A lit red oil pressure indicator requires an immediate stop to the engine to avoid the engine wedge, since ignoring this signal leads to critical damage to rubbing pairs. The driver must stop the car at the first safe opportunity and check the oil level with a probe, as further movement with the grease pressure extinguished destroys the crankshaft liners. The yellow or orange Check Engine indicator indicates engine control failures, which can range from a loosely closed tank to serious catalyst problems.
Unlike red signals that require emergency response, yellow alerts allow careful movement to the nearest service, but they can not be ignored. Green and blue indicators, such as dipped lights or cruise control, are informational in nature and confirm the activation of the corresponding functions. Understanding color codes and symbols allows the driver to Volkswagen, Toyota Or any other vehicle to immediately assess the degree of danger and make the right decision in a critical situation.
Classification of indicators by color gamut
The color of the indicator on the dashboard is the primary signal for the driver about the severity of the situation. Red always indicates a critical malfunction or a dangerous state of the system that requires immediate cessation of movement. Ignoring red signals, such as overheating of coolant or failure of the brake system, can lead to an accident or complete failure of expensive car components.
Yellow or orange signals the need to pay attention to a particular system, but does not require an emergency stop in most cases. This may be a low fuel level, a malfunction of one of the external lighting lamps or the need for scheduled maintenance. Self-diagnostic system fixes deviations from the norm and informs the driver that a visit to the service center is required in the near future.
Green, blue and white indicators are only informative and confirm the work of certain functions of the car. These include included dimensions, activated cruise control, running air conditioning or connected Bluetooth. These icons do not indicate a malfunction, but only confirm that the driver has activated a particular option, for example, the driver has been unable to use the device. ECO mode or fog lights.
⚠️ Attention: If the red light light lights up while driving, you must immediately slow down, pull over and shut down the engine to prevent catastrophic consequences.
Critical indicators of red
Among all the signals on the dashboard, red icons require the most intense attention and immediate action. The most common and dangerous indicator is the oil pressure indicator, often depicted as oil. Its tanning means that the pressure in the lubrication system has dropped below the critical level and the engine is running "dry", which leads to the rapid destruction of the slip bearings.
Another important red signal is the indicator of overheating of the coolant, usually represented by the symbol of the thermometer immersed in the liquid. Operating the engine at a temperature above normal leads to deformation of the cylinder head and burnout of the gasket of the HBC. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to open the lid of the expansion tank immediately after stopping, as you can get a burn by steam.
A red exclamation point in a circle, often surrounded by a discontinuous line, indicates problems with the braking system. This can be both a lowered lever of the parking brake, and a critical drop in the level of brake fluid or hydraulic failure. Checking the condition of the brakes should be made before starting the movement, as the malfunction of this system makes the operation of the car impossible and dangerous.
- 🛑 Battery indicator - signals about a generator malfunction or a break in the drive belt, the car works only from the battery charge.
- 🔥 Temperature indicator - warns about the boiling of antifreeze and the risk of overheating of the power unit.
- 🛑 Brake indicator - indicates problems with brake hydraulics or the hand brake is on.
Warning signals in yellow and orange
Yellow lights inform the driver of faults that do not require instantaneous stopping but need to be fixed as soon as possible. The most famous of them is Check EngineIt lights up when errors are detected in the engine control system. There can be many reasons: from failure of the lambda probe or spark plugs to problems with the exhaust gas recirculation system. EGR.
Indicator ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) lights up yellow when the anti-lock braking system of the wheels is malfunctioning. At the same time, the standard braking system continues to work, but wheel locking during emergency braking is possible, which increases the braking distance on a slippery road. The ESP indicator (Stability Exchange System) behaves similarly, turning off which reduces safety during maneuvering.
The steering wheel symbol with an exclamation point indicates problems with the electric power steering. Depending on the model of the car, the steering wheel may become heavy, but the handling will remain, or the amplifier will turn off completely. Also included in the yellow signals is the low fuel indicator, which lights up when less than 10 liters remain in the tank, which can lead to clogging of the fuel filter or failure of the gas pump.
What to do if the Check Engine is on fire?
If the indicator is lit with a smooth yellow light and the car behaves normally, you can reach the service on your own, avoiding high turns. If the indicator flashes, this means ignition misses, and you can not continue moving - this can destroy the catalytic converter.
Indicators of safety and driver assistance systems
Modern cars are equipped with a variety of electronic assistants, the status of which is informed by special icons on the dashboard. Airbag indicator (SRS or Airbag) in the case of ignition indicates a failure in the passive safety system. This means that in the event of an accident, the pillows may not open or, conversely, act spontaneously, so you can not ignore this signal.
