DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS

If you have ever wondered what the lights on the dashboard are for,they are meant to notify and warn you of issues with your vehicle. Common warning lights include temperature, lighting, low fluids and the dreaded Check Engine Light.

Depending on vehicle manufacturer there are several colors which represent different problems. The two most important are red and orange lights.

Red symbol dash warning lights indicates there is a serious problem with your vehicle, or, there is something on that shouldn't be (see Parking Brake Light).
Orange symbol dash warning lights are to help instruct you to check for a problem. a Check Engine light has found a fault regarding your engine.
White dash lights are indicators of what may be turned on, the headlamps for example.
Green dash lights means something is turned on and operating. Example: the turn signal indicator lights.

Dashboard warning lights - five symbols you should know

American & Import Auto Repair has listed the most common dashboard warning lights you need to know about. If a dash light comes on, please come by our auto repair shop in Johnson City, TN for a free check engine code scan!

ENGINE TROUBLE LIGHTS

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Your check engine light indicates that there is one (or more) problems with a vehicle's engine. It could be many issues that could cause the check engine light, have our ASE Master Mechanics diagnose it, call 423-913-3111

REDUCED POWER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

Not to many manufactures use this. You might want to try turning the vehicle off for 20 seconds and then try to restart and see if it helps performance. If not bring it to American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN or call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE NEEDED

These are Maintenance Required Indicators symbols. In most cases, these symbols are used only as a reminder that routine maintenance is needed, such as an oil change,Maintenance Required Indicator although the car on the lift could suggest a more serious problem.

MESSAGE INDICATOR SYMBOL

Message Indicator symbol- It is used to alert the driver to a message on the instrument panel’s display. It may be necessary to “scroll” message screens using a selector wheel on the steering wheel to see the message. The message may be a simple reminder that service is due, or a more serious problem.

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED

Maintenance or Service is needed soon such as an oil change.

WARNING TROUBLE LIGHTS

LOW OIL LEVEL OR PRESSURE

Your engine is running low on oil, or there is a problem with your car's oil pressure system.

TRANSMISSION OIL TEMPERATURE INDICATOR

The oil temperature in the transmission is too high, you are risking transmission failure.

Electronic Throttle Control Indicator

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)-This light, a lightning bolt between brackets, will illuminate if there is a problem in the electronic throttle control system. The vehicle should be drive-able, call American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street in Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111 .

ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT

Your engine is too hot and might be causing damage. Please bring it in to American & Import Auto Repair for diagnosis.

WATER IN FUEL INDICATOR

The vehicle is safe to drive, but the water should be drained as soon as possible. However, if you have just re-fueled, the fuel may be contaminated. The engine should be switched off as soon as possible or the fuel injection system could be damaged. Bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 Call 423-913-3111.

BATTERY WARNING

The car's charging system is short of power. You are running solely on battery.

LAMBDA SENSOR WARNING LIGHT

Lambda Sensor Warning Indicator- The symbol says that the exhaust gas oxygen sensor is dirty or inoperative. The vehicle should not be driven for any length of time in this condition as this sensor is key to controlling the oxygen to fuel ratio in your engine. The symbol is an odd mix of green and amber colors & is seen only in older vehicles.

MASTER WARNING LIGHT

Master Warning Light symbol, if this light is on, there will likely be text displayed as well on the instrument panel. It could very well point out something as serious as low oil pressure. It is generally associated with simple reminders such as a door ajar or that it is time to change the oil.

CLOGGED AIR FILTER INDICATOR

This means that the vehicles air filter is clogged or dirty

POWERTRAIN, SHIFT OR DRIVETRAIN TROUBLE

This means that a problem has been detected in the automatic transmission or in the shifting. You should bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 Call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM

The light comes on when the inflation on one of the tires is down 25% or more. Usually that will be about eight pounds. This is a common light in the fall and winter when outdoor temperatures drop, which has the effect reducing the pressure in your tires. This is a bit oversimplified, but cold air takes up less space than warm or hot air. Also a single leaking tire will also trigger the light.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE TROUBLE LIGHTS

HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY CHARGE INDICATOR

This is found in plug in hybrid vehicles. This means the charge is low and you need to charge it or you will be walking soon.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Operation Indicator

This is the Electric Vehicle (EV) Operation Indicator symbol. Most hybrid vehicles give the driver the option to choose to use only the electric motor, at least in special situations. This symbol will appear on the instrument panel when a switch – likely showing the same symbol – is activated.

