Over the past few years and up until now, we have noticed that there are many drivers wondering about the meanings of the car dashboard signs, as some of the signs on the dashboard are easy to deal with. For example, if the seat belt symbol is lit, this does not indicate a basic problem with the car. Other symbols, such as the engine oil symbol, may be difficult to understand, and their continued lighting may be somewhat worrisome.
When it comes to dashboard lights, colors matter! Tracking the colors of the warning lights on your dashboard is a system similar to a traffic light system:
- Green or blue : Indicates that the system is working properly or is in use, so there is no need to worry.
- Yellow or Orange : Indicates a problem but it is not serious! Be careful and check and fix the problem as soon as possible before it gets worse.
- Red : Indicates a serious problem that requires immediate repair! So, stop driving immediately if this color appears and fix the problem before continuing your trip.
Car dashboard warning signs meanings
In this section you will find dashboard signals that alert the driver to a specific malfunction that may cause major damage in the future if the problem is not resolved immediately.
Engine temperature indicator:
This indicator is also known as the “high coolant temperature indicator.” This indicator indicates that the engine temperature is higher than normal.
If you're wondering whether or not you can continue driving, the first thing to check is the color of the code:
- Red: Indicates a major malfunction. This high temperature can cause internal parts to melt. This problem can occur for several reasons, including low coolant level or a leak in the cooling system, low engine oil level, or a malfunctioning cooling fan.
- Yellow: Indicates the beginning of a decrease in coolant levels. In this case, it is recommended to avoid driving long distances and ensure that sufficient amounts of fluid are provided to the radiator.
- Blue: Indicates that the temperature of the vehicle's cooling system has dropped significantly.
Battery warning indicator:
This signal appears in red to alert you to a problem with the battery charging process and the electrical circuit. This problem could be caused by one of the following:
- Faulty or damaged electrical connections.
- Battery life is running out.
- Dynamo failure.
Engine oil indicator:
This indicator indicates that the engine oil level is low or its temperature is very high, in which case it is absolutely not recommended to continue driving. Therefore, you should stop and check the oil condition and look for any leaks.
Brake warning indicator:
This indicator indicates a low brake fluid level or a malfunction in one of the brake systems such as the ABS system. This indicator appears in red to indicate the importance of not ignoring it, as it aims to maintain the safety of the driver and passengers.
Other important brake indicators:
- A broken line indicator indicates that the brake pads are faulty and need to be replaced.
- An indicator that includes the letter “P” indicates a fault with the handbrake.
- The last indicator indicates a low brake fluid level.
EPS Steering System Alert Indicator:
This indicator indicates a problem with the power steering system. You should pull over to the side of the road and turn off the engine, then turn it back on after 30 seconds. If this indicator continues to appear, you can continue driving, but you will notice difficulty in maneuvering and controlling while driving due to the weight of the steering wheel.
Automatic transmission warning:
The right indicator indicates a fault in the transmission, while the second indicator indicates that the transmission coolant temperature is high, which may lead to its damage. Therefore, it is recommended to check the coolant level, the efficiency of the cooling fan, the radiator cap, and check for any coolant leaks.
The yellow indicator is not a reason to stop driving, but it is a warning to the driver to visit a maintenance center. If the indicator is red, he should pull over to the side of the road and seek help.
Check Engine Light:
When the car is started, this light will appear for a short time and then disappear, which is completely normal. If the light remains on, it means that the engine is not working efficiently enough, and you should be careful and not drive for long periods.
Low power warning:
This light indicates that the vehicle's computer's ability to generate sufficient power for the engine has decreased, which means that the vehicle's performance will decline due to a lack of fuel or air flow to the engine.
Clogged air filter indicator:
When the airflow to the engine is reduced, this light appears, which may affect its temperature. Therefore, it is recommended to check the filter or replace it completely if necessary.
Meanings of car dashboard signs for safety systems
Here you will find the car warning signs and their meaning on the condition of the car's safety systems, whether they are working effectively or experiencing problems and working ineffectively.
