Dashboard warning lights are the car's way of telling you that something needs attention. The symbols are very similar across all makes, but not exactly the same, so check the owner's manual for your car too. The most important thing is the colour.
When you start the car, many lights come on for a second or two as a check and then go out. That is normal. There is a problem when a light stays on or comes on while you are driving.
Red warning lights: stop
Brakes
Red exclamation mark in a circleWhat it means: The handbrake is on, the brake fluid level has dropped or there is a fault in the brake system.
What to do: If it does not go out with the handbrake released, stop safely and do not carry on driving.
Oil pressure
Red oil canWhat it means: The oil pressure in the engine is low.
What to do: Switch off the engine as soon as you have stopped safely. If you carry on, the engine can be destroyed.
Engine temperature
Red thermometerWhat it means: The engine is overheating. Usually low coolant, the radiator fan or the thermostat is to blame.
What to do: Stop and switch off the engine. Do not open the radiator cap while it is hot.
Battery / charging
Red batteryWhat it means: The charging system is not charging the battery, often because of the alternator or its belt.
What to do: The car will stop when the battery runs flat. Switch off any electrics you do not need and come in for a check straight away.
Airbags
Red figure with a balloonWhat it means: There is a fault in the airbag system and the airbags may not deploy in an accident.
What to do: The car drives normally, but it needs checking as soon as possible.
Seat belt
Red figure with a seat beltWhat it means: One of the occupants is not wearing a seat belt.
What to do: Fasten the seat belt. If it stays on while everyone is wearing one, a sensor may be at fault.
Amber warning lights: get it checked soon
Check engine
Amber engine outlineWhat it means: The car's computer has detected a problem in the engine, the fuel system or the exhaust.
What to do: Steady: get it checked soon. If it is flashing, slow down and come in as soon as possible, because the catalytic converter is at risk.
Read more →ABS
Amber “ABS” in a circleWhat it means: There is a fault in the ABS system, often a wheel speed sensor.
What to do: The brakes work normally, but without ABS the wheels can lock under hard braking. Drive carefully and come in for a diagnostic check.
ESP / traction control
Amber car with skid linesWhat it means: When it flashes briefly, the system is working and keeping the car stable on a slippery road. When it stays on, the system is switched off or has a fault.
What to do: If it stays on without you having switched it off, it needs checking.
Tyre pressure
Amber tyre with an exclamation markWhat it means: One or more tyres have low pressure.
What to do: Check and inflate the tyres to the pressure shown on the sticker in the door frame or on the fuel flap. If it drops again, there is probably a puncture.
Glow plugs (diesel)
Amber coilWhat it means: On diesels it comes on when you turn the key, while the glow plugs warm up.
What to do: Wait for it to go out, then start the engine. If it flashes while you are driving, there is an engine fault.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF)
Amber filter with dotsWhat it means: On diesels, the particulate filter is full and needs to clean itself (regeneration).
What to do: A drive on an open road at a steady speed, as the owner's manual describes, usually helps. If the light does not go out, come in for a check before the filter blocks completely.
Brake pad wear
Amber circle with dashed linesWhat it means: The brake pads are worn and will soon need replacing.
What to do: Arrange a brake pad change soon. If you leave it, the discs will wear too.
Power steering
Steering wheel with an exclamation mark, red or amber depending on the makeWhat it means: There is a fault in the hydraulic or electric power steering and the steering may become heavy.
What to do: The steering still works, but needs more effort. Drive carefully to a garage.
Low fuel
Amber fuel pumpWhat it means: The fuel has dropped to the reserve.
What to do: Fill up soon. Regularly driving on an almost empty tank puts strain on the fuel pump.
Washer fluid
Amber windscreen with a sprayWhat it means: The windscreen washer reservoir is almost empty.
What to do: Top up the washer fluid. We stock it at the shop.
Green and blue lights: information
Dipped headlights
Green lightWhat it means: The dipped headlights are on.
What to do: Just an indicator, nothing to do.
Main beam (full beam)
Blue lightWhat it means: The main beam headlights are on.
What to do: Switch them off when a car is coming the other way, so you do not dazzle other drivers.
Car diagnostics in Chania
If a light comes on and you are not sure what it means, give us a call. In the workshop we run a computer diagnostic check, find what is wrong and tell you what is needed before we do any work.
Frequently asked questions
What does a red warning light on the dashboard mean?
A red light points to a serious problem, such as low oil pressure, an overheating engine, a brake fault or a charging fault. Stop safely as soon as you can and do not carry on driving until the car has been checked.
Can I drive with an amber warning light on?
Usually yes, carefully and for a short distance, to get to a garage. An amber light means something needs checking soon. If the check engine light is flashing, though, slow down and have the car checked straight away.
Why do all the warning lights come on when I start the car?
It is the car's self-test. The lights come on for a second or two and then go out. There is only a problem if one of them stays on.
These tips are general. Every car has its own manufacturer specifications, so ask us about yours.