Vehicle Indicator Lights

The anti-lock braking (ABS) system prevents a vehicle's wheels from locking, helping to avoid skipping and to retain control over skidding. This light indicates that the ABS computer has set a code and needs professional diagnosis.

If this light stays illuminated after starting it indicates that the vehicle has found a fault in the airbag system and the computer has set a code. Professional repair of the supplemental restraint system is highly recommended.

A Lane Departure warning system is intended to prevent accidents resulting from unintentional lane drifting or departure. This system detects lane markers, and alerts when a tire comes into contact with one. The warning can manifest as a flashing light, a beeping sound, or a gentle vibration in the steering wheel.

Active Driving Assist (ADA) is a driver assistance feature that helps control a vehicle's steering, acceleration, and deceleration. It may also include lane centering assistance (LCA) and adaptive cruise control (ACC). This light indicates that ADA is active.

This light indicates that Automatic High-Beam Lights are on, meaning that the system will automatically switch between low and high headlight beams based on sensors' detection of oncoming vehicle headlights or taillights.

The Auto Stop/Start feature automatically turns off and restarts a vehicle's engine to decrease fuel consumption and emissions. It operates by shutting off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarting it when the brake pedal is released or the accelerator is pressed. A green indicator light illuminates when the engine is temporarily off due to the Auto Stop/Start system and turns off when the engine restarts.

The Attention Assist symbol will appear when the vehicle detects that it is being driven erratically and the driver may be tired. An audible tone may also accompany this symbol. The tone and symbol will be repeated if the driving pattern continues.

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Disabled indicator symbols will flash yellow or amber when the AWD system is disabled temporarily and remains on when there is a malfunction in the system.

Blind Spot Monitoring lights, typically located on the outer corners of side mirrors, illuminate when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. In many models, these mirrors also feature simple yellow or amber lines. The systems monitor the areas on either side of the vehicle, just behind the driver and front passenger, to detect unseen vehicles and obstructions.

The Battery/Charge Alert light indicates that voltage level is below normal level and the vehicle’s charging system is not functioning properly. Check battery terminals, alternator belt, and battery condition.

This symbol indicates one of three possible conditions: the parking brake is on, a problem with the braking system (such as low brake fluid), or an ABS problem. Check brake fluid and make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the problem is in the ABS system, it may need a professional diagnosis.

A Battery Charge Level warning light typically indicates that the battery's power levels are very low. It usually activates when the battery power drops below a certain percentage. Regardless of any specific symptoms, this light signals a battery issue, meaning the car isn't receiving enough current from the battery to operate properly.

A Cruise Control Distance (CCD) sensor, part of the vehicle's cruise control system, measures the distance to the car in front of it. This information is used by the adaptive cruise control (ACC) system to maintain a safe distance between the two vehicles when the system is turned on. This light indicates that the system is turned on and may turn amber when actually adjusting the distance to a vehicle ahead.

A Coolant Temperature warning light indicates that the engine's coolant temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, and radiator cap, and look for a coolant leak.

The Check Engine or Malfunction Indictor light indicates that the engine computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). A professional scan tool can be used to diagnose the underlying issue.

The Cross Traffic Alert system is designed to alert a driver to vehicles approaching from either or both sides behind the vehicle when it is shifted into reverse.

This light indicates that a door (including hood and trunk) is not closed. Open and close all doors, including the hood and trunk. If vehicle is left in this condition overnight, it can drain the battery.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to turn harmful NOx gases into nitrogen and water. This light illuminates when the DEF reservoir level is low and needs to be refilled.

Cruise Control is a vehicle feature used to maintain a selected constant speed without the use of the accelerator. This light indicates that Cruise Control is active.

This is the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) warning symbol indicator. The DPF is an emission control system designed to trap soot before it is released into the atmosphere. Under normal driving conditions, the exhaust gets hot enough to burn off the soot, regenerating the filter. A red light indicates that the DPF requires immediate regeneration. If the filter is not addressed, the check engine light will come on, and engine power will be reduced.

An Electrical Fault warning light in an electric vehicle (EV) indicates an issue with the EV's electrical system, which could involve the batteries, motors, or wiring. If the light is yellow, the vehicle should be serviced. If it turns red, stop the car safely and have a professional inspect it immediately.

