Dashboard warning lights explained
Dashboard lights follow a color code. Red means stop or act now (oil pressure, engine temperature, brakes, charging). Amber or yellow means something needs attention soon (check engine, tire pressure, ABS, traction control). Green and blue mean a system is simply on. A flashing light is always more urgent than a steady one.
The color code
| Color | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Serious problem or safety issue | Stop safely as soon as possible |
| Amber or yellow | Something needs checking | Get it looked at soon; drive carefully |
| Green or blue | A system is on (headlights, cruise) | Nothing |
Red lights: act now
- Oil pressure (oil can): stop and turn off the engine. Details
- Engine temperature (thermometer in liquid): pull over and let it cool. Details
- Brake system (BRAKE or (!) in a circle): check the parking brake and pedal. Details
- Charging system (battery shape): limited time before the car stalls. Details
- Airbag / SRS: the airbags may not deploy in a crash. Get it checked soon.
Amber lights: get it checked
- Check engine (engine outline): steady means soon; flashing means now. Details
- Tire pressure (horseshoe with !): check pressures today. Details
- ABS: normal braking works; anti-lock may not.
- Traction or stability control (car with squiggly lines): flashing briefly is normal on slippery roads; steady means a fault or it's switched off.
- Maintenance reminder (wrench, "Maint Req", or a code like A1 on Hondas): service is due. Honda codes
Hybrids and EVs
Hybrids add their own lights, such as a red triangle on many Toyota hybrids, which means a hybrid system fault. If your hybrid won't go into Ready mode at all, it's often the 12-volt battery. Hybrid no-starts
Not sure what a light is? Text us a photo of the dash.
More questions
Which warning lights mean I should stop driving immediately?
The red oil pressure light, the red engine temperature light or a gauge in the red, a red brake light with a soft pedal, and a flashing check engine light with heavy shaking.
Why do all the lights come on when I start the car?
That's a bulb check. They should all go out within a few seconds of the engine starting. Any that stay on are the ones to pay attention to.
Do lights mean the same thing on every car?
The common ones are standardized, but symbols vary by make. Your owner's manual has the full list for your car.