Dashboard Warning Lights You Should Know

Engines consist of thousands of individual components, all working together to power your vehicle efficiently and transport you safely. If even a single part isn’t in working condition, it can cause a massive number of issues throughout your vehicle. When there’s a problem with your vehicle, your dashboard will alert you and display a warning light based on the issue. Here are dashboard warning lights you should know.  

Various warning lights lit up on car gauge

Check Engine Light (CEL)

Noticing an illuminated check engine light on your dashboard can be unsettling since the cause may be unclear. This alert signals that something isn’t right with your vehicle, but it does not always indicate a severe issue. Causes of a check engine light may range from simple to serious and always deserve prompt attention. Having the fault code read and inspected as soon as possible is advised. While reading the specific code can suggest the vehicle’s issues, many problems require a full diagnostic to confirm the cause.

Technician using code reader to diagnose vehicle faults

Most common causes of a CEL

  • Loose or Damaged Gas Cap
  • Faulty Oxygen Sensor
  • Worn-Out Spark Plugs
  • Dirty or Failed Mass Airflow Sensor
  • Catalytic Converter Problems

Battery Light

When your battery light comes on in the dashboard while driving, your car may be running primarily on battery power without being recharged by the alternator. Potentially causing your vehicle to stop running at any time, given your battery’s overall health. The problem could also be the voltage regulator, a loose battery cable, corrosion on the battery or cable, a weak battery, or an electrical issue somewhere in your vehicle.

Common Causes of the Battery Light

  • Weak/Old Battery
  • Failing Battery
  • Faulty Alternator
  • Loose or Corroded Battery Connection
  • Electrical System Issues

Oil Pressure Light

If the oil pressure light appears on your dashboard, your engine oil pressure may be low. Without proper oil pressure, the engine cannot lubricate itself effectively and may suffer serious damage if not addressed. Have this issue checked right away to avoid major complications.

Common Causes of the Oil Pressure Light

  • Low Oil Level
  • Dirty Oil
  • Oil Pump Needs Replacing
  • Oil Pressure Sensor Needs Replacing

TPMS Light

The primary function of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is to alert you when tire pressure is too low, creating dangerous driving conditions. If the TPMS light is illuminated on your dashboard, your tires could be underinflated, which can lead to possible tire failure. Both overinflation and underinflation can cause premature tire wear and, possibly, tire failure.

Common Causes of the TPMS Light

  • Low Tire Pressure
  • Sudden Weather Changes
  • Tire Leak or Puncture
  • Faulty TPMS Sensor
  • Recent Tire Rotation/Changes

​Brake Light

Suppose you see your brake light warning light on your dashboard. There may be a problem with your vehicle’s brake system. The system may require one of the brake system components to be repaired, or the hydraulic fluid may need a top-off. Stop the car and call a tow truck as soon as you can without endangering yourself or others on the road. Driving without a fully functioning brake system is dangerous and should be fixed as quickly as possible.

Common Brake Light Causes

  • ABS issues
  • Low Brake Fluid
  • Burned Out Brake Light
  • Worn Brake Pads

Traction Control

Your vehicle’s traction control system is responsible for keeping your car under control in situations where the traction is low, such as taking a corner on wet or snowy roads. The light will illuminate when your traction control system is active. helping your car make the proper adjustments when losing traction. If the light is solid on the dashboard, it most often indicates the traction control system has been disabled, and in other cases, if the light is flashing, it may mean there is an issue preventing the system from working properly. When this light appears on your dashboard,  it’s vital that you drive very carefully and stay aware of the road conditions.

Engine Temperature Light

The engine temperature light will illuminate when your engine’s temperature rises above the maximum safe operating temperature. This can happen for various reasons, but an overheating motor is not an issue to take lightly. If you’re experiencing an active engine temperature light, it’s crucial that you bring it to a professional for a diagnosis and potential repairs .

Diagnostic Services in Austin, TX

While fault codes can give you a good idea of your vehicle’s issues, diagnostics can pinpoint exactly what’s wrong, whether it’s a problem with the catalytic converter or just a loose gas cap. At Edgestone Automotive in Austin, TX, our technicians have extensive experience in providing in-depth diagnostics for all makes and models.  Call or schedule online today for precision diagnostics and excellent repair at Edgestone Automotive.