Dashboard Warning Lights — Quick Match Guide

When a warning light pops up, the real challenge is knowing what it stands for — and how urgent it is. This page helps you match the symbol on your dash to a clear, plain-English explanation. The icons are grouped by colour (two exceptions), so you’ll know at a glance to stop immediately, take it easy, or just keep an eye on things.

I’ve included the most common lights you’ll see, but symbols can vary between manufacturers, so your car may use slightly different versions.

Quick, clear, and made for real-world driving — not technical manuals.

RED WARNING LIGHTS (Critical – Stop Now)

Powertrain

• Oil Pressure/ Level
• Coolant Temp
• Transmission Overheating
• Transmission Fault

Brakes / Chassis

• Brake System Fault
• Low Brake Fluid
• Parking Brake On (red “P” or exclamation)
• ABS + Brake Combination Fault
• Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) Failure
• Brake Pad Wear (red version on some models)

Safety Systems

• Airbag / SRS Fault (red version)
• Seatbelt Not Fastened (if flashing + chime)
• Door / Bonnet / Boot Open (red)
• Electric Power Steering Failure (red)

Electrical / Charging

• Battery / Alternator Charging Failure

ADAS / High-Level Safety

• Collision Warning Failure (red triangle variant)
• Lane Assist Failure (red variant)

Other Critical

• Low Washer Fluid (rare red)

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AMBER/YELLOW WARNING LIGHTS (Caution – Check Soon)

Engine / Emissions

• Check Engine Light / MIL
• Glow Plug Flashing (Diesel Engine Fault)
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning
• DEF / AdBlue Low
• SCR System Fault
• Engine Coolant Level Low (amber variant)
• Start/Stop System Unavailable

Brakes/ Traction / Stability

• ABS Fault
• Traction Control (TCS) Off
• Stability Control (ESC) Fault
• Hill Descent Control Fault
• Hill Start Assist Fault

Transmission / Drivetrain

• Automatic Transmission Warning
• AWD / 4WD System Fault
• Differential Lock Active
• Transfer Case Fault

Sensors / Assist Systems

• Radar Sensor Blocked
• Camera Obstructed
• Park Assist Fault
• Parking Sensors Disabled
• Blind Spot Monitor Fault
• Cross-Traffic Alert Fault
• Adaptive Headlamps Fault
• Automatic High Beam Fault

Fuel / Fluids

• Low Fuel
• Oil Quality / Oil Life Monitor
• Washer Fluid Low (common amber)

Tires

• TPMS Low Pressure
• TPMS System Fault

Battery / Charging / Electrical

• Smart Charging System Fault
• 12V Battery Low
• High-Voltage System Fault (hybrid/EV)
• Hybrid System Malfunction
• Battery Cooling System Fault

Keys & Security

• Immobiliser Fault
• Key Not Detected
• Key Fob Battery Low

Lighting

• Bulb-Out Indicator (headlamp/taillamp)
• DRL Fault
• Adaptive Light System Fault

Other Useful Amber Indicators

• Suspension System Fault (air/hydraulic)
• Trailer Stability Assist
• Trailer Connection Detected