What to do when your

dashboard lights turn on

How to read car symbols and what to do when you see them

Your car is equipped with roughly 64 dashboard indicator lights. But what do the different dashboard symbols mean? For new and inexperienced drivers, seeing a blinking dash light can be a little nerve-wracking, but it’s important not to panic. Understanding what these lights mean can help you quickly identify and address your car’s issues.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Door Ajar

    The red door ajar symbol means that one of the doors has not been closed properly. It can also mean that the trunk door isn't latched.

    What to do:

    If this symbol appears while driving, find somewhere safe to pull over and make sure that all the doors are properly closed.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Parking Brake Indicator

    The parking brake light means that your parking brake is engaged. If the light stays on after disengaging the emergency brake, it may indicate low brake fluid.

    What to do:

    Do not drive while your emergency brake is engaged. Release the parking brake immediately if you notice the light is on while driving. If the light stays on, stop and call your mechanic.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Brake System Warning

    The brake warning light can appear for several reasons. It will stay lit while your parking brake is engaged. It could also mean low brake fluid, a faulty brake system or faulty braking hydraulics.

    What to do:

    If your parking brake isn't engaged, pull over and check the brake fluid. If the ABS light is also turned on, pull over immediately in a safe location and call your mechanic.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

    When you see the ABS light on, it may mean that there's a malfunction in your ABS system, which could cause your tires to lock in an emergency.

    What to do:

    If this light stays on while you're driving, take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Brake Pad Wear Indicator

    If you see this dashboard symbol, it means that your car's brake pads have been worn down. They may need to be adjusted or replaced.

    What to do:

    Driving may not be safe if your brake system's performance is affected. Call your mechanic for a service before making any long trips.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Check Engine Light

    This light comes on when you start the car. If the check engine light is flashing or stays on, there may be an engine malfunction.

    What to do:

    If the check engine light remains on while driving, take your car to be serviced as soon as you can. If the check engine light is blinking, slowly drive your car to the mechanic right away.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Oil Pressure Warning

    This red light indicates that there is an issue with your oil pressure. Your oil level is most likely low and not lubricating your engine correctly.

    What to do:

    Pull over as soon as it's safe and check your oil pressure. You may need to add more oil. If the light stays on, take your car to a mechanic right away.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Battery Charge Warning

    Your car's battery is not charging properly, or it's losing power. The battery light may also indicate a problem with your alternator.

    What to do:

    If your car doesn't turn on, jump-start it with booster cables. If the battery is damaged or won't turn on with a jump start, call your mechanic for a battery replacement and inspection.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Automatic Transmission Warning

    Your car's automatic transmission sensors have detected a problem. Possible problems include low fluid or high fluid temperatures. There could also be an issue with the fluid pressure.

    What to do:

    If this light remains on while driving, take your car to be serviced as soon as you can. There could be a sensor malfunction, but a mechanic will be able to diagnose and fix the issue.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Glow Plug Indicator

    If you drive a diesel car, this symbol will light up when you turn the ignition. Don't start the car yet. This dashboard light will turn off when the glow plugs are warm enough.

    What to do:

    Seeing this light before you start the car is normal. If the glow plug light doesn't turn off or is flashing, your glow plugs may be worn out. If you have difficulty starting your car, call a mechanic.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Low Tire Pressure

    The tire pressure light warns you when the pressure in one or more of your tires is low.

    What to do:

    Once you see this amber dashboard symbol, pull into a gas station to inspect your tires. You may need to pump air in your tires. Avoid long drives until this issue is addressed.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Temperature Warning

    When the temperature warning light is on, it means your engine is overheating. There could be an issue with the engine coolant or water pipe.

    What to do:

    Turn the heat all the way up and pull over as soon as you can. DO NOT check the coolant reservoir until the engine is completely cold. Once the engine has cooled, drive slowly to a mechanic.

  • High Beam (blue)

    High Beam Indicator

    This blue light indicates that your headlight's high beams are engaged, which allows you to see further at night.

    What to do:

    Switch your high beams to low if you see a car approaching you, as the glare from your lights can make it difficult for the other driver to see the road ahead.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Turn Signal Indicator

    This dashboard symbol means that your turn signal is engaged.

    What to do:

    This light should be on whenever you move the turn signal lever up or down to indicate your intention to turn right or left.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Hazard Warning Signal

    This light indicates that your hazard lights are on (both left and right turn signals are flashing). The light is usually located on the hazard warning signal control.

    What to do:

    Turn on your hazard lights to alert drivers of possible danger. Turn off your hazard lights when the issue has been resolved.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Exterior Bulb Failure

    This dashboard signal can indicate a faulty brake light, plate light or other exterior lights.

