// Reference

Dashboard warning lights explained

19 common warning lights — what they mean, how urgent they are, and exactly what to do. Tap any light for the full guide.

Stop immediately
Fix soon
Informational
Showing 19 of 19 lights
Stop immediately
Oil Pressure
Oil pressure has dropped critically low.
red light · Fluids
Stop immediately
Engine Temp
Your engine is overheating.
red light · Fluids
Stop immediately
Trans Temp
Transmission fluid has exceeded safe operating temperature.
red light · Transmission
!
Stop immediately
Brake Warning
A critical brake system fault has been detected.
red light · Safety
Fix soon
Check Engine
Your vehicle's onboard computer has detected a fault in the engine, transmission, or emission system.
amber light · Engine
Fix soon
Battery
The charging system is not maintaining proper battery voltage.
red light · Electrical
Fix soon
Tire Pressure
One or more tires is significantly under-inflated (typically 25% below recommended PSI).
amber light · Tires
ABS
Fix soon
ABS
The ABS system has detected a fault and has disabled itself.
amber light · Safety
Fix soon
Airbag / SRS
There is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt pre-tensioner system.
red light · Safety
Fix soon
Power Steering
The electric power steering system has detected a fault.
red light · Driver Assist
Fix soon
DPF Warning
The diesel particulate filter is becoming clogged with soot.
amber light · Engine
Informational
Traction Control
If flashing: the system is actively working to prevent wheel spin or loss of control — normal on slippery roads.
amber light · Safety
Informational
Low Fuel
Your fuel level is low — typically triggers with 1–2 gallons remaining.
amber light · Fluids
Informational
Service Due
Your vehicle has reached a mileage or time interval where scheduled maintenance is due — typically an oil change, but sometimes a multi-point inspection.
amber light · Engine
Informational
Seatbelt
A seat belt in the vehicle is not fastened.
red light · Safety
Informational
Door Ajar
One or more doors, the hood, or the trunk/tailgate is not fully latched.
amber light · Safety
Informational
4WD Active
Four-wheel or all-wheel drive is currently engaged.
green light · Transmission
Informational
Glow Plug
On diesel engines, glow plugs preheat the combustion chamber for cold starts.
amber light · Engine
Informational
Lane Assist
Lane departure warning or lane keep assist is active.
green light · Driver Assist
⚡
Check engine light on? Read the exact code.

Dashboard lights tell you something's wrong. OBD codes tell you exactly what. Use MyOBDCode to decode yours free.

Decode your OBD code →