15 Car Dashboard Warning Lights: What do they mean?

What's that flashing light on my dashboard? Why is this warning light on? What does it mean? Let's look at what your Car Dashboard Warning Lights are and why it's lit up! Every once in a while, a warning light will appear on your car dashboard thus, panic consumes your body. What is this car dashboard warning light? Why is it on? How long has it been on?! Don't fret, take a breathe, and let's figure out what it means.

What Are Car Dashboard Warning Lights?

Warning lights on your car dashboard alert the driver there is a problem. For example, it can be a warning from something small like a seatbelt not buckled, a door ajar, or a faulty wire. But it can also be a more major issue like a seized engine due to lack of oil, blown head gasket, or lack of hydraulic pressure on your brakes. Glancing at your car dashboard warning lights could save you from unnecessary expenses, lack of driving safety features, or major car issues. The car dashboard is trickled with warning lights that flash on when starting the car for a system check and soon turn off. It's important to know what they mean. Each car has slightly different dashboard warning lights but all in all, your car has the basics. You can review your specific model's car dashboard warning lights in the Car Owner's Manual or speak to your sales representative. Let's take a look at the basic lights from the dashboard of a 2019 Kia Optima.

Car Dashboard Warning Lights: What do they mean?

Immobilizer Indicator Warning Light

When you stick your key in the ignition and turn it to the ON position, the immobilizer indicator light will turn on and shortly turn off. If it starts flashing, this means the system does not recognize the key. This works the same for a key less ignition but with the key code. This warning light is basically an anti-theft system. If the key is not the right key, it disables the engine from starting.  

Oil Pressure Warning Light

STOP driving! Low oil pressure is highly damaging to your engine and can be the result of a leak. Check your oil level after the car cools down and add motor oil if needed. If the light remains on, do not drive your car! It is not uncommon that the sensor is bad but without proper inspection, you shouldn't risk it. Therefore until the problem is resolved, driving could permanently ruin your engine. Get it checked by our service department!  

Battery Warning Light

This light means there is an issue with the car's electrical system. It can be anything from a small loose wire to a larger issue like a problem with the vehicle's battery or alternator. If this light comes on, get your car checked out immediately. Waiting could result in you and your car stranded somewhere.  

Seat Belt Warning Light

This usually indicates that someone in the car is not wearing their seat belt! Most new models have lights that will start to blink and beep if all the passengers aren't wearing their seat belts. If everyone is, there may be a problem with the sensor. Try cleaning out the buckle or replacing it.  

Check Engine Light

The dreaded check engine light or malfunction indicator. This car dashboard warning light flashes on for a number of reasons. It can be as simple as a loose gas cap or as severe as an overheating catalytic converter. Luckily is it easy to find out what's wrong. A code is triggered and can be retrieved with a Car Code Reader. Bring your vehicle to get checked before the problem escalates.  

Tire Pressure Warning Light

Check your tires! Usually, the light indicates tire pressure is low in one or more tires. This could be due to weather change. Add air to your tired immediately and check for punctures.    

Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) Indicator

There is an error with your headlight assist when this lights up. Newer cars have a feature where the headlights rotate to shine in the direction of turning, automatically shut off high beams, and more. The lights could be malfunctioning and should get inspected/fixed to ensure safe night driving.  

Electronic Stability Control Indicator Light (ESC)

In extreme steering situations, this light will pop on to signal the stability control is on. ESC is an evolution of traction control and helps the driver maintain control of the car when turning nears or exceeds the limits of the road traction. Alternatively, if the light remains on, you will need to see a mechanic to diagnose the issue with the system. The ESC light with the "OFF" below it, notifies you the Electronic Stability Control is disabled.  

Electronic or Hydraulic Power Steering

This car dash warning light illuminates when the power steering is not working properly. Newer models have an electronic power steering while older have a hydraulic power steering. Either way, the vehicle needs to be serviced to refill the fluid and/or conduct a system check.  

Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light

The system helps maintain traction to the road while braking. For this light, drive with caution and with service in the very near future. Your brakes will still work but in an emergency, this feature is important for safety. If this light and the Parking Brake / Brake Fluid Warning Light (below) are both lit up, immediately pull over. There is a malfunction with the brake system and it is not safe to drive.  

Parking Brake / Brake Fluid Warning Light

Check your parking brake because this light means either your parking brake is engaged or a more serious problem. If it remains on and you've checked the parking brake, there could be a serious issue with your brakes such as a lack of hydraulic fluid in your brake line. DO NOT DRIVE if this light stays on. It is possible your brakes could fail to work.  

Airbag Warning Light

Next, we have the airbag warning light. This little light warns there is a problem with the airbag system and the airbags will not deploy in an accident. Causes of this could be from an accident and the airbags did not deploy or from a faulty seatbelt sensor. Whether or not, getting this check as soon as possible could mean life or death in an accident. Schedule to come into service today.  

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Light

Many get used to the convenience of an electronic parking brake to assist while stationary. If this light stays on the dashboard, do not rely on the EPB! It is either malfunctioning and/or deactivated due to an issue. Get this inspected by your service department.    

 Bulb Monitoring Warning Light

Check your lights! An essential light has burned out and is in need of replacing. Check your brake lights, headlights, and others. Then, replace accordingly.      

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Lastly, on this dashboard, we have the Autonomous Emergency Braking Warning light. AEB is a new safety feature that automatically stops the car if the driver fails to react in an emergency situation of a forward collision. If this light illuminates, the safety system is disabled. If the system is switched on and the light is still lit, there may be a problem with the AEB and therefore should be inspected by a mechanic.  

Knowing Car Dashboard Warning Lights...

Knowing what is part of your car dashboard provides security and safety to your driving. Warning lights are there for a reason and should not be ignored. If you find other lights on your car dashboard, check your owner's manual and review what to do in the event of an illuminated warning light. Remember, when you first start your car the lights will flash on for a check then turn off. If you have any questions about other warning lights, please leave a comment and our team will find the answer for you!