Color guide

Start with the warning light color

Vehicle makers vary the exact icon shape, but dashboard light color is the fastest way to judge urgency. Use this as a first filter, then confirm the symbol in your owner's manual.

Red lights

Stop safely or treat as urgent.

Amber lights

Inspect soon and drive gently if needed.

Green lights

A feature is active or ready.

Blue lights

Usually an informational lighting indicator.

Full chart

Common dashboard symbols and meanings

The icons below are simplified reference illustrations, not manufacturer artwork. Use the color, basic shape, and meaning together before deciding what to do next.

Red dashboard lights

Oil Pressure WarningOil Pressure WarningOil pressure may be too low.No. Stop safely.Battery Warning LightBattery Warning LightCharging system is not keeping the battery powered.Short distance only if necessary.Brake Warning LightBrake Warning LightParking brake may be on or brake system has a fault.Only after confirming braking feels normal.Coolant Temperature WarningCoolant Temperature WarningEngine coolant temperature is too high.No. Stop safely.
Seat Belt ReminderSeat Belt ReminderA seat belt is not fastened.Fasten before driving.
Door Open WarningDoor Open WarningA door is not fully closed.No, close it first.
Hood / Bonnet OpenHood / Bonnet OpenThe hood or bonnet is not fully latched.No.
Hazard Warning LightsHazard Warning LightsHazard lights are on.Yes, when warning others.
Parking Brake LightParking Brake LightParking brake is applied.No, release it first.
Low Brake FluidLow Brake FluidBrake fluid level may be low.No if braking feels abnormal.
Forward Collision WarningForward Collision WarningPossible collision ahead or system fault.Reduce speed immediately.
EV System WarningEV System WarningElectric drive system fault detected.Stop if power is reduced.

Amber dashboard lights

Check Engine LightCheck Engine LightEngine or emissions fault detected.Usually yes, but inspect soon.ABS Warning LightABS Warning LightAnti-lock braking system may not work.Yes, with caution.Tire Pressure WarningTire Pressure WarningOne or more tyres/tires may be underinflated.Usually yes, slowly.Airbag Warning LightAirbag Warning LightAirbag or seatbelt pretensioner system has a fault.Yes, but safety protection may be reduced.Traction Control LightTraction Control LightTraction control is active or has a fault.Yes, with caution.
Stability Control OffStability Control OffElectronic stability control has been switched off.Yes, with extra caution.
Low Fuel WarningLow Fuel WarningFuel level is low.Yes.
Boot / Trunk OpenBoot / Trunk OpenThe boot or trunk is open.Only at low speed if unavoidable.
Washer Fluid LowWasher Fluid LowWindscreen/windshield washer fluid is low.Yes.
Rear Fog LightRear Fog LightRear fog light is switched on.Yes.
Power Steering WarningPower Steering WarningPower steering assistance may be reduced.Yes, carefully.
Start-Stop System WarningStart-Stop System WarningAutomatic start-stop system is unavailable or faulty.Yes.
Glow Plug LightGlow Plug LightDiesel glow plugs are heating or have a fault.Wait before starting.
Diesel Particulate FilterDiesel Particulate FilterDiesel particulate filter may need regeneration.Yes, but address soon.
Catalytic Converter WarningCatalytic Converter WarningExhaust after-treatment may be overheating or faulty.Avoid high load.
Transmission WarningTransmission WarningAutomatic gearbox/transmission fault detected.Drive gently if it shifts normally.
Low Transmission FluidLow Transmission FluidTransmission fluid level or temperature may be abnormal.Avoid long driving.
Clutch WarningClutch WarningClutch system may be overheating or faulty.Pause if smell or slipping occurs.
AWD / 4WD WarningAWD / 4WD WarningAll-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system fault.Yes on normal roads.
Lane Departure WarningLane Departure WarningLane warning system is unavailable or detecting lane drift.Yes.
Adaptive Cruise WarningAdaptive Cruise WarningAdaptive cruise control is unavailable or has a fault.Yes.
Blind Spot WarningBlind Spot WarningBlind spot monitor is active or unavailable.Yes.
Parking Sensor WarningParking Sensor WarningParking sensors may be blocked or faulty.Yes.
Rear Camera WarningRear Camera WarningReverse camera system may be unavailable.Yes.
Key Fob Battery LowKey Fob Battery LowRemote key battery is weak.Yes.
Immobilizer WarningImmobilizer WarningThe vehicle may not recognize the key.Maybe not restart.
Service Due LightService Due LightScheduled maintenance is due.Yes.
Low Oil LevelLow Oil LevelEngine oil level may be low.Short distance only after checking.
AdBlue / DEF LowAdBlue / DEF LowDiesel exhaust fluid is low.Yes, but refill soon.
EV Battery LowEV Battery LowHigh-voltage battery charge is low.Yes.
Charge Port OpenCharge Port OpenEV charge door or port is open.Close before driving.
Regenerative Braking LimitedRegenerative Braking LimitedRegenerative braking may be reduced.Yes.

Green dashboard lights

Fog Light IndicatorFog Light IndicatorFog lights are switched on.Yes.
Turn Signal IndicatorTurn Signal IndicatorIndicator/turn signal is active.Yes.
Hill Descent ControlHill Descent ControlHill descent control is active.Yes.
Low Beam IndicatorLow Beam IndicatorLow beam headlights are on.Yes.
Cruise Control IndicatorCruise Control IndicatorCruise control is active or ready.Yes.

Blue dashboard lights

High Beam IndicatorHigh Beam IndicatorHigh beam headlights are on.Yes.

How to use it

Print it or cite it as a quick reference

This page works well as a resource link from driver education pages, basic maintenance checklists, and roadside safety articles. For an interactive lookup, use the homepage finder.

Need a quick match? Use the dashboard symbol finder.

Need driving advice? Start with red dashboard lights or two warning lights together.

Need repair direction? Open a detailed guide, then confirm with the owner's manual or a qualified mechanic.

This chart is educational. Symbols vary by make, model, year, and market. Do not ignore red warning lights or warnings that appear with abnormal noises, smoke, overheating, poor braking, or loss of power.