What does the air filter dirty warning light mean?

Internal combustion engines require a decent amount of air to keep them running. Unfortunately, things like dust and pollen in the air are bad for your engine. This is where the air filter is needed to collect any debris floating in the air and prevent it from getting inside the engine.

Over time, all the collected debris will clog the filter, reducing airflow to the engine, which in turn reduces performance. To facilitate maintenance of your vehicle, the computer monitors the amount of air passing through the filter and entering the engine. If it detects a reduction in airflow to the engine, the computer alerts the driver with an indicator light on the dashboard.

What does the air filter indicator mean?

This indicator on the dashboard has only one function - to warn the driver of a decrease in air flow to the engine. If this light comes on, you should replace or at least check the air filter. After changing the filter, it may be necessary to turn off the warning light using the reset button. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual or search online to find the location of the button.

If the new filter and button reset don't turn off the light, there's probably a connection problem somewhere that's giving a false positive. Have a certified technician inspect and test the connections and wires associated with the air filter sensor.

Is it safe to drive with the air filter dirty indicator light on?

Yes, this indicator indicates a decrease in air consumption, which should only affect fuel consumption and performance. You can still use the car normally, but you will need to change the filter as soon as possible. Less gas mileage makes a car more expensive to run, so air filter maintenance can help you save money in your wallet.

Your car owner's manual should tell you how often to change the filter so you know when you need to change it. If you have any problems with your air filter, contact one of our certified technicians to help you diagnose the problem and replace it.