What does this warning light mean?
Choose the kind of warning for general safety guidance. Select a vehicle to open its facts or save it to your Garage. Use your owner's manual to confirm the meaning for your exact car.
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General guidance
Written by CarFactBook. Symbols and meanings differ between manufacturers and models; your owner's manual is the authority for your exact car.
Oil pressure
An oil-pressure warning generally means the engine's lubrication pressure is too low while it runs. It is not an oil-level gauge.
Generally: Manufacturers generally instruct you to stop somewhere safe as soon as possible and switch the engine off. Do not keep driving to see if it clears.
Temperature
A high-temperature warning generally means the engine coolant (or a hybrid component) is overheating.
Generally: Stop somewhere safe. Never open a hot radiator or reservoir cap; steam and coolant can scald. Follow your manual's overheating procedure.
Brakes
A brake warning can mean the parking brake is applied, the fluid is low, or a brake-system fault — depending on the car and the light's colour.
Generally: If a red brake warning stays on while driving, or the pedal feels different, stop safely and get assistance rather than continuing.
Battery / charging
A charging warning generally means the 12V electrical system is not being charged. It does not by itself prove the battery needs replacing.
Generally: Reduce electrical load and have it checked promptly; the car may not restart once switched off.
Engine / check engine
An engine or emissions-control warning generally means the engine management system has detected a fault. Many manufacturers treat a flashing light as more urgent than a steady one.
Generally: Avoid hard acceleration and have it inspected. If it flashes or the engine runs roughly, stop safely and follow your manual.
Hybrid / EV system
Hybrid or EV system warnings generally indicate a fault in the high-voltage drive system, and power may be limited.
Generally: Stop safely when possible and contact a dealer. Never open or touch high-voltage components.
Tyre pressure (TPMS)
A tyre-pressure warning generally means one or more tyres is below the expected pressure, or (often when it flashes first) that the monitoring system has a fault.
Generally: Check all tyres cold against the pressure on the door-jamb placard. Do not drive on a visibly deflated or damaged tyre.
Other safety & system lights
Airbag, steering, stability-control and driver-assistance warnings differ widely between cars.
Generally: Read your owner's manual for the exact light; airbag and steering warnings should be inspected promptly.