Dash lights are your car’s way of communicating with you. They’re either letting you know something is functioning as normal (usually represented by a green or blue light), needs attention (yellow lights), or is a serious issue (red light means pull over).
Your car never wants to leave you stranded, it’ll often tell you something is wrong before it actually is, but sometimes you just get plain unlucky.
Here's a crash course on how to speak in fluent 'car'. Oh, and if there’s any we haven’t covered here (there are literally hundreds of variations across different makes and models) then consult your owner’s manual, which will have a full rundown of your specific lights and what they mean.
If you get one of the following lights show up on your dash, don’t stress too much, there’s usually a quick and easy fix for them.
Handbrake up
You probably didn’t fully release the handbrake before taking off. The light will show up even if they’re only on one or two clicks.
High beam on
Yep, you bumped the control stalk. It happens. To avoid other drivers hating you, bump it back.
Low tyre pressure
Knock a bit of speed off and pull up to the air pump at the next servo. If the tyre is dead flat you’ll have to throw the spare on and get it fixed or replaced.
Low fuel level
While you’re at the servo checking your tyre pressures, chuck a bit of fuel in too.
Low washer fluid
Under the bonnet there’s a bottle with (usually) a blue lid and the windscreen icon on top of it. Fill it with water and a dash of your favourite windscreen washing fluid.
Steering wheel heater
Your hands may be feeling a bit toasty.
Hill descent control on
You may have accidentally activated HDC. It’s probably why you’re taking a long time to move down a level in the car park.
Outside temperature low
Watch for icy patches while driving or wait for the temps to get up over about 4ºC
Fog lights on
Is it foggy? No? Turn `em off, it’s actually illegal to drive with them on in clear conditions. If you don’t know how or there’s no dedicated button, it’s usually hidden around the headlight switch, quite often with a push-pull action.
If one of the following lights make an appearance, it’s time to make a booking with your friendly local mechanic. Don’t be too surprised of your car goes into limp mode (not much power) if any of these guys show up. Try turning it off, waiting 15 minutes and turning it back on. Hopefully limp mode will have switched off and you can drive it to your workshop of choice.
Glowplug light
This means there’s a problem with your diesel’s glowplug system, but it can also indicate other faults (with emissions systems usually) as well. It needs investigating in case it’s something serious.
DPF light
This one can mean the diesel particulate filter is blocked and is unable to burn off. Dealerships and mechanics can often conduct a “forced burn” which is a heavier duty version of a regular burn-off while driving, but chances are the DPF is on the way out and will need replacing.
Service light
Your service interval is up and it’s time to book it in for some fresh filters and fluids. Fun fact: the number one cause of engine failure is lack of servicing, so don’t think you can avoid it or save a few bucks by skipping this next one.
Traction control light
You traction control is working (when flashing) or has decided to throw a fault code and disable itself (when solid). You need some diagnostics run, which can only be done with the correct software that’s generally not available to the public. Annoying, but it’s always better to know.
Airbag light
Your airbag system has a fault. We don’t really need to explain why that’s bad and needs to be fixed, right?
ABS light
Your anti-lock braking system is not happy. This is usually due to a cheap sensor at the wheels but can also point to more serious issues. Get it diagnosed and sorted ASAP.
Battery
If the red battery light stays on after a few seconds of the car running, it likely means your battery has either died (they tend to last 4-5 years on average in modern vehicles) or is no longer receiving charge. Either way, get to the mechanic for a replacement as soon as you can, unless the idea of your car not starting appeals to you. We’re not here to judge.
If you notice one of these guys on the dash, it’s time to move safely to the side of the road or next breakdown bay and work out your next move.
High temperature
This light means your coolant temperature has got too high and is about to cause all sorts of damage, often costing tens of thousands of dollars. Pull over and let the engine cool down before doing anything else.
Low oil
Having a low amount of oil in the engine, or a lack of oil pressure, is never good. This too can lead to your engine doing its best hand grenade impression if ignored, so park up and see if you can see a lot of oil leaking from the car. Even if there’s no appreciable leak, it’s time to get a professional on the case.
Check engine
Ah, the check engine light. Every car-person’s nemesis. Unfortunately, a CEL can represent anything from a faulty sensor that is virtually unnoticeable while driving to a complete system shut down that’s going to destroy your vehicle. It’d be nice if we knew exactly what the CEL was telling us, but that’s the fun part, you don’t. Pull over and organise getting it to a workshop where they can read the fault codes, stat. Side note: fault code readers are getting pretty cheap these days and are a worthy investment to have onboard. Talk to your mechanic about getting one that’ll suit your vehicle.
Transmission fault
Automatic transmission fluid wears a lot of hats in modern cars. It’s the transmission’s lifeblood and their cooling fluid and their hydraulic pressure and is basically an integral part of keeping them functional. In certain circumstances, the fluid gets hot, and angry, and tells your ECU to throw this light up on the dash so you can pull over and let it cool down. It’s very important you listen to it.
In the past 15 years as an automotive journo and 35-plus years of inveterate car-guy antics, Dex has worked across numerous titles and has even occupied the occasional editor’s chair when nobody was watching. He spends his downtime doing engine swaps (plural) on the nature strip out front and also once ripped a handbrake spin into a perfect car park. His parents remain indifferent.