HYBRID BATTERY OR CHARGING ISSUE

If Main is seen beneath the battery image, the light is actually a Hybrid Battery Trouble Indicator. The vehicle’s hybrid battery must be serviced by American & Import Auto Repair as soon as possible. Please bring it to 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111. Yes we can test and replace Hybrid batteries.

EV CHARGING INDICATOR

The symbol is on or blinking when charging and goes off when fully charged

POWER LIMITATION INDICATOR

This symbol is used only on Electric vehicles. This tells the driver what he or she likely already knows: that the vehicle is less responsive than expected. You should bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 Call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

ECONOMY OPERATION SYMBOL

Your vehicle will try to improve your driving habits and increase fuel economy. Many vehicles will tell you when you are operating your vehicle in an fuel efficient way. Step on the gas to pass another car, and the light will go out and the fuel economy is not good at that time.

LOW BATTERY CHARGE WARNING INDICATOR SYMBOL

The vehicle is low on battery power and might simply stop. Charge it now!

EV CHARGING INDICATOR

This light will be illuminated or blinking till it is charged.

STEERING TROUBLE LIGHTS

ELECTRICAL CONTROL BRAKE

The symbol is Electronically Control Brake Force Distribution needs attention. Please bring it to American & Import Auto Repair or call 423-913-3111

POWER STEERING WARNING

There may be an issue with your power steering system and you need to get it looked at soon. If your power steering quits working the wheel will become very hard to steer. Please bring it in to American & Import Auto Repair or call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

TRACTION CONTROL

The car's traction control system is engaged. Hold On !

STABILITY CONTROL INDICATOR

The vehicle has detected a slippery condition and is on and providing assistance.

ANTILOCK BRAKE WARNING

There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system that needs to be diagnosed and fixed. It needs attention and might not work with the light on. Please bring it in to American & Import Auto Repair or call 423-913-3111.

STILIBLITY CONTROL INDICATOR

Be careful you are in slippery conditions!!

VEHICLE STABLITY CONTROL

This symbol, an exclamation point in a triangle, in yellow or amber has been used by European vehicle manufacturers to indicate a fault in the vehicle’s Stability Control System. The vehicle can be driven with caution, but without the benefit of the advanced electronic control system. See American & Import Auto Repair as soon as possible. 423-913-3111

STABILITY CONTROL NOT WORKING

The Stability control system is off.

STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM FAULT

This symbol- in yellow or amber has been used by European manufacturers to indicate a fault in the vehicle’s Stability Control System. The vehicle can be driven with caution without advanced electronic control system. American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street in Johnson City, TN or call 423-913-3111.

TOWING SYMBOL

If your vehicle has tow mode this will be lit when engaged.

BRAKE TROUBLE LIGHTS

Low Brake Pad Warning Light

Low Brake Pad warning light- Some vehicle manufacturers include this symbol, which means that your vehicle’s brake pads are worn, or low & need servicing. Your brakes may also pulse or squeak as a warning when the brake pads are low. Please contact American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street in Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111.

PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR

This symbol indicates that the parking brake is engaged. Be sure to disengage the parking or emergency brake before driving.

LOW BRAKE PAD WARNING LIGHT

Low Coolant warning light. The meaning is straightforward, in that the engine’s cooling system is low on fluid, with or without the arrow. Have the system serviced soon at American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street in Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111.

BRAKE TROUBLE LIGHT

This symbol could indicate a serious Brake problem, but the light will also be on when the emergency brake, is engaged. So, if you are sure the emergency brake is released bring your vehicle to a stop as soon as possible and contact us at American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549

BRAKE SYSTEM ALERT

The brake light could mean the brake fluid level is low, the parking brake is on or there is an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Perform a quick visual inspection to see if the parking brake is on & inspect the brake fluid level to ensure it is full. This warning light could be serious if it is related to a loss of brake fluid due to a leak.