    What to do:

    The car is still driveable, but it is not safe (or legal) to drive with faulty lights, especially at night. Ask your mechanic to replace your faulty bulb as soon as possible.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Activated Parking Lights

    This green light will appear when you have turned on your parking lights.

    What to do:

    Use your parking lights when you are stopped on the side of the road and want to alert drivers that you're there. Switch off the lights when you no longer need them.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Rear Window Defrost

    This dashboard symbol indicates that the rear window defrost has been turned on to defog or defrost your rear window.

    What to do:

    To turn off your rear window defrost, simply switch the control to the off position.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Windscreen Defrost

    This car symbol indicates that your windshield defrost is turned on. This function is used to melt ice or defog your windscreen.

    What to do:

    When you no longer need to use the windscreen defrost, turn it off.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Power Steering Warning

    When this dashboard icon lights up, there is an issue with the car's electric power steering (ESP) system. The ESP makes it easier for drivers to steer.

    What to do:

    If there's an issue with your ESP system you may have to apply much more physical force when steering. This can be dangerous. Make an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Maintenance Required

    This dashboard light indicates that your car is due for a routine service or maintenance. It could also mean that a fault in your system has been detected.

    What to do:

    When you see this light, avoid driving your vehicle until you can take it to be inspected by a mechanic.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Altered Start/Stop

    This green dashboard light indicates that your car's altered start/stop function is active, which temporarily shuts off the engine when you come to a stop.

    What to do:

    No action needed. The engine will start immediately after pressing lightly on the gas pedal. To turn off this function, press the control button.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Airbag Warning

    This red light indicates that your car's computer has detected an airbag malfunction. It may not deploy properly in the event of an accident.

    What to do:

    It is unsafe to drive without airbags. If the airbag warning light stays on, slowly and carefully drive to a mechanic.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Seat Belt Not On

    This amber indicator light turns on when the driver or a passenger has not put on their seat belt. The light may also be accompanied by an intermittent bell sound.

    What to do:

    Make sure that everyone's seatbelt is fastened. The seat belt light will switch off when everyone is buckled up.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Front Fog Lights

    The green dashboard symbol means that your front fog lights have been turned on manually. Some new vehicles have sensors that automatically adjust the lighting to your driving environment.

    What to do:

    Only activate the fog lights in bad weather, such as fog, rain, or snow; otherwise, they can distract oncoming drivers.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Rear Fog Lights

    The amber car symbol means that your rear fog lights have been turned on manually. Some new vehicles have sensors that automatically adjust the lighting to your driving environment.

    What to do:

    Only activate the fog lights in bad weather, such as fog, rain, or snow; otherwise, they can distract drivers behind you.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

    This amber light indicates that the car's ESC (electronic stability control, also called traction control) is activated. The ESC is usually activated to prevent skidding and to maintain traction.

    What to do:

    The traction control light turns on temporarily when the ESC system is activated to achieve traction. Newer cars allow you to control this setting or to keep it engaged in certain drive modes.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Cruise Control

    This green dashboard light indicates that your car's cruise control system is engaged.

    What to do:

    To deactivate the cruise control function, step on the brake or press the cruise control button again. There may also be an off button on your steering wheel.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Low Beam Indicator

    This green light indicates that your car's low beams are turned on.

    What to do:

    Turn on your low beams at dusk and keep them engaged while driving at night. You may need to switch to high beams in certain situations.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Low Fuel

    This amber (sometimes red) symbol indicates that your car is running out of fuel. When this light first appears, you have roughly 30 km worth of fuel left in the tank.

    What to do:

    Drive to the nearest gas station as soon as possible to refuel your tank and avoid stalling in the middle of the road.

Risk Level
Dashboard Symbols
Red Check immediately / Mechanic
Orange Pay attention / should be checked soon
Green Everything is fine
Blue High Beam
  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Hazard Warning Signal

    This light indicates that your hazard lights are on (both left and right turn signals are flashing). The light is usually located on the hazard warning signal control.

    What to do:

    Turn on your hazard lights to alert drivers of possible danger. Turn off your hazard lights when the issue has been resolved.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Door Ajar

    The red door ajar symbol means that one of the doors has not been closed properly. It can also mean that the trunk door isn't latched.

    What to do:

    If this symbol appears while driving, find somewhere safe to pull over and make sure that all the doors are properly closed.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Oil Pressure Warning

    This red light indicates that there is an issue with your oil pressure. Your oil level is most likely low and not lubricating your engine correctly.

