Modern cars are full of wondrous technology, but sometimes, things go wrong.
To help warn a driver of a vehicle malfunction, a whole swarm of warning lights are included in a vehicle’s dashboard and center gauge cluster. But what do they all mean?

Some are obvious while others are not, and many can’t be deciphered unless you look to the owner’s manual. Here is a comprehensive list of what the most common warning lights mean. Check back often, as this index will be updated all the time.

Signifies the all-wheel drive or 4X4 system is engaged. Can also mean there is a problem with the all-wheel-drive system if the light remains on even when the system is disengaged.

ABS light. On some vehicles, it may illuminate if the anti-lock braking system is active. If it remains illuminated, there is most likely a fault with the ABS system. Light can be yellow, orange or red.

Signifies adaptive cruise is engaged. If the light remains on when the system is disengaged, there may a problem with the adaptive cruise.

Can relate to a self-leveling suspension system or height-adjustable suspension. May flash when system is raising or lowering the vehicle. If constantly illuminated, there may be an issue with the suspension.

Self-leveling and/or active headlights. Relates to the high-intensity discharge headlights that self level. If the light stays illuminated, there may be an issue with the system.

Indicates low-beam headlights are currently turned on. Could be illuminated in green, yellow or even red. Will never be illuminated in blue, as that color refers to high beam head lights.

Signifies the high beam headlights are currently active. This warning light is always illuminated in a bright blue. If the light is always illuminated even when the high beams are not activated, there may be a fault with the lighting system.

Indicates the automatic high beam headlights are active. Automatic high beams turn on and off when other vehicles are detected on the road. The light may remain illuminated even during the day time.

Illuminates when the front fog lights are on. This light differs from the rear fog light warning light by pointing towards the left with the horizontal lines angled slightly downward.

Signifies the rear fog lights are currently on. A rear fog light is used in poor weather conditions like fog, rain or snow. It allows vehicles approaching from behind to see your car. Should not be used in good weather conditions.

Refers to an adjustable suspension setup. May illuminate when the suspension is changing heights or even when a vehicle has entered into a sport mode. Most likely though, if illuminated, it refers to a fault with the suspension system.

This is an air bag warning light. In most cars, it illuminates when the vehicle first starts up. But if the light remains on, there is an issue with one of the vehicle’s airbags and the car needs to taken to a mechanic immediately.

This is Mercedes-Benz’s attention assist feature. Many other manufacturers have similar setups that are designed to help ensure a driver does not become drowsy behind the wheel.

If this light is illuminated, it refers to a fault with the automatic transmission system. It’s best to take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible if this light remains on.

This is the battery light. If the ignition is on but the vehicle is not, the light will remain illuminated to indicate the car is current running all accessories on battery power only. If it remains on while the car is running, it may indicate a fault with the vehicle’s electrical system.

Indicates that one or more of the vehicle’s exterior brake lights are currently inoperable. Most likely, it will just be a burnt out bulb, but it could refer to a larger problem.

This is the brake pad light. It indicates that a vehicle’s brake pads are faulty, damaged or in need of replacement. If this light remains on, take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.

Indicates that there is an issue with one of the exterior lights, not necessarily a brake light. It could be any one of the parking or indicator lights on the vehicle. They may be burnt out or there may be an electr

No, this light does not mean the BBQ is warmed up and ready. It refers to a vehicle’s emissions control catalytic convertor being faulty and most likely in need of replacement.

This is a fairly self explanatory light. A lot of new vehicles have an oil life monitor built on-board that tracks when exactly it’s time to change the oil. When illuminated, it’s time to head to the mechanic for some new oil.

Unlike the light above, this light doesn’t refer to an impending oil change. It indicates that the engine oil level is low and requires a top-up immediately. If flashing, the oil level may be empty or at critical levels.

The most common warning, the check engine light (CEL) is a catch-all light that may refer to an engine issue, loose gasoline cap or faulty sensor. If illuminated in yellow or amber, take your car to a mechanic at your earliest convenience. It glowing red, take your car in immediately.


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This light refers to a convertible’s power retractable top. The light will most likely be illuminated when the roof is opening and closing. If it remains lit at all times, chances are there is an issue with the roof.

Signifies that the vehicle’s engine coolant level is low. The first light on the far left may refer to any coolant-related issue.

Indicates the vehicle’s coolant is too hot and overheating. If this light comes on, pull over as soon as safely possible before any more damage occurs.

This light means the cruise control is turned on. It may not actually be active, but it is ready for use. The light can be any color, but usually illuminates in green, yellow or orange. If the light is on even when the system is turned off, there might be an issue that needs to be looked at.

This light is found in modern diesel vehicles only. It indicates that the additive fluid used to help control diesel emissions is low and needs to be topped up. If it remains on after the top-up, there may be a larger issue.

Another light that is found exclusively in diesel fueled vehicles, this one also relates to emissions controls. The particle filter that’s part of the exhaust system is most likely clogged and requires attention.

One of the more obvious dashboard lights, these refer to a door being left open. In some vehicles, this light may illuminate if the rear hatch or trunk is open as well.

More of a gimmick light than anything else, a lot of newer vehicles come with eco-indicators like this that inform drivers how efficiently their current driving behavior is. Whether it’s on or not, there is no real concern with this light.

A modern safety feature offered on a lot of new cars, all of these lights refer to forward collision warnings. The red bar of lights illuminates at the base of a vehicle’s windshield when a crash appears imminent, while the other lights illuminate when the system is manually turned off or if there is a fault with the system.