Dashboard warning lights
Search the symbol or the name to see what a warning light means and what to do.
49 warning lights
- Check engineThe engine management system has detected a fault in the engine, emissions or sensors. If it flashes, there is a serious misfire.
- Oil pressureEngine oil pressure is too low, so the engine is not being lubricated properly.
- Low oil levelThe engine oil level is below the minimum.
- Coolant overheatingThe engine coolant is too hot, usually from low coolant, a fan or a pump fault.
- Low coolant levelThe coolant level in the expansion tank is too low.
- Battery / chargingThe charging system is not charging the battery, usually due to an alternator, belt or battery fault.
- Brake systemThe brake system has a fault, such as low brake fluid or a hydraulic failure. It also lights when the parking brake is on.
- Low brake fluidThe brake fluid level is too low, often from worn pads or a leak.
- ABSThe anti-lock braking system has a fault, so ABS will not work. Normal brakes still work.
- Brake pads wornThe brake pads have worn down to their minimum thickness.
- Parking brakeThe parking brake is applied or not fully released. It can also indicate an electronic parking brake fault.
- AirbagThe airbag or seat belt pretensioner system has a fault, so airbags may not deploy in a crash.
- Seat beltA seat belt is not fastened, or a passenger seat belt has been unbuckled.
- ESP / traction control activeThe stability or traction control is intervening because wheels are slipping. It flashes while it works.
- ESP faultThe electronic stability control has a fault and is not working properly. The car drives normally but without that safety net.
- ESP / traction control offThe stability or traction control has been switched off manually.
- Tyre pressure (TPMS)One or more tyres have low pressure, or the monitoring system has a fault. If it flashes then stays on, the system itself is faulty.
- Glow plug (diesel)Steady: the diesel glow plugs are preheating the engine. Flashing while driving: a fault in the engine or glow plug system.
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF)The soot filter is clogged and needs to regenerate, or it has a fault.
- AdBlueThe AdBlue (urea) level is low or the exhaust treatment system has a fault. The engine may refuse to restart once the tank is empty.
- Power steering (EPS)The power steering system has a fault, so steering may become very heavy or assistance may cut out.
- Low fuelThe fuel tank is nearly empty and only a small reserve remains.
- Washer fluid lowThe windscreen washer fluid is low.
- Door openA door is open or not fully latched.
- Bonnet openThe bonnet (hood) is open or not latched.
- Boot openThe boot or tailgate is open or not latched.
- Exterior light failureA bulb or lamp on the car has failed.
- Fog lightsThe front or rear fog lights are switched on.
- High beamThe main beam headlights are switched on.
- Dipped beamThe dipped (low beam) headlights are switched on.
- Headlight system faultThe adaptive or self-levelling headlight system has a fault, so the beam may point too high or too low.
- Cruise controlCruise control or adaptive cruise control is on and holding a set speed.
- Lane assistThe lane keeping assistant is active (green) or has a fault or is unavailable (amber).
- Start-stop systemThe start-stop system has switched the engine off at a stop, or is switched off or unavailable.
- Service dueA scheduled service or inspection is due.
- Ice warningThe outside temperature is close to freezing, so ice may be on the road.
- Transmission faultThe gearbox or automatic transmission has a fault or is overheating.
- Catalytic converter overheatingThe catalytic converter or exhaust is overheating, often due to engine misfires. It can cause a fire.
- Immobiliser / keyThe immobiliser does not recognise the key or has a fault. A slow flashing light when parked is normal.
- Key battery lowThe battery in the remote key fob is nearly flat.
- Water in fuel filterWater has collected in the diesel fuel filter.
- Suspension faultThe air or adaptive suspension has a fault, or the ride height is incorrect.
- Hybrid system faultThe hybrid drive system or high-voltage battery has a fault.
- EV battery faultThe high-voltage battery of the electric car has a serious fault or is overheating.
- Charging cable connectedA charging cable is plugged into the car, or the charging system has a fault.
- Reduced engine powerThe engine is in limp mode, often due to a turbo, sensor, throttle or emissions fault.
- Hazard lightsThe hazard warning lights are on.
- Engine coldThe engine coolant has not yet reached operating temperature.
- Driver fatigue warningThe car has detected signs of tiredness or lack of attention.
This is general guidance. Symbols differ between manufacturers, so check your owner's manual, and have a red warning light looked at before you drive on.