A red dashboard light means stop and check it. An orange or yellow light means get it checked soon. Green, blue, and white lights just tell you something is turned on. Find your light below to see what it means and what to do next. If your light is not here, or you are not sure, call us and we will help you figure it out.
Each maker draws its symbols a little differently, but the colors follow the same rules almost everywhere.
If you see one of these, pull over in a safe spot and turn the car off.
No lights match that search. Try another word, or call us and we will help.
These lights come from the computer that watches your engine. Most of them mean get it scanned soon. Read more on what to do when the check engine light comes on, or why a check engine light can flash and then go off. If you need help, we handle engine repair, and preventive maintenance helps stop many of these lights before they start.
The engine computer found a problem. A steady light means get it checked soon. A flashing light usually means the engine is misfiring, which can damage the catalytic converter. If it flashes, slow down and get to a shop right away.
The car is holding back power to protect the engine or transmission. Not every maker uses this light. Turning the car off for about 20 seconds and restarting sometimes clears it. If it comes back, get it scanned.
Usually a reminder that routine service is due, like an oil change. It does not mean something is broken. Some cars show a wrench. After service, the shop resets it.
The car wants you to read a message on the display. You may need to scroll through the messages with a button on the steering wheel or dash.
On a manual car, this tells you it is a good time to shift to the next gear to save fuel.
These lights point to oil, charging, fuel, tire, and transmission trouble. Several of them need action right away. Many come from skipped service, so keep up with oil changes and watch your tires, as shown in how to take care of your tires. A charging light often points to a weak battery or a worn belt. See why a car battery goes dead and the warning signs of a bad serpentine belt. We also fix transmissions, fuel systems, diesel engines, and we handle tire service.
The red oil can means the engine is not getting enough oil pressure. Pull over safely and turn the engine off. Driving on it can ruin the engine in minutes. Check the oil level, and call us before you drive on.
The engine is too hot. Pull over safely, turn the car off, and let it cool before you open the hood. Never open a hot radiator cap. Driving while overheated can cause serious engine damage.
The fluid in the transmission is too hot. Pull over and let it cool. Heat is one of the main things that wears out a transmission.
The charging system is not keeping up, so the car is running on battery power alone. It will die once the battery runs down. Turn off extras like the radio and heater, and head straight to a shop. A bad alternator, belt, or battery can cause this.
A lightning bolt between brackets. There is a problem with the electronic throttle. The car may idle rough, hesitate, or lose power. Get it checked soon.
The oxygen sensor in the exhaust is dirty or not working. The car can burn more fuel and run poorly. Do not put off the repair for long.
It comes on with a message on the display. Read the message, because it tells you which system needs attention.
The car found a problem in the automatic transmission or shifting. Harsh shifts, slipping, or stuck gears are signs to look out for. Get it checked soon.
The air filter is dirty or clogged. This hurts power and fuel mileage. It is an easy fix, so do it soon.
Water has collected in the diesel fuel filter. Have the water drained soon. If you just filled up and the engine runs rough, the fuel may be bad.
On a diesel, wait for this light to go out before you start the engine. The glow plugs are warming up. If it flashes or stays on while driving, get the engine scanned.
The fuel system sees a leak, and a loose or missing gas cap is the most common cause. Tighten the cap until it clicks. The light may take a few drives to go out. If it stays on, get it scanned.
One or more tires are low, usually about 25 percent below the correct pressure. Check all four tires with a gauge and fill to the number on the sticker inside the driver door. Cold weather often turns this light on. If it flashes first and then stays on, the sensor system may have a fault.
Brakes are a safety system, so treat red brake lights seriously. Some lights look alike, so check each one carefully. Not sure if you need pads? Read how to know if you need new brakes, and how often to change brake fluid. Our brake repair starts with a video inspection so you can see the problem.
A red circle with an exclamation point, or the word BRAKE. It comes on when the parking brake is set. If the parking brake is off and the light stays on, the brake fluid may be low or there is a brake problem. Do not keep driving. Have it checked.
This can mean low brake fluid, the parking brake is on, or a problem in the brake system. Check that the parking brake is fully released. If the light stays on, have the car looked at before you drive.
Many cars have a sensor in the brake pads, and this light comes on when the pads are worn down. Newer cars and European cars often have it, and so do many older ones. It is not the same as the ABS light or the red brake light. Get your pads checked soon. If you hear grinding, do not wait.
The letters ABS. Your normal brakes still work, but the anti-lock part may not. That means a longer skid on wet or icy roads. Get it diagnosed soon.
The parking brake is set. Release it fully before you drive. Driving with it on can wear out the brakes.
The electric parking brake has a problem. It may not set or release the way it should. Get it checked soon.
The brake hold system is on and keeps the brakes applied when you are stopped, like at a red light.
The shifter is locked in park or neutral. Press the brake pedal to move it out of park.
Found on hybrids and some electric cars. If it lights up, the system that recharges the battery while you slow down has a fault. Your regular brakes should still work, but get it checked soon.
These lights help you keep control. A flashing light is usually the system working. A steady light can mean it is off or has a fault. If the steering or the ride feels off, see our steering and suspension service. Towing a trailer? Read about the trailer light on the dashboard.
There is a problem with the power steering. If it quits, the wheel gets very hard to turn. Get it checked soon.
The system that balances brake force between the wheels needs attention. Have the brakes checked.
The system is working because a tire is slipping. Ease off the gas and drive smoothly.
A flashing light means the car sensed a slippery road and is helping you keep control. Slow down.
