Skip to Main Content

What Your Dashboard Lights Mean

Your dashboard has an array of lights that notify you if a specific system is engaged or if there is an issue with your vehicle. To be sure what each light means, consult your owner’s manual. In general, here are what the most common dashboard lights mean:
Schedule Service Service Homepage
Dashboard lights - Terry, MS

Check Engine Light

This is perhaps the most ominous, dreaded light, and it’s also one of the vaguest. This light indicates that there is something potentially wrong with your engine, but you’ll need to bring it to a technician to run a system check and determine the specific issue. If the light is flashing, stop driving right away and have your vehicle towed to a mechanic for repair. Sometimes, the light can come on if you don’t screw your gas cap on tight enough, so check there first. 

    Battery Alert Light

    The light that looks like a battery typically means that the voltage level is low on your battery. Have your battery inspected and replaced if necessary, or risk possibly getting stranded with a dead battery on your next trip.

      Oil Lights

      Some newer vehicles have oil change reminder lights that will turn on when it’s time to get an oil change. Some cars also have oil pressure warning lights that indicate loss of oil pressure.

        Traction Control Light

        If you see your traction control light come on while driving, you can assume road conditions are a little slippery. Proceed with caution.

          Brake System Light

          The encircled exclamation point means one of three things: You’ve accidentally left the parking brake on while driving, there is an issue with the braking system or brake fluid level, or there is an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). For any of these problems except for the emergency brake, bring your vehicle to a technician as soon as possible for repair.
            If your vehicle needs routine or emergency service, don’t settle for anything but the best. Bring your vehicle to Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC and let our professional technicians get your vehicle back into tip-top shape.

            CONTACT US

            * = required

            Message
            Contact Information
            By providing my contact information above, I consent that GM and/or a GM dealer can contact me with GM and/or GM dealer offers and product information.

              Skinners Chevrolet Buick GMC Inventory

              48 Vehicles