    What to do:

    Pull over as soon as it's safe and check your oil pressure. You may need to add more oil. If the light stays on, take your car to a mechanic right away.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Temperature Warning

    When the temperature warning light is on, it means your engine is overheating. There could be an issue with the engine coolant or water pipe.

    What to do:

    Turn the heat all the way up and pull over as soon as you can. DO NOT check the coolant reservoir until the engine is completely cold. Once the engine has cooled, drive slowly to a mechanic.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Battery Charge Warning

    Your car's battery is not charging properly, or it's losing power. The battery light may also indicate a problem with your alternator.

    What to do:

    If your car doesn't turn on, jump-start it with booster cables. If the battery is damaged or won't turn on with a jump start, call your mechanic for a battery replacement and inspection.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Automatic Transmission Warning

    Your car's automatic transmission sensors have detected a problem. Possible problems include low fluid or high fluid temperatures. There could also be an issue with the fluid pressure.

    What to do:

    If this light remains on while driving, take your car to be serviced as soon as you can. There could be a sensor malfunction, but a mechanic will be able to diagnose and fix the issue.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Seat Belt Not On

    This amber indicator light turns on when the driver or a passenger has not put on their seat belt. The light may also be accompanied by an intermittent bell sound.

    What to do:

    Make sure that everyone's seatbelt is fastened. The seat belt light will switch off when everyone is buckled up.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Parking Brake Indicator

    The parking brake light means that your parking brake is engaged. If the light stays on after disengaging the emergency brake, it may indicate low brake fluid.

    What to do:

    Do not drive while your emergency brake is engaged. Release the parking brake immediately if you notice the light is on while driving. If the light stays on, stop and call your mechanic.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Airbag Warning

    This red light indicates that your car's computer has detected an airbag malfunction. It may not deploy properly in the event of an accident.

    What to do:

    It is unsafe to drive without airbags. If the airbag warning light stays on, slowly and carefully drive to a mechanic.

  • CHECK/SERVICE IMMEDIATELY (RED)

    Brake System Warning

    The brake warning light can appear for several reasons. It will stay lit while your parking brake is engaged. It could also mean low brake fluid, a faulty brake system or faulty braking hydraulics.

    What to do:

    If your parking brake isn't engaged, pull over and check the brake fluid. If the ABS light is also turned on, pull over immediately in a safe location and call your mechanic.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Rear Fog Lights

    The amber car symbol means that your rear fog lights have been turned on manually. Some new vehicles have sensors that automatically adjust the lighting to your driving environment.

    What to do:

    Only activate the fog lights in bad weather, such as fog, rain, or snow; otherwise, they can distract drivers behind you.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Low Fuel

    This amber (sometimes red) symbol indicates that your car is running out of fuel. When this light first appears, you have roughly 30 km worth of fuel left in the tank.

    What to do:

    Drive to the nearest gas station as soon as possible to refuel your tank and avoid stalling in the middle of the road.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Rear Window Defrost

    This dashboard symbol indicates that the rear window defrost has been turned on to defog or defrost your rear window.

    What to do:

    To turn off your rear window defrost, simply switch the control to the off position.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Windscreen Defrost

    This car symbol indicates that your windshield defrost is turned on. This function is used to melt ice or defog your windscreen.

    What to do:

    When you no longer need to use the windscreen defrost, turn it off.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Check Engine Light

    This light comes on when you start the car. If the check engine light is flashing or stays on, there may be an engine malfunction.

    What to do:

    If the check engine light remains on while driving, take your car to be serviced as soon as you can. If the check engine light is blinking, slowly drive your car to the mechanic right away.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Glow Plug Indicator

    If you drive a diesel car, this symbol will light up when you turn the ignition. Don't start the car yet. This dashboard light will turn off when the glow plugs are warm enough.

    What to do:

    Seeing this light before you start the car is normal. If the glow plug light doesn't turn off or is flashing, your glow plugs may be worn out. If you have difficulty starting your car, call a mechanic.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Low Tire Pressure

    The tire pressure light warns you when the pressure in one or more of your tires is low.

    What to do:

    Once you see this amber dashboard symbol, pull into a gas station to inspect your tires. You may need to pump air in your tires. Avoid long drives until this issue is addressed.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Power Steering Warning

    When this dashboard icon lights up, there is an issue with the car's electric power steering (ESP) system. The ESP makes it easier for drivers to steer.

    What to do:

    If there's an issue with your ESP system you may have to apply much more physical force when steering. This can be dangerous. Make an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

    This amber light indicates that the car's ESC (electronic stability control, also called traction control) is activated. The ESC is usually activated to prevent skidding and to maintain traction.

