Every day, thousands of drivers are faced with a warning light that they may not recognize. Knowing what to do is important and not knowing can cost you money.
What follows are short explanations for twenty one of the most searched auto warning lights or symbols. If you see one of these on your dashboard or instrument panel, we’ll tell you what you can do and need to do. Follow the links for more.
So, if you are sure the hand brake, or emergency, brake is released, bring your vehicle to a stop as soon as possible and contact your dealer. To continue driving could well be dangerous!
For more, including the Canadian version of the symbol, click here.
There are similar images, so to learn more, click here.
Either way, check your oil! Right away! And for more information and more versions of the symbol, click here.
The image is that of an older style engine seen from the side. It includes a fan blade on its front and an air cleaner mounted on the top. This engine arrangement is rarely seen in modern automobiles and hasn’t been seen in decades and is thus unfamiliar to younger drivers.
The possible reasons for it coming on number in the hundreds and only your dealer or authorized service center can properly address them. However, remember that a loose or missing gas cap will cause the light to come on. This is the only solution available to the average driver, so do check that the gas cap is installed and properly tightened (make sure it clicks at least once).
Important! If other symbols are also active, note that the Check Engine is your first concern. In some cases, other systems in the car may be shut down until the reason the Check Engine light is active is addressed, and the symbols associated with those symbols may be activated. Be sure to check our Multiple Symbols page for more information.
And for more information on the Check Engine light, click here.
For more information including a blue version of the symbol, click here.
For more information, including the meaning of a yellow/amber version, click here.
So, first, check your tire pressures! But to truly understand this warning light, click here! There is so much more to know.
Again, it will flash when its doing its job, despite the look of a skidding car! So, to fully understand this warning light and related lights that may indicate a system fault, click here.
The fault is likely in an electronic system, and one vehicle maker suggests stopping the vehicle and restarting it after 10 seconds. This may reset the system and thus resolve the issue. If this does not work, see your dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible.
For more information, click here.
Primarily, the light indicates a problem with one or both systems, so click here to learn more.
A flashing red Electronic Key symbol shown indicates that the key is not detected. If the Key is in the vehicle, its internal battery is likely dead and needs to be replaced. The same Electronic Key symbol shown in green indicates that the key is found and the vehicle can be started.
There are many, many more versions of this warning light and many more warning lights that use the image of a key. So please click here to learn more.
To learn more, click here.
To learn more and see more symbols related to the Cruise Control system, click here.
Don’t ignore the light! A loose gas cap will lead to the Check Engine Light. For more, click here.
To learn more or if its in yellow amber, click here.
To help find what and where to refill, the same image will be found on the reservoir’s cover under the hood.
But, do not confuse this light with others you can find by clicking here.
If it includes the word OFF, it indicates that the system has been turned off with an available switch. Look for the switch, which may have been tripped accidently. It may also be tucked nearly under the dashboard in a Toyota or Lexus.
You may have a similar image. Click here to find out.
For more, including the Stop Light version, click here.
Learn more by clicking here.
Learn more by clicking here.
Vehicles examined include those from Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Fisker, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mercury, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Saab, Saturn, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
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