Stabilization and snow-relief systems (art.ESP, TCS, ASR) have their own indicators which may flash while driving, indicating that the system is operating under difficult conditions. If the icon burns constantly, it means that the system is disabled by the driver or faulty. On a slippery road, the lack of electronics assistance can lead to skids, especially for inexperienced drivers.
Special attention should be paid to the indicator of the unfastened seat belt, which is often accompanied by an audible signal. In some cars, this sensor also reacts to the presence of a passenger on the seat. Also important is the open door indicator, which can not only burn on the panel, but also block the possibility of transferring the selector. DISTRIBUTION position Drive in some models.
| Symbol | Name of system | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| The man with the circle | SRS / Airbag | Airbag malfunction | Diagnostics of the system in the service |
| A car with waves | ESP / TCS | Stabilization system | Check if the button is switched off |
| Door open. | Door contact | The door/hood is not tightly closed | Check the closure of all openings |
| Eye/Camera | Lane Assist | Lane tracking system | Wipe the camera or calibrate |
A constantly burning SRS indicator means that the passive safety system will not work at the time of the accident, putting passengers’ lives at risk.
Seasonal and service indicators
In winter, specific badges associated with weather conditions often appear on the dashboard. A blue snowflake indicates a low temperature (usually below +4°C), warning of possible ice. A green snowflake, on the other hand, indicates that the temperature has dropped below -4°C, which is important for assessing the condition of the road surface.
Service indicator, often depicted as a wrench, watering with drops or simply words SERVICEIt is important to note the need for scheduled maintenance. In modern cars, service intervals are calculated by the on-board computer based on driving style and operating conditions, so the terms may differ from the schedule.
The indicator of wear of brake pads, which is a circle with discontinuous lines on the sides, lights up when the thickness of the friction material reaches the minimum permissible value. Ignoring this signal will damage the brake discs and reduce the effectiveness of braking. Replacement of the shoes in this case is required in the near future.
- ❄️ Blue snowflake - a warning about the air temperature below +4 ° C and the risk of ice formation.
- 🔧 Wrench - the need for a planned maintenance or oil replacement.
- 💧 Washer - low level of liquid in the tank of the washer.
☑️ Checking before winter operation
Diagnostics and algorithm of actions of the driver
When lighting any indicator, except information, the driver should adhere to a clear algorithm of actions to minimize risks. The first step is always to evaluate the color of the signal: red requires a stop, yellow requires attention, green/blue is just a statement of fact. Don’t panic, but ignore the signals. onboard diagnostics You can't.
If a critical indicator lights up, you must safely park, shut down the engine and conduct a visual inspection of the under-hood space. Check the levels of technical fluids, the absence of leaks, the integrity of the belts and pipes. Often, a simple liquid addition or battery terminal lift can solve the problem, although an error scanner is needed for accurate diagnosis.
To accurately determine the cause of the indicator fire Check Engine Other system errors are recommended to be used OBDII scanner. This device is connected to the diagnostic connector of the car and allows you to read the codes of faults stored in the memory of the electronic control unit. Decoding the code gives a specific direction to look for the problem, whether it's an oxygen sensor or a ignition coil.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting errors by removing the battery terminal does not eliminate the cause of the malfunction, but only temporarily extinguishes the indicator, hiding the real problem from the driver.
Have a printout of the main icons of your car model in the glove compartment, as the symbols may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and year of release.
Frequently asked questions
What to do if the engine indicator is on, but the car is going normally?
If the indicator is on and the behavior of the car has not changed, you can carefully drive to the nearest service. However, it is not worth delaying the diagnosis, since even a subtle malfunction can lead to increased fuel consumption or damage to the catalyst in the long run.
Why do all the indicators go out after the engine starts?
This is a regular procedure (self-check) of the car systems. When turning the key into the ignition position, the on-board computer interrogates all sensors and actuators. If all systems are in good working order, the indicators go out after the engine starts. If a badge is left to burn, then a malfunction has been detected in this system.
Can I drive if the ABS indicator is on?
Yes, a movement with a burning ABS indicator is possible, since the main braking system continues to function. However, it should be borne in mind that the anti-lock system will not work during emergency braking, and the wheels can lock, which is especially dangerous on wet or slippery roads.
How do I know what an unknown icon on the panel means?
The most accurate way is to refer to the manual for the operation of a particular car (Owner's Manual), which contains a complete decoding of all symbols. You can also use online catalogs of icons, specifying the make and model of the car, or contact the dealer.
Why is the temperature indicator flashing?
A flashing temperature indicator usually indicates a critical overheating or, conversely, a malfunction of the temperature sensor itself. In any case, you must immediately stop and let the engine cool down, checking the level of coolant and the operation of the radiator fan.