Dashboard lights may seem unknown to a lot of drivers or car owners, infact, it could feel like a secret language made of glowing symbols that are confusing and terrifying. But here’s the good news: you’ll never panic again once you know what each light means.
There are hundreds of indicators in a car system; knowing all of them can be overwhelming, and that is why in this guide, i’ve break down 120 dashboard warning lights and their functions, from the obvious ones like “Check Engine” to the sneaky ones you didn’t even know existed.
Whether you’re a new driver, a pro driver, or a car technician, this list will help you read your dashboard like a mechanic. By the end, you won’t just understand your car; you’ll connect with it. You should refer to the infographic to see their symbols.
Let’s begin!
You should learn about Service StabiliTrak with this detailed guide!
General Warning Lights
- Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) – It indicates a problem with the engine or emissions system.
- Battery Warning Light – shows a low battery charge or alternator issue.
- Oil Pressure Warning Light – it indicates low engine oil pressure detected.
- Temperature Warning Light – signals engine overheating.
- Brake System Warning Light – it indicates a problem with the brake system or low brake fluid.
- ABS Warning Light – signals Fault in the Anti-lock Braking System.
- Traction Control Light – it shows the traction control system is active or malfunctioning.
- ESP/BAS Light – It signals the Electronic Stability Program or Brake Assist System fault.
- Airbag Warning Light – shows there is a fault in the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system.
- Power Steering Warning Light – it shows Issue with electronic or hydraulic power steering.
Indicator & Signal Lights
- Left Turn Signal Indicator – it shows the left turn signal is active.
- Right Turn Signal Indicator – shows the right turn signal is active.
- Hazard Warning Light – it turn indicators flashing simultaneously.
- High Beam Indicator – it indicate the high beam headlights are on.
- Low Beam Indicator – indicate the low beam headlights are on.
- Fog Light (Front) – It shows the front fog lights are on.
- Fog Light (Rear) – shows the rear fog lights are on.
- Parking Light Indicator – It shows the parking lights are active.
- Daytime Running Light Indicator – shows the DRLs are active.
- Auto Light Indicator – shows the headlights in automatic mode.
You should also learn How to Get Honda Radio Code with this detailed guide!
Fluid and Maintenance Lights
- Coolant Level Warning Light – indicates low coolant level.
- Washer Fluid Warning Light – shows the washer fluid level is low.
- Fuel Warning Light – shows a low fuel level.
- DEF/AdBlue Warning Light – indicates there is low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (for diesel vehicles).
- Oil Level Warning Light – it shows low engine oil level.
- Transmission Fluid Temperature Light – it shows transmission fluid overheating.
- Powertrain Fault Light – shows a general issue in the powertrain system.
- Filter Warning Light – indicates the fuel or air filter is clogged.
- Service Reminder Light – signals a due scheduled maintenance.
- Check Gas Cap Light – signals the gas cap is not tightened properly.
Tire & Suspension Lights
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light – indicate one or more tires are underinflated.
- Suspension System Warning Light – it signals air or adaptive suspension problem.
- 4WD Indicator Light – it shows four-wheel drive engaged.
- 2WD Indicator Light – it also signals two-wheel drive engaged.
- AWD Lock Light – it signals all-wheel drive locked.
- Hill Descent Control Light – it show the hill descent system is active.
- Differential Lock Light – shows the Differential is locked.
- Chassis Control System Light – indicates an issue with stability or suspension control.
- Ride Height Adjustment Light – it show an air suspension height adjusting.
- Traction Off Indicator – shows the traction control system turned off.
Safety & Security Lights
- Seat Belt Reminder Light – it shows the seat belt not fastened.
- Door Ajar Warning Light – shows a door is not fully closed.
- Hood Open Warning Light – it indicate the hood is open.
- Trunk Open Warning Light – indicates the trunk is open.
- Security Indicator Light – it show the anti-theft system active or malfunctioning.
- Immobilizer Warning Light – it indicate your key not recognized or immobilizer fault.
- Child Safety Lock Indicator – it shows the child lock is active.
- Airbag Deactivation Light – it signals the passenger airbag is turned off.
- Collision Warning Light – it shows the forward collision alert active.
- Lane Departure Warning Light – it signals the vehicle drifting out of lane.
Electrical & System Lights
- Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel) – it signals the glow plugs warming up (diesel engines).
- Start/Stop System Indicator – it signals the start-stop system is active or a fault is detected.
- Cruise Control Indicator – shows cruise control activated.
- Adaptive Cruise Control Light – shows adaptive cruise engaged or faulted.
- Speed Limiter Indicator – indicates speed limiter active.
- Parking Assist Light – shows the parking sensors or assist active.
- Blind Spot Monitoring Light – indicates the vehicle in the blind spot detected.
- Auto Hold Indicator – indicates the auto-hold function is engaged.
- Key Fob Battery Warning – it signal a weak or dead key fob battery.
- Electronic Throttle Control Light – shows problem with throttle system.
You should also learn about Airbag with this detailed guide!
Parking and Transmission Lights
- P (Park) Indicator – shows the gear lever in the park position.
- R (Reverse) Indicator – it shows the gear lever in reverse.
