Dashboard Lights Guide: Common Car Warning Lights Explained
Whether it's an improperly closed door, low tire pressure, or the ominous check engine light, dashboard warning lights serve as crucial communicators between you and your vehicle, signaling when something needs attention. Ignoring your car's warning lights — whether because you’re unsure what they mean, or you choose to overlook them — can turn potentially small issues into big, expensive, and/or dangerous ones.
To help you understand the meaning of these symbols, we’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently encountered dashboard lights you may come across during the lifespan of your vehicle.
Common car dashboard symbols and their meanings
When a light on your dash illuminates, that often means it's time to check on an aspect of your vehicle’s health. Depending on the urgency of the alert — the same light may offer different colors or flash depending on the severity of the problem — you may need to pull over and seek assistance immediately. Being able to discern whether the illuminated symbol indicates a serious risk will empower you to make informed decisions for yourself and your vehicle.
Please note that most (if not all) of these lights will illuminate when you first turn on the vehicle. This few- second-long, bulb-check function can help you learn what each light means and recognize if one ever burns out.
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Check Engine Light |
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Oil Pressure Warning Light What it means: This light indicates that your vehicle's engine has lost normal oil pressure as a result of low oil level, a dirty oil filter, a failed belt or chain, or engine damage. If this light comes on, pull over as soon as safely possible and turn off your vehicle so you can check the engine oil level. If your oil level is adequate but the light is still on after restarting the engine, do not run the engine because it will not run very long without oil pressure and, if it stops itself, the repair price can be substantially higher. Have the vehicle towed to your nearest Mazda dealer or trusted mechanic for a diagnosis. |
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Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light What it means: When the engine temperature warning light comes on, it indicates that your car's engine is low on coolant, running too cold, or running too hot (overheating). This could be caused by a malfunctioning radiator fan or thermostat or a clogged or leaking coolant hose, among other things. If this light comes on, do not run the engine (it will not run very long if overheating and, if it gets too hot the repair price can be substantially higher). Do not attempt to open the coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot, as this can lead to severe burns. If you're unsure about the cause of the overheating, it's recommended to call for roadside assistance. |
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Stability or Traction Control Light What it means: If this light flashes on while you’re driving, your vehicle’s stability and traction control systems are actively working to maintain traction, such as when driving on slippery surfaces like snow or dirty pavement. When this light stays on during normal driving conditions, this usually indicates a problem with the stability or traction control systems (including simple things like a sensor covered in dust that may clear itself to bad sensors or an electronic malfunction that makes the system “unavailable”). This can affect the vehicle's ability to maintain grip on slippery or uneven surfaces as you approach tire limits. Make an appointment to visit your dealership for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible. |
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Battery Alert Light What it means: This light indicates that the vehicle's charging system is not functioning properly, and the battery is failing and/or not receiving enough charge to keep it running. This could be due to a failing alternator, a problem with the battery itself (such as being old or damaged), a loose or corroded battery connection, or a broken drive belt. Driving with the battery light on can lead to a situation where the vehicle could lose power and stall, so you should get the issue addressed quickly. |
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Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light What it means: This indicates an issue with the vehicle's anti-lock braking system, which could affect its ability to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking situations, particularly on slick surfaces. The presence of this light does not mean your brakes have failed, but rather indicates that the ABS feature may not engage when needed, reducing the vehicle's ability to avoid skidding during sudden stops. Continued driving with the ABS light on is not recommended and you should have your vehicle inspected by a Mazda dealer or trusted mechanic. Make an appointment to visit your dealership for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible. |
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Tire Pressure Warning Light What it means: When the tire pressure warning light comes on, it means one or more of your tires are significantly underinflated, which could lead to poor traction, increased tire wear, and tire failure if not addressed. It's important to check your tire pressure as soon as possible and inflate any tires that are below the manufacturer's recommended pressure. While this light does not typically indicate an emergency (it’s common if temperatures drop significantly), driving on underinflated tires for an extended period can lead to further complications, so it’s advisable to address the issue promptly. |
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Airbag Indicator Light What it means: This signals a potential issue with the vehicle's airbag system — a crucial safety component intended to safeguard occupants during a collision. The light may remain lit or flash, and suggests that the airbags may not deploy during an accident. Should your airbag indicator light turn on, take your car to your dealership as soon as possible, as driving with a faulty airbag system increases safety risks to you and your passengers in the event of a crash. |
