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Vehicle Warning Lights

Vehicle warning or indicator lights are not new but what these lamps are telling us has changed along with vehicle technology. The following list is by no means comprehensive, and the indicator images are not necessarily universal (automakers do differ so the owner’s manual should always be consulted), but these should provide a fair cross section as to what may appear on a vehicle’s dash.

Oil Pressure Warning: If this TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Traction Control or ESP: Illuminates light stays lit it indicates loss of System): Indicates the tire pressure when the vehicle’s traction control/ oil pressure. Immediately check monitoring system has found a tire anti-skid or electronic stability system oil level and pressure. with low air pressure or there may be a is in use. Usually an indicator that sensor malfunction. Check tire pressure. conditions are slippery. Some vehicles will allow manual reset of TPMS warning light and others will Security Alert: If the symbol lights Coolant Temp Warning: require professional diagnosis. Refer momentarily it may mean that the Indicates temperature has to owner’s manual. exceeded normal limits. Check ignition switch is locked and will need coolant level, fan operation, the proper transponder-equipped key to radiator cap, coolant leaks. Airbag Fault: If this light stays re-start. If the symbol is visible when the illuminated after starting it indicates vehicle is on, then it typically indicates a that the vehicle has found a fault in malfunction in the security system. Battery/Charging Alert: Indicates the airbag system and the computer voltage level is below normal level has set a code. Professional repair Gas Cap: The check gas cap light and the vehicle’s charging system of the supplemental restraint system indicates that the gas cap is not is not functioning properly. Check is highly recommended. tightened properly. If not addressed, battery terminals, alternator belt, quite often the Check Engine Light and battery condition. Service Vehicle Soon: Typically will also illuminate. Check Engine or Malfunction indicates a lighting or other electrical Indicator Light (MIL): Indicates problem that is controlled by the BCM Lamp Out: Indicates that there is the engine computer has set a (body control module). Check all lights, an exterior light on the vehicle that Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). head lights, turn signals, brake lights, is not functioning properly. Usually requires diagnosis with a and hazard lights. This symbol may also professional scan tool. be used to warn driver of a traction control problem, or a communication problem between modules. Reduced Power Warning: Indicates ESP Fault: Indicates that there Engine Computer has limited engine is a problem with the vehicle’s power output. The ECM has many Door Ajar: Indicates that a door traction control/anti-skid or levels of reduced power depending (including hood and trunk) is not electronic stability system. on what component has failed in its closed. Open and close all doors, control system. Usually requires including hood and trunk. If vehicle diagnosis with a professional scan tool. is left in this condition overnight it can drain the battery. Cruise Control: Indicates Transmission Temperature: that cruise control is set Transmission is operating at higher during driving. than optimum temperature as Washer Fluid Reminder: Indicates transmission fluid is hotter than washer fluid is low. Fill washer fluid normal. Check transmission fluid reservoir. The cap has a symbol that level and engine coolant level. looks like a windshield. Some vehicles have separate reservoirs for front Glow Plug (Diesel): On diesel Overdrive Light: This symbol and rear window washers. vehicles this light indicates that the indicates that the vehicle’s overdrive engine’s glow plugs are warming up system has been manually turned Brake System: Indicates one of three and the engine should not be started off. Typically the overdrive system possible conditions: parking brake is until this light goes out. is controlled by an on/off switch. on; problem with the braking system/ brake fluid is low, or ABS problem. Check brake fluid and make sure the DPF Light (Diesel): The diesel ABS Light: Indicates that the parking brake is fully released. If the exhaust particulate filter has failed Anti-lock Brake computer has set problem is in the ABS system, it may its test and needs to be serviced. a code and needs professional need a professional diagnosis. diagnosis. Oil Change Reminder: Indicates that oil life has expired. This is DEF Light (Diesel): The diesel Fog Lamp: Indicates that the monitored by the ECM; the interval exhaust fluid reservoir is low vehicle’s front fog lamps are can be mileage or a combination of on fluid. illuminated. readings taken by the ECM. The reset procedure is listed in the owner’s manual. Some vehicles require the use of special tools to reset the light.

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