OBD2 Car ScannerDashboard warning lights explained
What 64 common dashboard symbols mean and how urgent they are. Red usually means stop, amber means check soon, green and blue are information.
ABS warning
An ABS warning light that comes on and stays on could signal a problem with various components in and related to the anti-lock brakes. For instance, special sensors monitor the speed of the wheels. If one or more of these wheel speed sensors are inoperative or defective, the ABS warning light will remain on.
● Stop or get checked
Airbag warning
When this light comes on, it indicates that a problem has been detected in the system, and one or more airbags may not inflate in the event of a collision. While its possible that all the airbags could work as intended even with an SRS warning light, a failure in the airbags is a significant safety concern.
● Stop or get checked
Automatic gearbox warning
It serves as a simple maintenance reminder to let you know when your transmission fluid needs to be checked or replaced. The first thing you should do if its low is to take your automobile to a repair to have the fluid levels checked and see whether you need to refill.
● Stop or get checked
Battery / alternator warning
If your battery warning light comes on whilst youre driving, it means that your battery is no longer being charged by the alternator and is running only on its own charge.
● Stop or get checked
Brake pad warning
When the brake pad warning light is on, this means that the sensor in the brakes has detected that the pads are too thin.
● Stop or get checked
Engine or emissions warning
Some common causes for the emission light on car illuminating are: Emission system fault – This is when the engine is burning too much fuel, increasing your carbon footprint. The emission light on car could also be on because the system is not burning enough fuel, or if the sensor is broken.
● Stop or get checked
Fault problem
Your vehicle is telling you that there is an issue that is going on and you need to get it diagnosed and repaired.
● Stop or get checked
Handbrake warning
The handbrake warning light illuminates when you have the handbrake on. Dont start driving until this light is off – you may have left the handbrake on slightly, and that means the brake shoes could be rubbing and they will overheat.
● Stop or get checked
Oil pressure low
When the oil pressure is low, it indicates something is not working properly. It also means there likely is not enough lubricant moving through the system. Keep in mind that lubricant starvation will lead to metal-to-metal contact and machine failure.
● Stop or get checked
Parking brake light
your parking brake is engaged, but if youre still seeing the red (or orange) warning on your dash while the parking brake is disengaged, you will need to get your brakes inspected as soon as possible.
● Stop or get checked
Power steering warning light
The light warns you that the power steering system has failed and prompts you to investigate for a cause. The cause may vary according to the type of power steering system in your car. In hydraulic power steering systems, a leak in the system causing a low fluid level is the most common cause for this problem
● Stop or get checked
Stability control off
stability control is active and operating to maintain traction and direction because it senses the vehicle is not under control. Malfunction.
● Stop or get checked
Steering lock warning
Steering lock symbol will indicate that the cars steering lock needs to be released before the engine can be started. But if it remains red after starting the motor, it suggests there is a malfunction with the mechanism.
● Stop or get checked
Temperature warning
If this light turns on, it means that your vehicle has detected that the coolant temperature is too high. This indicates that your engine is likely overheating. If your engine is overheating, it is recommended to pull your vehicle over to a safe place and turn off the engine for at least 20 minutes
● Stop or get checked
Air suspension warning
The cars computer will turn on the air suspension warning light if it detects any abnormal activity. Typically, this will occur if the compressor isnt providing as much air as it should or if there is a leak in the one of the bags.
● Check soon
Airbag deactivated
if an airbag poses a specific risk for one of your vehicles users, it can be deactivated. In most cases, an airbag is deactivated by means of an on-off switch installed by the dealer or by a business that specializes in modifying vehicles.
● Check soon
Bonnet open
This might be because you have opened it on purpose to check something in the engine, top-up fluids, or if the car is in the garage to be fixed. If you see it when you are driving, however, it usually means that the bonnet has not been closed correctly.
● Check soon
Boot open
The boot in a car is the luggage compartment that is located at the rear of the vehicle. It is the designated space for storing luggage, groceries, sports equipment, and any other items that you may need to transport in your car.
● Check soon
Brake lights warning
If your brake warning light is on, it usually means your parking brake is engaged, or there is an issue with your brakes that requires inspection.
● Check soon
Catalytic converter warning
when you start your journey it would indicate that there is a problem with the catalytic converter. The problem could be that it has somehow. become damaged, it has possibly overheated or it could be malfunctioning.