    What to do:

    The traction control light turns on temporarily when the ESC system is activated to achieve traction. Newer cars allow you to control this setting or to keep it engaged in certain drive modes.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

    When you see the ABS light on, it may mean that there's a malfunction in your ABS system, which could cause your tires to lock in an emergency.

    What to do:

    If this light stays on while you're driving, take your car to a mechanic as soon as you can.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Brake Pad Wear Indicator

    If you see this dashboard symbol, it means that your car's brake pads have been worn down. They may need to be adjusted or replaced.

    What to do:

    Driving may not be safe if your brake system's performance is affected. Call your mechanic for a service before making any long trips.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Maintenance Required

    This dashboard light indicates that your car is due for a routine service or maintenance. It could also mean that a fault in your system has been detected.

    What to do:

    When you see this light, avoid driving your vehicle until you can take it to be inspected by a mechanic.

  • CHECK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE (AMBER)

    Exterior Bulb Failure

    This dashboard signal can indicate a faulty brake light, plate light or other exterior lights.

    What to do:

    The car is still driveable, but it is not safe (or legal) to drive with faulty lights, especially at night. Ask your mechanic to replace your faulty bulb as soon as possible.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Low Beam Indicator

    This green light indicates that your car's low beams are turned on.

    What to do:

    Turn on your low beams at dusk and keep them engaged while driving at night. You may need to switch to high beams in certain situations.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Turn Signal Indicator

    This dashboard symbol means that your turn signal is engaged.

    What to do:

    This light should be on whenever you move the turn signal lever up or down to indicate your intention to turn right or left.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Front Fog Lights

    The green dashboard symbol means that your front fog lights have been turned on manually. Some new vehicles have sensors that automatically adjust the lighting to your driving environment.

    What to do:

    Only activate the fog lights in bad weather, such as fog, rain, or snow; otherwise, they can distract oncoming drivers.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Activated Parking Lights

    This green light will appear when you have turned on your parking lights.

    What to do:

    Use your parking lights when you are stopped on the side of the road and want to alert drivers that you're there. Switch off the lights when you no longer need them.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Cruise Control

    This green dashboard light indicates that your car's cruise control system is engaged.

    What to do:

    To deactivate the cruise control function, step on the brake or press the cruise control button again. There may also be an off button on your steering wheel.

  • RUNNING AS NORMAL (GREEN)

    Altered Start/Stop

    This green dashboard light indicates that your car's altered start/stop function is active, which temporarily shuts off the engine when you come to a stop.

    What to do:

    No action needed. The engine will start immediately after pressing lightly on the gas pedal. To turn off this function, press the control button.

  • High Beam (blue)

    High Beam Indicator

    This blue light indicates that your headlight's high beams are engaged, which allows you to see further at night.

    What to do:

    Switch your high beams to low if you see a car approaching you, as the glare from your lights can make it difficult for the other driver to see the road ahead.

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Still unsure about your car's dashboard symbols?

Knowing what your dashboard lights mean is half the battle. Get all the information you need about the various dashboard symbols with our free downloadable and printable PDF guide.

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Still have questions?

A dashboard light is one of 64 car symbols that illuminate in either a red, amber, green, yellow or blue colour. Most of these lights are on your dashboard behind your steering wheel. These dashboard icons indicate your car has an issue that needs to be checked, or one of the systems has been activated.

Don’t panic. If the dashboard light is red, slow down and find somewhere safe to pull over. If you can’t fix the issue yourself, call your mechanic. If the light is amber or yellow, it is likely safe to drive, but you should make sure to check the issue as soon as you can. If the light is green or blue, it is simply telling you that a function has been activated.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s specific car symbols. If you’re looking for more information about your check engine light or other dashboard symbols, read your owner's manual or download Kijiji Autos' free PDF Dashboard Symbol Guide.

While most car symbols generally look the same in every car, there may be slight variations across manufacturers. Dashboard lights are also modernized over time. If you’re not sure about a specific dashboard icon, consult your owner’s manual.

It is not advisable to continue driving with your tire pressure monitoring symbol on, as it means one or more of your tires is underinflated. Prolonged driving can wear down and damage your tires. Fill your tires with air as soon as possible to avoid expensive repairs and a potential accident.

Typically, any red dashboard symbol requires your immediate attention or mechanical fix. The symbols that should prompt you to take your car to the mechanic right away are the brake warning light, ABS light and oil pressure light.

All red car symbols require the driver’s immediate attention, but not all red lights mean your car needs to be serviced by a mechanic. Symbols that indicate your car needs immediate attention are the battery, engine warning and oil pressure lights. The seatbelt reminder, low fuel and door ajar lights should be addressed by the driver right away.