AUTOMOTIVE KNOWLEDGE

Dashboard Warning Lights

Match a warning to the vehicle manual. Red safety warnings or serious symptoms may require stopping immediately.

Check engine light

Steady lamp means engine/emissions diagnostics detected a monitored condition; flashing may indicate a severe misfire.

A red oil-can symbol can mean oil pressure has fallen too low to protect the engine.

The charging system may not be supplying expected electrical power while the engine is running.

The anti-lock braking system may be unavailable, though conventional braking may still work.

Supplemental restraint monitoring detected a concern; airbags or belt pretensioners may not function as intended.

May reflect parking brake engagement, low brake fluid or a hydraulic/electrical braking fault.

High coolant temperature can signal overheating and imminent engine damage.

At least one tire may be underinflated, or the tire-pressure monitor itself may have a fault.

A flashing indicator may show stability control intervening; a steady indicator can indicate an off setting or system fault.

High-voltage drivetrain, traction battery, charging or power-management controls may have detected a fault.