● Check soon
Diesel particulate filter warning
This warning light appears to let drivers of diesel cars know that there are soot particles gathering in the exhaust filter. It is an indication that you need to take your car to a higher-speed road and drive at high enough speeds to warm up the exhaust to a temperature that can successfully regenerate the filter.
● Check soon
Dirty air filter
A bad or dirty air filter restricts air flow, lowering the oxygen in the mixture. Your engine compensates for this by consuming more fuel to produce enough power to move the same distance or speed as you could with a clean filter.
● Check soon
Door open
when the light comes on, the computer thinks one of your doors isnt closed.
● Check soon
Exterior light fault
The bulb failure light turns on when any exterior light on your car isnt working. Its important to fix this so others can see your cars position.
● Check soon
Frost warning
The little light that looks like a snowflake is a warning that temperatures have dropped below freezing. This one turns on and stays on as long as its cold enough for ice to form on the road. Its a simple reminder to use caution in cold conditions.
● Check soon
Fuel filter warning
The fuel filter check engine light warns you when your diesel fuel filter is full, and needs to be emptied to avoid engine damage.
● Check soon
Glow plug / diesel pre-heat warning
A blinking pre-glow warning light is often due to glow plugs that have lost their heating ability and cant get the engine to the right temperature to start.
● Check soon
Key fob battery low
A key fob with a low battery starts exhibiting some or all of the following symptoms: The fob may become less responsive or unresponsive over time. It may not lock/unlock your car easily and may start losing its range. You may have to get closer for the keyless entry function to work.
● Check soon
Low fuel
The low fuel warning light has the main function of warning the driver that the fuel level is low. Once this light comes on, there will be some fuel left in the tank, but not a lot. You should try to fill up as soon as possible if this light comes on your dashboard while you are driving.
● Check soon
Seat belt not on
It indicate that you are not wearing Seat belt. a belt that fastens around you when you are travelling in a vehicle or aircraft and holds you in your seat, in order to reduce the risk of being injured in an accident.
● Check soon
Service required
Telling that your car will require regular maintenance shortly. For instance, it could be time for an oil change, a tune-up, or a new timing belt.
● Check soon
Suspension dampers
You may call them shock absorbers, but the hydraulic suspension components that keep a cars springs from bouncing uncontrollably over bumps and potholes are technically known as dampers. Unseen and often not considered, dampers are one of the keys to your cars on and off-road capability.
● Check soon
Tyre pressure low
The purpose of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is to alert you when tire pressure is too low and could create unsafe driving conditions. If the light is illuminated, it means your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to undue tire wear and possible tire failure
● Check soon
Washer fluid low
Imitating the motion of your windshield wipers, this dashboard symbol means that you’re low on windshield washer fluid.
● Check soon
Water in filter
If water accumulates in the fuel filter,the warning light comes on when the ignition switch is in the ON position. If this warning light illuminates, take your car to a professional workshop and have drain the water and check the system.
● Check soon
Adaptive lighting
Adapts to changing roadway conditions – such as curves – to better help illuminate the roadway along your path. What It Does: Headlights actually move side to side as the steering wheel turns. What It Does Not Do: Does not automatically switch from low beams to high beams.
● Information
Auto windscreen wiping
Autowipers uses a rain sensor located in the area around the interior mirror. The rain sensor monitors the amount of moisture on the windshield and automatically turns the wipers on.
● Information
Convertible roof warning
This light will appear when the roof is opening or closing. If the light is lit continuously when the roof is not fully opened or closed there is a fault.
● Information
Cruise control on
Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed without using the accelerator.
● Information
Dipped beam headlights
Dipped beam headlights are located at the front of the vehicle and are designed for increased visibility when driving at night time. They are located next to your main beam headlights and sidelights and the dipped beam bulbs can be Halogen, LED or OE Xenon – depending on your vehicle.
● Information
Direction indicators
Direction flashing light on a motor vehicle that indicates that the driver intends to turn or is turning to the left or right.
● Information
Distance warning
It indicates that the computer has detected an object in the road ahead of you that is approaching quickly. This may not always be a car and could be a large object in the road.
● Information
Eco driving indicator
Your cars ECO driving indicator, or rather the ECO light on your dashboard, isnt a warning light or anything of that nature. It simply means that their car is consuming less fuel than usual. The ECO light may also mean that some systems are turned off to save power and gas.
