Car Dashboard Lights
Look up common car dashboard warning lights by color and icon to understand what each means and what to do.
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Car Dashboard Lights
Look up common car dashboard warning lights by color and icon to understand what each means and what to do.
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About Car Dashboard Lights
Color, icon, meaning, and suggested next step
The guide groups common dashboard lights by color severity and explains what each icon usually indicates. Entries pair a plain-language definition with a suggested action category, such as stop now, check soon, or informational, so unfamiliar lights are easier to triage.
Filter by color or search by system name
Use color filters for red, yellow, green, or blue lights, or search terms such as oil, brake, temperature, ABS, or tire pressure. Selecting a light opens the meaning and recommended action, and the URL can preserve filters, search text, and the selected light.
Not a repair diagnosis or roadside safety service
Dashboard meanings vary by manufacturer, model year, and active vehicle state. Treat this page as a general reference, not a substitute for the owner's manual, a mechanic, roadside assistance, or emergency judgment; if a serious warning appears, stop safely and follow your vehicle guidance.
FAQ
Common questions and answers about this topic.
What do dashboard warning light colors mean?
Red usually means stop now or a serious problem; yellow or amber means caution, check soon; green or blue is informational, showing a system is on. Always follow your owner's manual for your specific vehicle.
What does the check engine light mean?
It means the engine or emissions system detected a fault. A steady light usually means check soon; a flashing light means stop safely as soon as you can. Have it diagnosed with an OBD-II scan or by a mechanic - this guide does not identify the specific cause.
What do the oil, battery, brake, and TPMS lights mean?
Oil = oil pressure or level warning; Battery = charging system issue; Brake = brake system or engaged parking brake; TPMS = low tire pressure. Exact meanings vary by vehicle, so check your owner's manual.
Can I keep driving with a warning light on?
It depends on the color and light. A red light means stop safely as soon as possible; a yellow light usually means you can drive gently and get it checked soon; a flashing light means stop. When unsure, consult your owner's manual or a professional.
Why do dashboard symbols differ between cars?
Exact icons and meanings vary by manufacturer, model year, and trim. Use your owner's manual as the authoritative source for your specific vehicle.
What does this dashboard light guide cover?
It lists common warning and indicator lights grouped by color severity, pairing each icon with a plain-language meaning and a suggested action category (stop now, check soon, or informational). It is a general reference, not a repair diagnosis.
Data Sources
This tool's data is compiled from the authoritative sources below.
- 49 CFR 571.101 - Standard No. 101; Controls and displays(opens in a new tab)
- 49 CFR 571.138 - Standard No. 138; Tire pressure monitoring systems(opens in a new tab)
- Volkswagen UK warning lights guide(opens in a new tab)
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