The system is turned off. Turn it back on unless you have a reason to leave it off.
A yellow or amber light that stays on means the stability system has a fault. The car can be driven, but it will not help you in a skid. Get it checked soon.
If your vehicle has a tow mode, this light shows it is turned on.
Low fluids cause expensive damage fast. Check these lights first. If your engine is running hot, read what to do when your car is overheating. Coolant leaks and hot engines are handled by our cooling system repair.
The engine is low on oil. Do not drive it until you add oil. Running low can damage the engine.
If you see the word MIN, the oil level has dropped to its lowest safe point. Add oil as soon as you can, and ask why it is going down.
The cooling system is low on coolant. Low coolant leads to overheating. Have the system checked for a leak.
A blue light means the engine is still cold, so go easy until it warms up. A red or flashing light means it is too hot. Pull over safely.
The transmission is overheating, which can damage it. Pull over and let it cool.
You are low on gas. Fill up soon. Running a tank very low can hurt the fuel pump.
The washer fluid is low. Refill it when you get a chance.
The washer is spraying right now.
These lights show up on hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. Not sure how your car works? Read how hybrid vehicles work.
If the word MAIN shows under the battery, it is a hybrid battery trouble light. The hybrid battery should be checked by a shop that works on hybrids.
The vehicle is giving you less power than normal to protect itself. Drive gently and get it checked.
Found on plug-in hybrids. The charge is low. Plug it in soon, or the car will switch to gas power.
The battery is very low and the car may stop soon. Charge it now.
The car is running on electric power only.
The light is on or blinking while the car charges. It turns off when the battery is full.
The car is driving in a fuel saving way. Many cars show this when you drive smoothly.
Most of these lights just tell you something is turned on. A few tell you a bulb is out. If your headlights look dim or foggy, here is how to clean cloudy headlights.
One or more headlight bulbs are burned out or not working. Replace them soon so you can see and be seen. Cloudy headlights can also cut down your view.
The arrows flash when your turn signal is on. If they flash much faster than normal, a bulb is probably burned out.
Your hazard lights are on and flashing.
The headlights are turned on.
Your low beam headlights are on.
Your high beams are on. Turn them off for oncoming cars.
The green light means the system that switches your high beams on and off is working.
Your daytime running lights are on.
The fog lights are on.
The tail lights and other lights are on.
The wipers are on.
The rear window defroster is on.
These lights tell you which four wheel drive mode you are in. If one flashes or stays on when it should not, have it checked. Our differential and drivetrain repair covers 4x4 systems, transfer cases, and differentials.
The system is in automatic mode and sends power where it is needed.
Four wheel drive is on in high range. It is meant for snow, ice, and slippery roads at normal speeds.
Four wheel drive is in low range. It is for slow speeds and hard going, like steep climbs, sand, or deep mud.
The two rear wheels are locked to turn together. Use it only when you need extra traction.
Some all wheel drive vehicles let you lock the center differential. Use it if you are stuck in mud or snow.
An X in place of the closed circle shows the electronic rear differential lock is on.
Airbag and key lights matter. The open door, hood, and trunk lights are simple reminders. Airbag, sensor, and key problems are often electrical, and our electrical repair can track them down. If you have a keyless car, see how to protect it from theft.
There is a problem with the airbag system. If this light stays on, your airbags may not work in a crash. Get it checked right away.
The side airbag is turned off. This is common when a passenger seat sensor turns it off.
Someone is not buckled up. Buckle up. It is the law in Tennessee.
If this stays on while the car is running, the security system has a fault. If the car will not start with the right key, call us.
The light flashes or comes on briefly to show the anti-theft system is working. If the car will not start and the light stays on, the key may not be read.
The green key light means the car found your key and can be started.
A flashing red key light means the car cannot find the key. If the key is inside the car, the key battery is likely dead.
The car is watching the lane lines. The light flashes amber if you drift close to a lane line without a turn signal.
You are too close to the car ahead, or closing in fast. Slow down and back off.
The green light means parking assist is turned on.
A yellow or flashing light means the system is not working. Sometimes the sensors only need a good cleaning. If it stays on, get it checked.
A door is open or not fully latched. Shut it before you drive.
The hood is open or not fully latched. Stop and close it before you drive.
The trunk or tailgate is open or not fully latched.
Our technicians scan the vehicle to read the codes behind the light. We then do a digital video inspection so you can see what we found, and we give you a written estimate before any work starts. Any qualified repair is backed by our 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty. Not sure which of our shops is closest? See our West Market Street shop or our Hopper Road shop.
Book a visit online, or call the shop closest to you.
It depends on the light. A red light usually means pull over safely. An orange light usually means the car is safe to drive for a short time, but you should get it checked soon. A flashing check engine light is the exception. Slow down and get to a shop right away.
Some lights come on when the car sees a problem and go out if the problem does not come back. The car still saves a code, so a scan can tell us what happened.
You can clear many lights, but that does not fix the cause, and the light will usually return. Clearing a code also erases helpful information. It is better to have the code read first.
That is normal. The sensor warns you before the pads are gone. Have the pads checked soon, before they wear down to metal and start damaging the rotors.
Cold air shrinks, so tire pressure drops when the temperature falls. A tire can lose about one pound for every 10 degree drop. Fill the tires to the number on the sticker inside the driver door.
Check your owner manual first, since every maker draws a few symbols differently. You can also call either shop and tell us what the light looks like. We will tell you what it means.