brake system warning lightThe parking brake is engaged, brake fluid is low, or the brake hydraulic system has a fault.
- Transmission temperature lightThe automatic transmission fluid is overheating.
- EV / hybrid system fault lightThe high-voltage system has reported a fault. Power may be cut to protect the battery.
Service soon
- Check engine lightThe engine computer has logged a fault in the engine, emissions or transmission systems.
- Battery / charging system lightThe charging system is not charging the battery — the car is running on battery power alone.
- ABS warning lightThe anti-lock braking system has a fault and is switched off. Normal braking still works.
- Airbag / SRS warning lightThe supplemental restraint system has a fault. In a crash, the airbags may not deploy — or may deploy unexpectedly.
- Tire pressure (TPMS) lightOne or more tires is significantly under-inflated — or, if flashing at start-up, the monitoring system itself has a fault.
- Power steering warning lightThe power steering system has a fault. Steering will become very heavy, especially at low speed.
- Glow plug light (diesel)At start-up: the glow plugs are warming the cylinders — wait for it to go out before cranking. While driving, or flashing: a glow plug or engine management fault.
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) lightThe particulate filter is filling with soot and needs a regeneration cycle — usually a sustained drive at highway speed.
- Forward collision / emergency braking lightThe forward collision system is switched off or has a fault; it will not warn or brake for you.
- Reduced engine power / limp modeThe engine computer has limited power to protect the engine or transmission from a detected fault.
- Bulb / exterior light failure lightA brake light, headlight or turn signal bulb has failed.
- Service due / maintenance reminderThe car has reached its scheduled service interval by mileage or time.
Safe to keep driving
- Traction control / stability lightFlashing while driving: the system is actively working on a slippery surface. Steady: traction or stability control is switched off or has a fault.
- Low fuel lightThe fuel level is at the reserve — usually around 10 to 15 percent of the tank.
- Low washer fluid lightThe windshield washer reservoir is nearly empty.
- Door / trunk / hood ajar lightA door, the trunk or the hood is not fully latched.
- Seat belt reminder lightA seat belt is unbuckled on an occupied seat.
- High beam indicatorThe high beams are on.
- Fog light indicatorThe front or rear fog lights are switched on.
- Cruise control indicatorCruise control is armed or actively holding speed.
- Lane departure / lane keeping lightSteady: the lane system is on or cannot see the lane markings. Flashing: you are drifting out of your lane.
- Parking sensor / park assist lightThe parking sensors are switched off or one has failed.
- Key / immobilizer lightThe car does not recognise the key, or the key fob battery is low.
- EV / hybrid low battery lightThe high-voltage battery charge is low. On a hybrid the engine will run more; on an EV, range is nearly gone.
- 4WD / AWD / hill descent lightSteady: four-wheel drive or a driving mode is engaged. Flashing or with a wrench: a drivetrain fault.
- Frost / ice warning lightThe outside temperature is near or below freezing and the road may be icy.