The Ultimate Guide to Car Warning Lights: Interpretation and Action

Car dashboard warning lights are important indicators that alert drivers about various issues with their vehicles. These lights are designed to provide an early warning system that can help prevent major mechanical issues and ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.

Depending on the vehicle, your vehicle may have several warning lights & symbols

Each symbol has a different color and is divided into 3 categories: red or flashing, green or blue, and orange or yellow. 
These colors are classified according to the priority of your vehicle's warning lights.

Red or Flashing: It should be done immediately, should not be neglected, and you should take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Green or Blue Light: Indicates that a particular system is working.
Yellow or Orange: Indicates that the vehicle needs repair or maintenance.

Here are some of the most common dashboard warning lights, their causes, and solutions:

Engine Light: 

1. Check the gas cap: Sometimes, a loose or faulty gas cap can trigger the check engine light. Ensure the gas cap is tight, and if it is damaged, replace it.

2. Check the engine oil level: A low oil level or oil pressure can also trigger the engine light. Check the oil level and top up if necessary.

3. Look for other symptoms: Note any other symptoms such as strange sounds, vibrations or reduced power. These can provide clues to the cause of the issue.

4. Seek professional help: If none of the above solutions solve the problem, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic or auto repair shop. They will use diagnostic tools to identify the issue and perform necessary repairs. It's important not to ignore the engine light, as it can be an early warning sign of a serious problem.
   
   

Battery Light

1. Check the dashboard: If the battery light is the only warning light on the dashboard, it may indicate that the battery is not charging properly. However, if it is accompanied by other warning lights, such as the check engine light or the ABS light, it may indicate a more serious issue.
   
   
2. Check the battery: Check the battery terminals and cables for corrosion, loose connections or any damage. If you find any issues, clean or replace the terminals and cables.Check the alternator belt: Make sure the alternator belt is in good condition and not loose or damaged. If it is loose, adjust or tighten it as necessary.
   
   
3. Check the alternator belt: Make sure the alternator belt is in good condition and not loose or damaged. If it is loose, adjust or tighten it as necessary.
   
   

4. Check the alternator: Use a multimeter to check the alternator output voltage while the engine is running. If the voltage is below 13.5 volts, it indicates a problem with the alternator, and it may need to be repaired or replaced.

5. Charge the battery: If the battery is low on charge, charge it using a battery charger. If the battery is old or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
   
   

Engine Oil Light: 

1. Check the oil level: Check the engine oil level using the dipstick. If the level is low, add the appropriate type and amount of oil to the engine. Make sure you use the correct type of oil recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Check for oil leaks: Check for any visible oil leaks under the car. If you see any leaks, have them repaired immediately.

3. Check the oil pressure sensor: The oil pressure light may also come on due to a faulty oil pressure sensor. A qualified mechanic can test the sensor to see if it's functioning correctly.
   
   

Brake Warning Light: 

1. Check the brake fluid level: Check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the level is low, top up the fluid to the correct level with the appropriate brake fluid recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Check for leaks: Check for any visible brake fluid leaks around the brake system components such as brake lines, brake calipers, or master cylinder. If you see any leaks, have them repaired immediately.

3. Check the brake pads: Check the brake pads to see if they are worn out or damaged. If they are, have them replaced immediately.

4. Check the brake system components: The brake warning light can also come on due to a faulty brake system component such as the brake light switch, brake booster, or ABS module. A qualified mechanic can diagnose and repair the issue.
   
   

Coolant temperature warning light: 

1. Check the coolant level: Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. If the level is low, add the appropriate type and amount of coolant to the engine. Make sure you use the correct type of coolant recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Check for coolant leaks: Check for any visible coolant leaks around the radiator, hoses, water pump or engine. If you see any leaks, have them repaired immediately.

3. Check the radiator: Make sure the radiator is not clogged with debris or dust. If it is, clean it out with a soft brush or compressed air.

4. Check the cooling fan: The cooling fan helps to dissipate heat from the engine. If it is not functioning properly, it can cause the engine to overheat. A qualified mechanic can diagnose and repair the issue.
   
   

ABS warning Light: 

1. Check the brake fluid level: Check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. If the level is low, top up the fluid to the correct level with the appropriate brake fluid recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Check the wheel speed sensors: The ABS system uses wheel speed sensors to monitor the speed of each wheel. If one of the sensors is faulty, it can cause the ABS warning light to come on. A qualified mechanic can diagnose and repair the issue.
   
   

Tire pressure warning light:

1. Check for punctures or leaks: Check each tire for punctures, leaks, or any other visible damage. If you find any damage, have the tire repaired or replaced as necessary.

2. Check the TPMS sensors: The TPMS sensors are located inside each tire and are responsible for monitoring tire pressure. If a sensor is faulty or damaged, it can cause the TPMS warning light to come on. A qualified mechanic can diagnose and repair the issue.

3. Reset the TPMS system: After inflating the tires to the correct pressure or fixing any issues, the TPMS system may need to be reset. Refer to the owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the system.

airbag warning light: 

1. Check the seatbelt: Some vehicles have sensors in the seatbelt that detect if the driver or passenger is wearing the seatbelt. If the sensor is faulty or damaged, it can cause the airbag warning light to come on. Make sure that the seatbelt is properly fastened and check if the warning light goes off.

2. Check the airbag fuse: Check the fuse box and make sure that the airbag fuse is not blown. If it is, replace it with a new fuse and see if the warning light goes off.

In general, if any dashboard warning light comes on, it's important to take it seriously and have the issue checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring warning lights can lead to more serious and expensive problems in the long run.