Low tire pressure warning indicator:
Over time, the air pressure in your tires will decrease depending on the weather conditions or if the tires are punctured. In this case, it is advisable to drive at a low speed and with extreme caution.
ABS warning light:
The benefit of the ABS system appears when the driver brakes suddenly, as the system gradually reduces the movement of the wheels to prevent the car from slipping on the road.
When this light appears, it indicates a malfunction in the system, but there is no need to worry; this malfunction does not mean that there is a problem with the brake system. If this light appears next to the red brake warning indicator, you should stop immediately as the brakes may have failed.
Forward Collision Warning Lamp:
When the vehicle's external sensor detects a potential front-end collision, this indicator appears, with the system aiming to alert the driver so that he can press the brake pedal as quickly as possible before a collision occurs.
AEB Indicator:
In an emergency, the automatic braking system warning light is activated to alert the driver that the sensors associated with this system are covered with dirt or snow, which prevents the reception of the signals necessary to activate the emergency braking. This indicator may also indicate that the system is not activated.
Traction Control Light:
By lighting this lamp, we can determine the problem. If it flashes continuously, this indicates that the system is active. If the light is constant, this means that the system is not working properly. If the word “OFF” appears below the indicator, this indicates that the system has malfunctioned.
Common car dashboard signs meanings
These signs are common to most cars, as they indicate essential elements that are indispensable in every car.
Car dashboard signs
1 - Front fog lights sign.
2 - The car's self-driving activation sign.
3 - Rear fog lights sign.
4 - Low water tank sign.
5 - Brake pads mark.
6 - Cruise control on sign.
7 - Right and left direction indicators.
8 - Rain and light sensor sign.
9 - Cold weather driving mode activation mark.
10 - Information indicator mark.
11 - Ignition sign.
12 - Frost indicator light in the car.
13 - Ignition switch fault warning sign.
14 - Warning sign for missing smart key.
15 - Smart key low battery warning sign.
16 - Warning sign of a nearby car.
17 - A sign alerting you to press the suspension disconnect pedal.
18 - A sign alerting you to press the brake pedal.
19 - Steering wheel lock sign.
20 - Headlight activation sign.
21 - Low tire pressure warning sign.
22 - Side lamp lighting sign.
23 - External lamp fault warning sign.
24 - Brake light warning sign.
25 - Warning sign for sediment in diesel filter.
26 - Warning sign for a malfunction in the trailer hitch system.
27 - Hydraulic system mark.
28 - Lane departure warning sign.
29 - A sign indicating the presence of harmful exhaust fumes.
30 - Seat belt warning sign.
31 - Handbrake activation sign.
32 - Sign of battery failure.
33 - Parking sensors sign.
34 - A sign indicating the need for maintenance.
35 - Adaptive headlight activation sign.
36 - Headlight distance marker.
37 - Sign for the rear of the car.
38 - Sign for open roof.
39 - Airbag activation sign.
40 - Handbrake malfunction warning sign.
41 - Warning sign of water in the fuel filter.
42 - Airbag malfunction warning sign.
43 - Marker to indicate mechanical faults.
44 - Sign for lamps.
45 - A sign that the air filter needs cleaning.
46 - Mark to activate the economic driving mode.
47 - Sign to activate the hill descent assist system.
48 - Engine overheat warning sign.
49 - Sign indicating anti-lock braking system.
50 - Fuel filter mark.
51 - Warning sign that a door is open.
52 - Warning sign that the hood is open.
53 - Low fuel warning sign
54 - Automatic transmission malfunction warning light.
55 - Cruise control activation sign.
56 - A sign that there is a problem with the aid.
57 - Low oil level sign.
58 - Anti-fog system activation sign on the windshield.
59 - Warning sign that the trunk lid is open.
60 - Warning sign for driving on a slippery road.
61 - Rain sensor sign.
62 - Engine trouble warning sign.
63 - Sign to activate the anti-fog system on the rear window.
64 - Wiper switch on sign
We have reached the end of this article, where we explained the dashboard signs and their meanings in the car according to its type and color, where we learned about the meanings of the car dashboard signs related to the failure of engine parts and safety systems, in addition to the common lights found in all cars.