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Dashboard warning lights

A red oil light means pull over and shut the engine off. A temperature light means the engine is overheating. A battery light means drive straight to a shop with everything electrical off. A steady check-engine light means book a shop soon; a flashing one means go now.

Easy10 min to read; 5 min with your manualFree to check; repairs varyChecked October 3, 2026

You'll need

  • Your owner's manual (or the maker's website), for your car's exact symbols
  • Your roadside assistance number, if you have one

What to know

  1. Learn your car's symbols now, while nothing is wrong. AAA's advice is to read your owner's manual and know what each warning light means. No warning light should be ignored. Source: AAA1
  2. Oil pressure light (an oil can, or the word OIL): of all the lights, this one means the greatest risk of serious engine damage. If it comes on and stays on, pull off the road at the first safe place, shut off the engine and call for help. Source: AAA1
  3. Temperature light (a thermometer, or TEMP): the engine is hotter than it should be, and major damage is likely unless it cools quickly. If you see signs of a coolant leak, pull off safely, shut off the engine and call for help. Be careful opening the hood if there's steam, and never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Source: AAA1
  4. Battery or charging light (a battery, or ALT or GEN): the alternator isn't powering the car. Turn off the radio, heat and air conditioning, then drive straight to a repair shop. Source: AAA1
  5. Check engine light, steady: there's a problem affecting the car's emissions. Make a shop appointment soon. Source: AAA1 First, check the gas cap. A loose or damaged cap can turn the light on, and in most cases retightening it fixes the problem. Source: NC DEQ2
  6. Check engine light, flashing: a serious problem is happening right now that can overheat and ruin the catalytic converter, or even start a fire. Drive to a repair shop right away. Source: AAANC DEQ12 If the car runs badly or smells hot, pull over and call for a tow.
  7. Tire pressure light: one or more tires is significantly low. Check all four with a gauge, using the pressure on the driver's door label. Source: NHTSA3 See The maintenance schedule.
Watch out Ignoring a flashing check engine light can start a fire, destroy the catalytic converter and lead to repairs that can easily top $1,000. Source: AAA1 A red light is a stop-soon light. Don't push it to get home.

Which light means what

LightWhat to do
Oil pressure (oil can)Pull off safely, shut off the engine, call for help
Engine temperature (thermometer)Pull off safely, shut off the engine. Never open a hot radiator cap
Battery or chargingTurn off everything electrical, drive straight to a shop
Check engine, steadyCheck the gas cap, then book a shop soon
Check engine, flashingGo to a shop right away, or call for a tow if it runs badly
Tire pressureCheck all four tires with a gauge today

From AAA. Source: AAA1 Symbols differ by car, so check your manual.

Calling a shop

Hi, my [year, make, model] has a [steady / flashing] check engine light. Can you read the code today? What does that cost, and will you call me with a written estimate before doing any repairs?

A text if you're stuck

My car's [oil / temperature] light came on, so I pulled over at [location] and shut it off. I'm safe. I'm calling roadside help now. Can you check on me in 30 minutes?

See it done

Video by Consumer Reports Nonprofit

Decoding Dashboard Warning Lights

Watch on YouTube: Decoding Dashboard Warning Lights | Consumer Reports

Full title on YouTube: “Decoding Dashboard Warning Lights | Consumer Reports”2019 · Checked October 3, 2026

Consumer Reports walks through the common symbols, from 2019. Symbols differ a little by car, so check them against your owner's manual.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • The shop says it needs a pricey repair for a check-engine code? Get a signed written estimate first, and a second opinion on big jobs. Source: FTC4
  • Catalytic converter problem? Federal law requires the catalytic converter and the computer that runs the check-engine light on 1995 and newer cars to be under warranty for at least 8 years or 80,000 miles. Source: NC DEQ2 Ask the dealer.
  • Light came on right after a recall notice? Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls; recall repairs are free. Source: NHTSA5

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Why the gas cap matters

A cap that's damaged or not tight lets fuel vapor escape, and the car's emissions check turns on the light. Replace the cap if it's damaged. Source: NC DEQ2 The light may take a few drives to go off.

Take it with you

Printable cardDownload card (PDF)

Sources

  1. AAA Vehicle warning lights
  2. North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Emissions inspection results information
  3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Tires
  4. Federal Trade Commission Auto repair basics
  5. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls

Lesson H6.7 · Last checked October 3, 2026 against the sources listed.

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