The car wants to warn you. What do the panel symbols mean?


You’ve probably all noticed that just when you turn the key in the car, the panel starts to glow yellow, green, and red. That's how the car talks to you. Understanding those bulbs can really avoid a lot of inconvenience, and sometimes they can even save your life. So every driver should know what his car wants to tell him and take action after properly evaluating the information.


And if you are not yet fluent in your car, we will try to help you.


If all systems are working properly, the yellow and red lights go out when the car is started. And if at least one is left on fire and you don’t know its meaning, read the car guide or look for the answer below in this article.


  


            Diagnostic equipment Autel AP200 Diagnostic equipment Autel MD808 Pro




Let's take a look at the most popular instrument panel lights:


 Yellow light symbol with exclamation mark.




This signal warns that one of the lights has gone out. This is very important for your safety, it is necessary to replace the burned out light bulb as soon as possible. By the way, if this symbol comes on when the brake is applied, it means that the brake light is on. If, when the rear gear is engaged, the reversing lamp, etc.


Red brake light with "P" symbol or exclamation mark.




Forgot to release the parking brake? In most modern cars, the brake is released when you start moving. In older ones, the brake must be released by the driver. Remember to do this as the brakes will need to be repaired.


 Yellow brake disc with pad symbol.




This is a serious signal that you have to worry about the condition of the brakes - worn pads cannot guarantee effective braking.


Brake ABS.


 


A lit yellow ABS / ESP, BRAKE or similar yellow Stability Indicator light may indicate a faulty sensor or electronic brake system failure. Keep in mind that when such a light is on, electronic systems may be inefficient and will not save you in the event of braking / slipping. Or that the brake force may be unevenly distributed. Therefore reduce speed, check the brakes gently. Does it work? Great. If the light is yellow instead of red, take it to a workshop. Maybe you just need to replace the sensor or the brake pads?


Cold engine.




 The blue light usually comes on in winter, as the blue "thermometer" symbol indicates that the coolant or oil has not yet reached its optimum temperature. It is possible to drive, but the "gas-bottom" principle does not apply here. Drive the car gently until the engine warms up. If the yellow light is on, this usually means that coolant needs to be added. If the red temperature light is on, do not continue driving - the coolant has exceeded the maximum permissible temperature.


Check the engine.




The check engine lights up in some cars. Others have a yellow light that symbolizes the "engine" or fuel pump. This symbol is very important. But there are a good dozen reasons why it catches fire. If the fault is very serious, the car may be in emergency mode - you will only be able to drive slowly at low power. However, it is possible that you will reach the service without feeling any inconvenience. Because the bulb may illuminate due to EGR valve failure (in diesels), injection system problems, and the lambda sensor has failed. Therefore, it is important to check the engine and perform computer diagnostics.


 "Plus" and "minus".




The most common value for this light signal is a drop in voltage in the electrical circuit. Maybe the battery is running low? Or maybe the generator brushes are worn out? Of course, the automatic relay regulating the voltage of the electrical system can also strike.


 SRS or Airbag.




This red light should go out as soon as the ignition is switched on, after 3-5 seconds. If it does not go out, be sure to check the airbag system. Maybe a dishonest car salesman left an unpleasant surprise. Or maybe the sensor is on strike? The lit symbols RSCA OFF, SRS, AIR BAG mean only one thing - contact a qualified technician for help if you want to be safe.


Grease funnel.




Some cars have two oil pressure / level indicators. The low level indicator light can have a wave symbol or the word MIN. However, their meanings can also be generalized. This means that if the red oil pressure light comes on - bad, stop and the engine is in danger. If yellow (with or without corrugations) - top up the grease according to the specifications (the compliance code can be found on the oil packaging).


Red sprocket with exclamation mark or thermometer.




This light usually comes on in cars with automatic transmissions. It can warn of a fault or overheating of the transmission oil. In the second case, it is sufficient to stop and allow the oil to cool. It is not advisable to continue driving in the event of a fault.


"Shock absorber" symbol.




Such a light indicates an incorrect chassis position and its vgoing. A fault can occur if the air suspension malfunctions. Driving in such a car is unsafe: it can be unstable and can further damage the chassis.


Yellow spiral.




 It reports malfunctions in the glow plugs of diesel engines. It should go out after 3-5 seconds. when the ignition is switched on, when the spark plugs reach the required temperature. However, this light can also have other meanings - to symbolize faults in the EGR valve, engine control unit, nozzles.


Steering wheel symbol with exclamation mark.




 Power steering system failure. It is difficult and unsafe to drive such a car.


 Catalyst overheating and DPF symbol.




If this light does not go out, the catalyst is clogged or overheated.




Another symbol found on diesel car panels means that the DPF (particulate) filter is clogged and requires regeneration. In other words, drive a certain distance in accordance with the car's instructions.


 Tire pressure.




An exclamation point with a tire profile symbol means one - dangerously reduced air pressure in the wheels, unsafe to drive. But it could also mean that the warning system was not calibrated when the tires were retreaded.




A flashing, crossed out indicator or TPMS indicates that the wheel pressure monitoring system is not working or is malfunctioning. Very often, this signal, like others like it, comes on along with the letter "i", which means that the car wants to notify you of a problem. If the letter "i" is lit, look for another signal that will identify the problem more clearly. Try to hear and understand this message correctly.


Service notification.




Modern cars are very innovative. Depending on the manufacturer's recommendations and interval settings, they will notify us when it is time to perform periodic maintenance. It is very important to do this in a timely manner, as not only the engine oil and filters are changed during maintenance - the general technical condition of the car is assessed.


Here's a look at the most popular signals on the car's dashboard, and we guarantee that memorizing this information will really help you and your car. Be safe on the road.




The article was written based on 15min.lt information.