What do the warning lights on your dashboard mean and what should you do? Find the urgency level by color code and the right steps below.
Mind the color code: red = urgent, yellow = check, blue = info.
Meaning: Indicates engine oil pressure has dropped to a dangerous level.
What to do: Stop safely at once and switch off the engine. Check the oil level; continuing with low pressure can cause permanent engine damage. Have it towed to the service.
Meaning: The engine is overheating; there is a problem in the cooling system.
What to do: Stop the car and let the engine cool. Do not open the radiator cap while hot. It could be a coolant leak, thermostat or water pump fault; have it checked.
Meaning: The charging system is not charging the battery (alternator/belt issue).
What to do: The car may run for a while but can stall once the battery drains. Have the alternator, belt and battery checked as soon as possible.
Meaning: Low brake fluid, handbrake engaged, or a fault in the brake system.
What to do: Make sure the handbrake is released. If the light stays on, braking safety is at risk; slow down, stop safely and have the brakes checked.
Meaning: The airbag / safety system may be disabled.
What to do: Airbags may not deploy in a crash. Have the sensor, connector or control unit fault diagnosed with computerized testing.
Meaning: There is a fault code in the engine management (sensor, ignition, fuel, emissions).
What to do: If steady, get a computerized diagnosis soon. If flashing, it can damage the catalytic converter; reduce load and head to the service.
Meaning: The anti-lock braking system is disabled.
What to do: Brakes work normally, but wheels may lock under hard braking. A wheel speed sensor / ABS unit check is needed.
Meaning: Stability control warning or disabled.
What to do: If it stays on there may be a sensor/fault; take care especially on wet roads and have it checked.
Meaning: The diesel particulate filter is full and regeneration is needed.
What to do: Driving at a steady speed out of town for a while can help regeneration. If it stays on, professional DPF cleaning is required; do not neglect it.
Meaning: A glow/preheat system or engine management warning on diesels.
What to do: If flashing, there is an engine management fault; a computerized check is recommended. Cold starting may become difficult.
Meaning: One or more tires have low pressure.
What to do: Check tire pressures and set them to the manufacturer value. If it keeps recurring, there may be a leak or sensor fault.
Meaning: Washer fluid or a related fluid level is low.
What to do: Top up the relevant fluid. It is informational and not urgent, but should not be ignored.
