Color guide
Start with the warning light color
Vehicle makers vary the exact icon shape, but dashboard light color is the fastest way to judge urgency. Use this as a first filter, then confirm the symbol in your owner's manual.
Red lights
Stop safely or treat as urgent.
Amber lights
Inspect soon and drive gently if needed.
Green lights
A feature is active or ready.
Blue lights
Usually an informational lighting indicator.
Full chart
Common dashboard symbols and meanings
The icons below are simplified reference illustrations, not manufacturer artwork. Use the color, basic shape, and meaning together before deciding what to do next.
Red dashboard lights
Oil Pressure WarningOil pressure may be too low.No. Stop safely.
Battery Warning LightCharging system is not keeping the battery powered.Short distance only if necessary.
Brake Warning LightParking brake may be on or brake system has a fault.Only after confirming braking feels normal.
Coolant Temperature WarningEngine coolant temperature is too high.No. Stop safely.
Seat Belt ReminderA seat belt is not fastened.Fasten before driving.
Door Open WarningA door is not fully closed.No, close it first.
Hood / Bonnet OpenThe hood or bonnet is not fully latched.No.
Hazard Warning LightsHazard lights are on.Yes, when warning others.
Parking Brake LightParking brake is applied.No, release it first.
Low Brake FluidBrake fluid level may be low.No if braking feels abnormal.
Forward Collision WarningPossible collision ahead or system fault.Reduce speed immediately.
EV System WarningElectric drive system fault detected.Stop if power is reduced.Amber dashboard lights
Check Engine LightEngine or emissions fault detected.Usually yes, but inspect soon.
ABS Warning LightAnti-lock braking system may not work.Yes, with caution.
Tire Pressure WarningOne or more tyres/tires may be underinflated.Usually yes, slowly.
Airbag Warning LightAirbag or seatbelt pretensioner system has a fault.Yes, but safety protection may be reduced.
Traction Control LightTraction control is active or has a fault.Yes, with caution.
Stability Control OffElectronic stability control has been switched off.Yes, with extra caution.
Low Fuel WarningFuel level is low.Yes.
Boot / Trunk OpenThe boot or trunk is open.Only at low speed if unavoidable.
Washer Fluid LowWindscreen/windshield washer fluid is low.Yes.
Rear Fog LightRear fog light is switched on.Yes.
Power Steering WarningPower steering assistance may be reduced.Yes, carefully.
Start-Stop System WarningAutomatic start-stop system is unavailable or faulty.Yes.
Glow Plug LightDiesel glow plugs are heating or have a fault.Wait before starting.
Diesel Particulate FilterDiesel particulate filter may need regeneration.Yes, but address soon.
Catalytic Converter WarningExhaust after-treatment may be overheating or faulty.Avoid high load.
Transmission WarningAutomatic gearbox/transmission fault detected.Drive gently if it shifts normally.
Low Transmission FluidTransmission fluid level or temperature may be abnormal.Avoid long driving.
Clutch WarningClutch system may be overheating or faulty.Pause if smell or slipping occurs.
AWD / 4WD WarningAll-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system fault.Yes on normal roads.
Lane Departure WarningLane warning system is unavailable or detecting lane drift.Yes.
Adaptive Cruise WarningAdaptive cruise control is unavailable or has a fault.Yes.
Blind Spot WarningBlind spot monitor is active or unavailable.Yes.
Parking Sensor WarningParking sensors may be blocked or faulty.Yes.
Rear Camera WarningReverse camera system may be unavailable.Yes.
Key Fob Battery LowRemote key battery is weak.Yes.
Immobilizer WarningThe vehicle may not recognize the key.Maybe not restart.
Service Due LightScheduled maintenance is due.Yes.
Low Oil LevelEngine oil level may be low.Short distance only after checking.
AdBlue / DEF LowDiesel exhaust fluid is low.Yes, but refill soon.
EV Battery LowHigh-voltage battery charge is low.Yes.
Charge Port OpenEV charge door or port is open.Close before driving.
Regenerative Braking LimitedRegenerative braking may be reduced.Yes.Green dashboard lights
Fog Light IndicatorFog lights are switched on.Yes.
Turn Signal IndicatorIndicator/turn signal is active.Yes.
Hill Descent ControlHill descent control is active.Yes.
Low Beam IndicatorLow beam headlights are on.Yes.
Cruise Control IndicatorCruise control is active or ready.Yes.Blue dashboard lights
High Beam IndicatorHigh beam headlights are on.Yes.Quick match
Oil light, fuel pump, and horseshoe — which is which?
Many drivers search for "symbols dashboard oil light on car" or similar chart-style queries when they need a visual match, not a long repair article. Use this short guide with the chart above.
Oil pressure (usually red oil can): Looks like a small oil can or genie lamp. If it comes on while driving, stop safely and check oil level — this is not the fuel light. Full guide: oil pressure warning light.
Low fuel (amber fuel pump): Gas-station pump icon, often with a tiny arrow for the filler side. Refuel soon; do not confuse it with the oil can. Full guide: low fuel warning light.
Tire pressure / TPMS (amber horseshoe): U-shape or horseshoe with an exclamation mark — tires, not brakes. Full guide: tire pressure warning light.
Brake system (red circle with !): Full circle with an exclamation mark, or the word BRAKE — not the horseshoe. Full guide: brake warning light.
How to use it
Print it or cite it as a quick reference
This page works well as a resource link from driver education pages, basic maintenance checklists, and roadside safety articles. For an interactive lookup, use the homepage finder.
Need a quick match? Use the dashboard symbol finder.
Need driving advice? Start with red dashboard lights or two warning lights together.
Need repair direction? Open a detailed guide, then confirm with the owner's manual or a qualified mechanic.
This chart is educational. Symbols vary by make, model, year, and market. Do not ignore red warning lights or warnings that appear with abnormal noises, smoke, overheating, poor braking, or loss of power.