Dashboard warning lights

What the colours mean

Most cars use the same colour code, a little like traffic lights.

• Red light: a serious problem or a safety reminder
• Amber light: something needs checking soon
• Green light: a system is on and working
• Blue light: information only

Every light explained

• Oil pressure warning lightStop driving now
• Engine temperature warning lightStop driving now
• Brake warning lightStop driving now
• Battery warning lightFix soon
• Check engine lightFix soon
• ABS warning lightFix soon
• Airbag warning lightFix soon
• Tire pressure (TPMS) lightFix soon
• Power steering warning lightFix soon
• Traction control / stability lightSafe to monitor
• Glow plug light (diesel)Safe to monitor
• Low fuel lightSafe to monitor
• Seatbelt reminder lightSafe to monitor
• Door open lightSafe to monitor
• Low washer fluid lightSafe to monitor
• High beam indicatorSafe to monitor
• Headlights on indicatorSafe to monitor
• Cruise control indicatorSafe to monitor

Symbols and colours vary between makes and models. Your owner's manual has the exact list for your car.

More on warning lights

• ABS warning light: what it means and can you drive?

  An amber ABS light means the anti-lock braking system has a fault. Your normal brakes still work, but here is why you should book a check soon, and when it becomes a stop-now problem.

• Airbag (SRS) warning light: what it means and what to do

  If the airbag or SRS light stays on, your airbags may not work in a crash. Here are the common causes, what you can safely check yourself, and why the repair is a garage job.

• Battery warning light

  The battery light while driving usually means the alternator or its belt has stopped charging the battery. Here is what to do, how far you can go, and what it costs.

• Brake warning light: what it means and when to stop

  A red brake warning light means the handbrake is on, the brake fluid is low, or the brake system has a fault. Here is how to tell which, and when you must stop driving.

• Check engine light: what it means and what to do

  A steady check engine light means the engine computer has found a fault. Here is what usually causes it, whether you can keep driving, and what common fixes cost.

• What do the colors of dashboard lights mean?

  Red means stop, amber means get it checked, green and blue mean a system is on. A quick guide to dashboard warning light colors and what to do for each.

• Engine temperature warning light

  A red thermometer light means the engine is overheating. Here is how to stop safely, why you must never open a hot radiator cap, and what usually causes it.

• Flashing check engine light: is it safe to drive?

  A flashing check engine light usually means a serious misfire that can overheat and destroy the catalytic converter. Here is what to do right now and what it may cost.

• Oil pressure warning light

  A red oil pressure light means the engine may not be getting enough oil. Here is why you must stop, what to check, and what the usual fixes cost.

• Tire pressure (TPMS) light

  The tire pressure light means at least one tire is well below its correct pressure, or the monitoring system has a fault. Here is what to check and how to fix it.