- N (Neutral) Indicator – shows the gear lever is in neutral.
- D (Drive) Indicator – it shows the gear lever in drive.
- S (Sport Mode) Indicator – this indicates the sport driving mode engaged.
- Overdrive Off Light – it indicate the overdrive is disabled.
- CVT Transmission Warning Light – it shows a CVT malfunction is detected.
- Shift Lock Indicator – it shows the shift lock active.
- Transmission Overheat Warning Light – signals transmission fluid is too hot.
- Manual Mode Indicator – shows the manual gear shift mode active.
Lighting & Visibility Lights
- Automatic Headlight Leveling Light – it shows the auto-leveling system fault.
- Headlight Range Control Light – this also indicates an adjusting headlight beam range.
- Adaptive Headlight System Light – it signals a fault in the adaptive headlight system.
- Bulb Failure Light – it signals a headlight, taillight, or signal light bulb is out.
- Rain Sensor Light – it shows the automatic wipers active or malfunctioning.
- Rear Window Defrost Indicator – it indicates the rear defrost is active.
- Front Windshield Defrost Indicator – shows the front defrost is active.
- Wiper Fluid Low Indicator – it indicates the washer fluid is running low.
- Mirror Defrost Indicator – it signals the side mirror heating is active.
- Fog Sensor Light – It shows the fog detection system is active.
Performance & Engine Control Lights
- Turbocharger Boost Warning Light – indicates the turbocharger is malfunctioning.
- Exhaust System Warning Light – it shows an issue with exhaust emissions.
- DPF Warning Light (Diesel) – it indicate the diesel particulate filter is clogged.
- Catalytic Converter Warning Light – it signals the converter overheating or failing.
- ECO Mode Indicator – it shows the fuel economy mode is active.
- Sport Mode Indicator – it shows the performance mode is active.
- Snow Mode Indicator – it Enhanced traction for snow conditions.
- Engine Coolant Temperature Light – it indicates the coolant is too hot or cold.
- Fuel Filter Water Trap Light – it shows there is water detected in fuel filter.
- Reduced Power Warning Light – it indicate the engine is operating in limp mode.
You should also learn How to Reset an Airbag Light with this detailed guide!
Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Lights
- EV Mode Indicator – it shows the vehicle is running in electric-only mode.
- Hybrid System Warning Light – it signals the Hybrid system fault.
- Charging Indicator Light – it signals the battery charging is in progress.
- Plug-in Indicator Light – it indicate the vehicle is plugged into the charger.
- Battery Temperature Warning Light – it indicate the EV battery overheating.
- Regenerative Braking Indicator – it shows the regenerative braking is active.
- Ready to Drive Light – it signals the electric vehicle is ready for operation.
- Charge Cable Connected Light – it indicates the charging cable is attached.
- Inverter System Warning Light – it shows the power inverter is faulty.
- High Voltage Warning Light – it indicates the high-voltage system is faulty (EV/hybrid).
Other Dashboard Lights
- Regenerative Braking Fault Light – it indicates a malfunction in the regenerative braking system (common in hybrids/EVs).
- Auto Emergency Braking Light – the warning is related to the automatic emergency braking system.
- Cross Traffic Alert Light – alerts when a vehicle approaches from the side while reversing.
- Pedestrian Detection Warning Light – System detects a pedestrian in the path of the car.
- Adaptive Suspension Light – it signals there is a problem in adaptive suspension damping control.
- Active Spoiler Warning Light – it show there is Issue with retractable or adjustable rear spoiler.
- Convertible Roof Warning Light – it signals a fault or incomplete operation in the convertible top.
- Rear Spoiler Adjustment Indicator – shows the spoiler automatically raising or lowering.
- Trailer Hitch Warning Light – it indicates the trailer not connected securely or lighting malfunction.
- Trailer Stability Assist Light – it indicate the trailer stability control is active.
- Parking Brake Engaged Light – it shows the parking brake is applied.
- Rain Sensor Malfunction Light – it signals there is problem with automatic wiper rain sensor.
- Low Ambient Temperature Light – signals outside temperature near freezing (icy roads warning).
- Security Key Warning Light – it shows the key is not detected in the vehicle.
- Keyless Entry Fault Light – it signals the Keyless system not functioning properly.
- Side Airbag Warning Light – it indicate a fault detected in side airbag system.
- Rear Seatbelt Reminder Light – it shows the rear passenger not wearing a seatbelt.
- Hybrid Battery Charge Warning – it signals the low hybrid system battery charge.
- Lane Keep Assist Light – it indicates the system is active or there’s a fault.
- Driver Attention Warning Light – it detects driver fatigue or inattention.
Conclusion
Yes, we’ve just listed and examined 120 dashboard light indicators that you are likely to encounter in driving your vehicle. The most common for you could be check engine light, battery light, low tire pressure light, and ABS light. Now you can see there are various functional ones as we’ve provided their functions.
Although, your car may not carry all of the indicator as it may depends on the model of your car. If you have any doubt about these symbils and their meanings, you can check your vehicle’s manual to get the details about it, and you can also check to know which of it your car contains.
I hope this content was helpful, if so, kindly share with other car owners. Thanks for reading, see you around!