Car dashboard warning lights
Find out what each car dashboard light means: tap the symbol or filter by color and see whether you can keep driving and what to do.
How to useDashboard lights: what each one means
No symbol found for this search.
When you start the car, all the lights come on for a few seconds as a test. The warning sign is a light that stays on after the engine starts.
Available in: 
Car dashboard warning lights: what it is for
Tap the symbol that lit up on your dashboard to see its name, what it means and what to do right now: stop safely, deal with it soon or just know that a function is on. There are 33 lights drawn as they appear on the dashboard, including oil pressure, battery, engine temperature, brake, airbag, check engine, ABS, tire pressure, stability control, low fuel and the headlight indicators.
You can filter by the color of the light or search by name. The color already tells you a lot: red is serious, yellow or orange is a warning, green and blue are just information. The symbols follow the ISO 2575 standard and look alike in most brands, but the drawing may vary a little; when in doubt, check your car’s manual.
How to use
- Pick the color of the light or search by name.
- Tap the symbol that matches your dashboard.
- See what it means and what to do.
When to use it
- Knowing whether you can keep driving with a light on.
- Understanding the dashboard of a rental or new car.
- Explaining the lights to someone learning to drive.
Frequently asked questions
What do the colors of dashboard lights mean?
Red means a serious problem or risk: stop as soon as it is safe. Yellow or orange is a fault or maintenance warning that should be dealt with soon. Green and blue only show that a function is on, such as the headlights or a turn signal.
Is it normal for all the lights to come on when I start the car?
Yes. When you turn the key, the dashboard lights everything up for a few seconds to test the bulbs and systems. The warning sign is a light that stays on after the engine starts.
Can I keep driving with the check engine light on?
If the light is steady, you can drive carefully to a shop to have the fault code read. If it is flashing, slow down and avoid hard acceleration, because the misfire can damage the catalytic converter.
Are the symbols the same in every car?
The main ones follow the ISO 2575 standard and look alike in almost every brand, but the drawing and color may vary a little. When in doubt, check your car’s owner’s manual.
Is it really free?
Yes, 100% free. No sign-up, no subscription and no usage limits. All Tools123 are free.