Automatic Shift Lock / Engine Start Operation Symbol

Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) -When the ignition is on, ASL locks the shifter in neutral or park. The symbol of a shoe inside the typical circular brake symbol is a reminder that the brake must be stepped on to release the lock and shift Engine Start Operation Indicator the transmission into drive or reverse.

Electric Park Brake Fault Indicator

This is the Electric Park(ing) Brake (EPB) Fault Indicator symbol. The circle in brackets remains the image used for brakes and in the case to the left adds the lightning bolt, which denotes electricity. It will flash or remain lit if a fault is detected. It will be safe to drive, but the park brake will not operate properly.

BRAKE HOLD SYMBOL

The lights describe systems that keeps the brakes applied when the vehicle is stopped and other conditions are met. They indicate that the system is on and functioning properly. The image is the circle between brackets standard for brakes.

RECUPERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM

If this symbol is illuminated on your instrument panel, the RBS is malfunctioning. The system is found in Hybrid vehicles and uses the function of the actual braking system to generate electricity for the main Hybrid battery.

LIGHTING INDICATORS

HEADLAMPS ARE ON

This symbol is the Headlamp Indicator Symbol. Some car companies use this symbol when the headlamps are turned on. In vehicles equipped with automatic headlamp operation, the symbol will appear when the light switch is set to Auto.

TAIL LIGHT INDICATOR SYMBOL

Tail Lights Indicator symbol

This is a Tail Lights Indicator symbol, as used in Canada. This symbol is only illuminated when all the lights except the headlights are in use.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ON

Windshield wipers are on. Is it raining?

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

Your Hazard lights are on and should be flashing.

HEADLIGHT BULB ISSUE

One or more of the headlamp bulbs is burned out or malfunctioning.

TAIL LIGHT INDICATOR SYMBOL

This is a Tail Lights Indicator symbol, as used in Canada. This symbol is only illuminated when all the lights except the headlights are in use.

WINDSHIELD WASHER

Windshield washer fluid is squirting right now!

TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR

These Arrows Flash When The Turn Signals Are Operational And With The Hazard Lights Are On.

HEADLIGHT IS OUT INDICATOR

One or more of the headlamp bulbs is burned out or malfunctioning.

High-beam Assistant Symbol

This is the High-beam Assistant symbol. The green image indicates that the assistant, which automatically switches the high beams on and off, is active and working properly. The “A” stands for Automatic. The systems detects light from oncoming traffic.

REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER

Your rear window defroster is on.

GLOW PLUG INDICATOR

You are driving a diesel and the glow plugs need to warm up before starting the vehicle.

HIGH BEAMS ARE ON

You have your high beams on. That's why the car coming the other way is mad at you.

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS

The oil temperature in the transmission is too high, you are risking transmission failure.

FOG LIGHT SYMBOL

The fog lights are on.

GAS CAP LOOSE

Your gas cap is most likely loose, or missing. Check that you remembered to put your gas cap back on, as well, be sure it is tight.

LOW BEAMS ARE ON

Your Low Beam Headlight is on.

Shift Indicator

You Need To Shift To Next Gear

FOG LIGHT INDICATOR

Your fog lights are on.

CHECK FLUIDS INDICATOR

WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW

The washer fluid level is low. Please fill that up when you get a chance.

LOW FUEL LIGHT

You are running low on fuel. Please pull over and get some gas!

TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE HIGH

Transmission Damage can occur when overheated

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE

The blue symbol, a thermometer placed in water, indicates that the coolant temperature is below what is needed for optimum performance. If the light blinks red then blue, an electrical malfunction in the cooling system is indicated. Contact American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street in Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111.

TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE HIGH

Transmission temperature is high and might cause damage

LOW COOLANT WARNING SYMBOL

OIL LEVEL IS LOW

Don't drive this without putting oil in your car, you can do damage if you do. Bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street in Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111

LOW COOLANT LIGHT

The cooling system is low on fluid, with or without the arrow. Have the system serviced soon. You should bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 Call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

OIL IS DANGEROUSLY LOW

With the text MIN, says that the engine’s oil level has dropped to its minimum level for safe operation. Add some oil as soon as you can or better yet, use this as an opportunity to get an oil and filter change.