● Information
Fog light (front)
This symbol shows that your fog lights are on. a very bright light on the front of a vehicle that is used to help the driver see better in fog.
● Information
Fog light (rear)
Rear fog lights are red and are used to indicate your position on the road to other drivers behind you'
● Information
Headlight range control
With headlight range control,the headlights are pointed slightly lower while accelerating and are adjusted back up once you have gotten up to speed. This happens automatically as you drive and there is a corresponding light on the dashboard to alert you of any issues detected with this system.
● Information
Hill descent control
Hill Descent Control is essentially a cruise control system that uses traction control technology with anti-lock brakes. This system continually adjusts braking pressure to help control slippage and maintain a constant preset speed while you are going down a steep grade.
● Information
Ignition switch warning
theres an issue with the ignition system or the car key. It could be due to a glitch or worn out key.
● Information
Information indicator
Indicator light turns on when there is a fault condition in an area of the vehicle chassis systems such as—the anti-lock (ABS) brake system, the traction control (TCS) system, the electronic suspension system, or the brake hydraulic system.
● Information
Key not in vehicle
This light will come on if the key has been removed from the vehicle while the engine was running. Ensure the key is located inside the vehicle. If will not be possible to restart the engine if the key is not inside the vehicle.
● Information
Lane departure warning
Lane Departure Warning provides an alert to the driver if they are beginning to leave the traveling lane. If there is a risk of the vehicle leaving the traveling lane unintentionally, the system provides visual and audio alerts to prompt the driver to take action.
● Information
Main beam headlights
Main beam headlights are an optional feature built into the headlights at the front of your vehicle. They are designed to increase the brightness ahead of the vehicle which helps to improve the vision the driver.
● Information
Parking assist
Park Assist is an automated parking aid that helps drivers park with greater precision, using guidance system technology that rivals ultrasonic and other camera-based solutions with superior, advanced technology. The parking guidance system (PGS) is customer-centric in many ways.
● Information
Press brake pedal
The pedal that you push down with your foot to make a vehicle slow down or stop.
● Information
Press clutch pedal
the press clutch pedal light is just a reminder that the clutch needs to be pressed in before the engine can be started. Once the clutch pedal is depressed, the light should go off and you can begin your journey.
● Information
Rain and light sensor
The rain and light sensor warning light indicates that there is a problem with the sensor, which is used to automatically turn the headlights on and off, as well as the windshield wipers. Your headlights and wipers should still be working manually, you just have to remember to switch them on and off.
● Information
Rain sensor
The rain sensor is a driver assistance system which takes the strain off the driver by automatically activating the windshield wiper system when it rains and thereby significantly improving in-vehicle safety and comfort.
● Information
Rear spoiler warning
The rear spoiler warning light indicates that a fault has been detected with the spoiler system. The system will be temporarily deactivated to prevent any damage from occurring.
● Information
Rear window defrost
Turning it on activates a grid of wires, visible as thin lines on the inside of the glass, that heat the rear window to defog the glass and melt frost, snow and ice. Most rear defrosters operate on a timer that automatically shuts the defroster off after 10 minutes or so.
● Information
Sidelight information
Sidelights, also known as “Parking Lights” serve as an alternative to your dipped beam headlights. Drivers typically turn their sidelights on when it is dark or cloudy and the natural lighting is low but not dark enough to put their dipped beams on.
● Information
Speed limiter
A speed limiter is a safety device thats fitted to a car, to prevent the vehicle from exceeding certain pre-set speed limits. Although it sounds like cruise control, speed limiters allow you to accelerate and decelerate as normal, but act as a speed warning system when you drive above the limit that has been set.
● Information
Trailer tow hitch warning
Depending on the kind of car, this light could indicate that the tow hitch is unlocked or that theres an issue with the lighting system. Some vehicles may also have an indicator to show that there is an additional load on the lighting circuit.
● Information
Windscreen defrost
During the winter, using the defrost mode with a hot temperature setting accomplishes two things: The hot, dry air defogs the windshield and melts frost and snow, making it easier to scrape the windshield and preventing ice from forming while driving.
● Information
Winter mode
Winter mode is a feature of automatic vehicles. It takes the first gear out of use. In some cases, it takes the lowest two or three gears out depending on the design of the gearbox. When you start in first gear, you have a lot of torque.
● Information
Read this code from your own car
Plug in a cheap ELM327 adapter and the app shows every fault code, what it means and how to fix it.