The lights on your car’s dashboard light up when something’s wrong.
It’s normal to see some of these lights briefly while you start your engine. But if they stay lit up while you’re driving, then you’ll need to look into it.
As a rule of thumb:
- Red warning lights need immediate action.
- Amber, orange or other colour lights often mean something needs checking so give us a call.
This handy guide lists the most common dashboard lights our mechanics are asked about. Choose from the symbols below to find out what to do next (If you can’t see the one you’re looking for, check your owner’s manual as warning icons vary with each manufacturer):
Engine management light
Safe to drive?
Yes – if it’s always lit and there’s no loss of power. You should get it checked as soon as possible.
No – if it’s flashing while you’re driving. Avoid heavy acceleration and high engine speed. Stop the vehicle when it’s safe to do so. Restart the engine after 2 minutes to reset the engine management system. If the light’s still flashing, turn off the engine and give us a call.
Next steps
Get in touch so that we can check the engine soon and avoid damaging the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter.
The problem
Cars have lots of sensors to check if everything’s running smoothly. If there’s a problem, the sensor will tell the engine control unit (ECU) which will turn on the engine management light. There are many reasons why the light will show so give us a call.
Battery warning light
Safe to drive?
No – if the battery light’s red while you’re driving, you need to have the fault looked at immediately as the battery isn’t charging.
Next steps
Stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn off the engine and call your breakdown provider. Don’t restart the engine as this could make the problem worse.
The problem
There may be a problem with the wiring, the alternator or the alternator drive belt.
Oil pressure warning light
Safe to drive?
No – you need to stop and check your oil level. This light shows when there’s no oil pressure in the engine.
Next steps
Stop as soon as you can and check the oil level, topping up as needed. Your owner’s manual will tell you how. If the light still shows, turn off the engine and call your breakdown provider.
The problem
If the warning light’s on when the oil level’s right, there’s a problem with the oil supply. That could be caused by the oil pump or a blocked oil filter. Your car engine needs the right oil pressure to stay lubricated, otherwise, it’ll get damaged.
Brake warning light
Safe to drive?
No – if you need to press your brake further than usual, your hydraulic brake circuits may have failed. Pull your car over and get help.
Yes – if the brake fluid level’s OK, it might just be a sensor fault. In that case, it’s safe to drive to a garage.
Next steps
Check you’ve released the handbrake fully. If you have, stop, check the brake fluid level and top it up if you need to. Your owner’s manual will tell you how.
The problem
Your vehicle may have a brake fluid leak, a sensor failure or need the brake pads replaced.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning light
Safe to drive?
Yes – for most vehicles, as long as there aren’t any noises coming from the wheels. Check your handbook to be on the safe side. Take extra care when driving, especially during wet or icy weather, as your car’s braking distances may increase.
Next steps
Book an appointment for us to check the ABS system as soon as possible.
The problem
It could be as simple as a sensor fault but get in touch and we will let you know what the issue is.
Brake system and ABS warning lights
Safe to drive
No – stop the vehicle and call your breakdown provider.
Next steps
Slow down gradually and avoid braking suddenly.
The problem
If your brake and ABS warning lights come on at the same time, there could be a major fault with the brakes. This is unsafe for you and other road users, so don’t drive the car until the problem has been looked at and fixed.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light
Safe to drive?
Yes – but you should drive for around 10 minutes at over 40mph when safe.
No – if the light doesn’t disappear after continual driving. In that case, top the vehicle, turn off the engine and call your breakdown provider.
Next steps
Stop-start driving can cause the DPF to get blocked. To clear it, drive around for 10 minutes at over 40mph. Check your owner’s manual for more specific advice.
The problem
The DPF traps tiny soot particles which are harmful to health and converts them to harmless ash when the exhaust system gets hot. But this doesn’t happen on short journeys. If the DPF is full, it’ll need replacing, which can be expensive.
Adapted from an original article by theaa.com