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Low Fuel Indicator Light What it means: This light signifies that your vehicle's fuel tank is nearly empty and requires refilling as soon as possible. Refuel at the earliest opportunity to avoid being stranded from running out of fuel or damaging fuel system components. |
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Washer Fluid Indicator Light What it means: This symbol indicates that your vehicle's washer fluid reservoir is running low and requires replenishing. Refill the washer fluid at your earliest convenience to ensure you can always maintain optimal visibility. |
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Seat Belt Reminder Light What it looks like: The seatbelt reminder light typically features an image of a person with a seatbelt across their chest. For an unbelted occupant it is illuminated in red. What it means: This light means that the driver or one or more passengers have not fastened their seatbelts. This warning light may be accompanied by a chime or a beep to further alert the vehicle occupants of the need to buckle up for safety. Many vehicles show belts for each seat with green for a buckled occupant, red for unbuckled, and amber if a sensor detects an unusual load or unlatched seatback. |
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Security Indicator Light What it means: If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, you may notice this symbol blinking steadily when the security system is set. Should the symbol be lit but not blinking and your car refuses to start, it's a sign that the immobilization system has kicked in, either due to a perceived security threat or a malfunction. Conversely, if the symbol remains lit but the car operates as usual, it indicates a fault within the security system that requires attention. |
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Transmission Temperature Warning Light What it means: This light is a crucial warning that the transmission needs to cool down to prevent serious damage. If you see this light, it's advisable to pull over safely and let the transmission cool down before continuing (which may mean letting the car idle in park, not turning it off). If the warning light comes on again when you do begin driving again, take your vehicle to your dealership immediately or call a tow truck, as there could be an issue with the transmission itself. |
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Fog Lamp Indicator Light What it looks like: The fog lamp indicator light is typically symbolized by a lamp or beam with lines slanting downwards and a wavy “S” line in the downward slanted lines (without the “S” line, it’s a low-beam headlight). Usually, this is illuminated in green, amber, or yellow. An icon like that shown but pointing to the right is a rear fog-lamp indicator, almost always amber in color. What it means: When the fog lamp indicator light activates, it signifies that your vehicle's fog lamps are in use – not that there is an issue. These lights are designed to enhance road visibility in foggy or misty conditions by casting a wide, low beam beneath the fog, while a rear fog lamp is designed to make the rear of your car easier to see in heavy fog or spray. |
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Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light What it looks like: The automatic shift lock or engine start indicator light often appears as a shoe inside of a circle and is often either green or blue when activated. What it means: This light means that the vehicle's automatic transmission is locked in park or neutral until a specific action is performed. This safety feature prevents unintentional shifting of the vehicle out of park. If you notice this light, ensure you follow the correct procedure to start your vehicle or shift from park — typically, by pressing the brake pedal firmly. |
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Lane Departure Warning Light What it means: If this light is activated, it indicates that the vehicle's lane departure system has been engaged or has detected the car moving out of its lane without signaling. Lane-keeping systems often use the same indicator. |
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Brake Warning Light What it looks like: The brake warning light usually appears as an exclamation mark inside a circle, sometimes accompanied by the word "BRAKE," illuminated in red. Do not confuse this with the parking brake indicator (often a P in the circle) that shows the vehicle’s foot, hand, or electrically operated parking brake is on. What it means: This signals a potential issue within the vehicle's braking system, which could range from low brake fluid levels to a malfunction in the brake system components. Your vehicle may not be safe to drive until the issue is addressed. Immediate actions should include checking the brake fluid level and ensuring it's at the recommended level. If topping up the fluid turns off the warning lamp and brake function is normal, it is possible the brake pads are worn and need to be replaced shortly. Make an appointment to have the car checked and serviced. If the light remains on after topping up the fluid or if you notice any change in braking performance, have your car towed to your dealership. |
1. These icons and their meaning can vary from vehicle to vehicle, from automaker to automaker.
2. Your best source of information will be your Owner’s Manual or a qualified service specialist.
3. These warning lights shown and described are of a general nature. They are not necessarily Mazda warning lights and the descriptions are not necessarily of Mazda features and warning icons.
Warning light came on in your Mazda? Schedule your service
For information specific to Mazda vehicle warning lights, please consult your Mazda owner’s manual.
If you notice a warning light illuminated on your Mazda vehicle’s dashboard that indicates a need for service, rest assured that Mazda is here to help. Simply call your local Mazda dealership or schedule a service appointment online today.
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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.