Low Coolant Warning Symbol

4X4 ENGAGED INDICATOR LIGHTS

4X4 IS ON AUTO

The 4X4 is on Auto

REAR DIFFERENTIAL LOCK

This indicates that the two rear wheels have been locked to rotate together.

4X$ HIGH IS ON

4X4 is on and in high for higher speeds for snow or slippery conditions.

4X4 LOW IS ENGAGED

4X4 is in low range which is for low speeds and getting out of bad conditions. It is useful when maximum power or traction is needed for steep climbs, sandy or muddy conditions, or off-road driving.

CENTER DIFFERENTIAL LOCK

The option to lock the differential may be available in an all-wheel drive vehicle. Turn it on if you become stuck in mud or snow, or if you are driving on a loose surface off road at low speeds. This symbol will appear on the instrument panel when the lock is in use. It will look like a line drawing or stick figure with an X or the word LOCK in it.

ELECTRONIC REAR DIFFERENTIAL

This symbol uses an X in place of the closed circle and is an Electronic Rear Differential Lock indicator.

SAFETY & SECURITY INDICATOR LIGHTS

AIRBAG INDICATOR

There may be an issue with one or more of your car's airbags, or the airbag system in general. If this light is on the air bag system possibly will not work. Please bring it in to American & Import Auto Repair or call 423-913-3111.

SECURITY ISSUE SYMBOL

If this symbol is visible when the vehicle is on, it indicates a malfunction in the security system. If the engine does not start with the correct key, and the security indicator remains on, the system may have a malfunction. You will need to contact American & Import Auto Repair 3832 West Market Street in Johnson City, TN 37604 or call 423-913-3111 in either case.

PARKING ASSIST INDICATOR

The green lighted symbol is on to say the system is activated.

LANE DEPARTURE SYMBOL

Assuming there are detectable lane markers, these indicators will light and will blink amber if the vehicle is traveling close to either the left or the right of the traveling lane. A warning chime may also be heard.

AIR BAG IS NOT WORKING

Your Air Bag is not going to work in an accident and needs immediate attention. You should bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 Call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

SECURITY OR IMMOBILIZER ISSUE

These are Security and/or Immobilizer System Indicator symbols used by manufacturers. One of these symbols lights momentarily to indicate that the ignition Immobilizer System Indicator switch is locked and will need the proper transponder-equipped key to start or re-start. The vehicle is immobilized otherwise.

YELLOW PARKING ASSIST INDICATOR

If the Parking Assist is yellow or flashing the system is not working or has a malfunction. It might just need a good washing or the sensor needs cleaning. The vehicle will drive fine but you need to park it without assistance. You can do it!

SIDE AIR BAG IS NOT WORKING

These are Side Airbag Off Indicator symbols. The picture symbol is found in vehicles sold in Canada. It shows a man in a seat belt next to an oval airbag with an X through it. The text version is found in U.S. vehicles.

TRUNK IS OPEN

YOUR TRUNK IS OPEN

YOUR VEHICLE RECOGNIZES YOUR KEY.

Electronic Key symbol in green indicates that the key is found and the vehicle can be started. Some manufacturers will have the light flash in green to indicate a weak internal battery. Any there is an issue you should bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN Call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

SEATBELT REMINDER LIGHT

Buckle your seat belt, it's the law. The Po Po will get you!

Hood Open

Your Hood is Open or Ajar

YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT RECOGNIZING YOUR KEY

The flashing red Electronic Key symbol indicates that the key is not detected. If the Key is in the vehicle, its internal battery is likely dead and needs to be replaced. You should bring it to American & Import Auto Repair at 3832 West Market Street Johnson City, TN 37604 Call 423-913-3111 or text 423-390-8549.

DOOR IS OPEN

Your door is open, shut it if you are moving please!

DISTANCE WARNING SYMBOL

You are to close to the vehicle in front of you or are approaching the vehicle in front of you at a fast closing rate. You might be approaching a fixed object in the direction you are going. Slow down and pay attention the funeral home can wait!

SECURITY AND/OR IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR SYMBOL

This is the Security and/or Immobilizer System Indicator symbol used by car makers. The green symbol lights momentarily to indicate that the ignition Immobilizer System is working. If the red key is lite up the proper transponder-equipped key is needed to start or re-start. The vehicle is immobilized otherwise.