An E-Mode warning light on an electric or hybrid vehicle's dashboard indicates that electric mode is currently unavailable for driving. This can occur if the vehicle is traveling faster than the battery can recharge or if the battery doesn't have enough charge. To reactivate E-mode, the driver may need to take their foot off the accelerator.

The Eco Driving indicator light usually signals that the vehicle's fuel-saving mode is activated. The light may be green or display the word "Eco" in the instrument panel.

When this symbol illuminates, there is a problem with the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system.

A Forward Collision warning light alerts to a potential collision with a vehicle ahead. The system uses cameras, lasers, or radar to scan the road and warns of danger with lights, beeps, seat vibrations, or a combination of these signals. Some systems may also tighten the seat belt and pre-charge the brakes to assist in stopping quickly.

The Fog Light symbol indicates that the vehicle’s front fog lamps are illuminated.

When driving a hybrid vehicle and the EV Ready light comes on, the vehicle is operting in electric-only mode. This means that the vehicle is using power exclusively from the electric battery rather than the combustion engine.

When this light illuminates, the gas cap is not properly closed or the seal on the cap is cracked and should be replaced.

The Limited Power warning light appears when the vehicle's output is restricted to protect high-powered components, or when the remaining power of the driving (high-voltage) battery is very low, or the voltage is decreasing. This warning may also coincide with a reduction in speed. Seek assistance to diagnose and fix the issue, as it may be related to an electrical fault or problems with the battery temperature.

Vehicles equipped with Hill Descent Control automatically control braking functions when descending steep grades. The symbol will be active only when the system is activated, and if it appears in yellow, amber, or orange, there may be a problem with the system that requires service.

This symbol indicates that there is an exterior light on the vehicle that is not functioning properly.

On diesel vehicles, the Glow Plug light indicates that the engine’s glow plugs are warming up. The engine should not be started until this light goes out.

The Park Assist system uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear of the vehjicle to assist the driver in detecting how close the vehicle is to an object. If this symbol is illuminated or flashes in yellow/amber, there is a malfunction in the system.

This symbol indicates that the vehicle’s overdrive system has been manually turned off. Typically the overdrive system is controlled by an on/off switch.

If the Oil Pressure warning light stays lit, it indicates loss of oil pressure. Immediately check oil level and pressure.

The Oil Change Reminder light indicates that the engine oil life has expired. This is monitored by the electonic control module (ECM). The interval can be mileage or a combination of readings taken by the ECM. The reset procedure is listed in the owner’s manual. Some vehicles require the use of special tools to reset the light.

Regenerative Braking is a feature found in most hybrid and full-electric vehicles. It captures kinetic energy from braking and converts it into electrical power to charge the vehicle's high-voltage battery. Additionally, regenerative braking helps slow the car down, reducing the reliance on traditional brakes. This symbol illuminates when Regenerative Braking is engaged.

The Parking Brake indicator illuminates when the parking or emergency brake is engaged. If the symbol is flashing, it indicates that service is necessary.

The Reduced Power warning light indicates that the engine is not operating at its optimal level and has been limited to prevent further damage. The engine control module (ECM) can reduce power to various levels depending on what component has failed in its control system. This issue usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool.

The Power Steering or Electronic Power Steering warning light indicates there may be a problem with the steering system, like low power steering fluid, or that power steering may be disabled. 

This symbol indicates that the windshield washer fluid is low. Fill the washer fluid reservoir. Some vehicles have separate reservoirs for front and rear window washers.

The Transmission Temperature symbol indicates that the transmission is operating at a higher-than-optimum temperature, as the transmission fluid is hotter than normal. Check transmission fluid level and engine coolant level.

If the Security Alert symbol illuminates momentarily, it may mean that the ignition switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to restart. If the symbol is visible when the vehicle is on, it typically indicates a malfunction in the security system.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light indicates that one or more tires has low air pressure or there may be a sensor malfunction. Some vehicles will allow manual reset of the TPMS warning light, and others will require professional diagnosis. Refer to the owner’s manual.

The Service Vehicle Soon symbol typically indicates a lighting or other electrical problem that is controlled by the BCM (body control module). Check all headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights. This symbol may also be used to warn the driver of a traction control problem, or a communication problem between modules.

The Traction Control symbol illuminates when the vehicle’s traction control/anti-skid or electronic stability system is in use. This is usually an indicator that conditions are slippery.