LemonChecksVEHICLE HISTORY

Symbol decoder

Dashboard Warning Lights

A light just came on? Find it by color or name to see what it means and what to do right now.

Quick answer

Red lights mean a serious problem — stop safely (oil pressure, temperature, brakes, flashing check engine). Amber lights mean get it checked soon (solid check engine, tire pressure, ABS). Green and blue lights only show that a feature is on.

Find your warning light

Filter by color or search by name. Tap a light for what to do.

What the colors mean

Red

A serious problem or safety issue. Stop as soon as it's safe and investigate.

Amber / yellow

Something needs attention soon. Usually OK to drive carefully to a shop.

Green / blue

A feature is switched on. Nothing is wrong.

Symbols vary by make — always confirm with your owner's manual.

Expert answers

Warning Lights FAQ

5 common questions

Red means a serious problem or safety issue — stop when safe.

Amber or yellow means something needs service soon. Green and blue mean a system is on and working.

A solid check engine light usually allows careful driving to a shop.

A flashing check engine light means a severe misfire — slow down and get it serviced immediately to avoid catalytic converter damage.

It means low oil pressure.

Pull over and turn the engine off immediately, then check the oil level. Driving with no oil pressure can destroy the engine in minutes.

TPMS lights come on when a tire is about 25% under-inflated — often hard to see.

Cold weather drops pressure too. Check with a gauge and fill to the door-jamb sticker pressure.

Yes.

All warning lights should turn on briefly at start-up and then go off. A light that never turns on may have had its bulb removed to hide a problem, especially the airbag light.

Before you buy

Was it maintained — or neglected?

Shopping for a used car? A VIN check shows accident, title, odometer and service history — so you know how the last owner treated it.

Enter Your VIN: Find your VIN on the driver-side dashboard, door jamb, or insurance card.

Keep going

More car care guides

4 colorsExhaust Smoke Color GuideWhite, blue, gray or black smoke — what it means and whether to keep driving.Live decoderTire Size & Speed Rating DecoderRead any sidewall: width, profile, rim, load index, speed rating and age.7 fluidsUnder-Hood Fluid GuideWhere each fluid lives, what color it should be and when to change it.PrintableCar Maintenance Schedule ChecklistMonthly to 100,000-mile checklist you can tick off and print.CalculatorGas Mileage & MPG SavingsSee how many dollars a year each habit costs or saves you.