What does the bulb failure warning light mean (faulty exterior lighting, license plate light, brake light)?

The Bulb Fault Indicator will illuminate when any of the external lights on your vehicle are not working. It is important to correct this so that others can see the position of your vehicle.

To help the driver maintain their car, manufacturers are using computers and sensors to control just about everything in the car. Modern cars are sophisticated enough to detect when any of the exterior lights have stopped working. When the light goes out, the total resistance in the circuit changes, which then affects the voltage in that circuit. The computer monitors the circuits of all outdoor lights for any voltage changes and then displays the warning light.

What does the lamp failure indicator mean?

The computer will turn on the lamp failure warning light when it detects any abnormal voltage on any of the lamp circuits. If you see a light coming on, check all the bulbs to find the one that isn't working. Be careful when checking your headlights, as there are quite a few bulbs in modern cars that can turn on a warning light. Some lamps that are harder to find include license plate lamps, turn signal lights on the side mirrors, amber marker lights at the front of the car, and taillights at the rear that come on with the headlights.

When you find the faulty light bulb, replace it and the warning light should turn off. False alarms are possible, in which case it is necessary to check the entire circuit for damage.

Is it safe to drive with the bulb malfunction light on?

In most cases, the car is still running. This does not mean that you should ignore the light. Outside lights are very important in alerting nearby drivers to the position and actions of your vehicle. Headlights that are not working can also make you liable for damage in the event of a collision.

If you need help changing bulbs or if the lights won't turn off, our certified technicians are here to help.