Lights up: causes and solutions

Is there an indicator on the dashboard that is on or flashing? No problem, we have listed all the car warning lights and what they mean to you. You can also find all of our service tips to quickly solve the problem indicated by the warning light.

List of car warning lights:

• Engine light
• Airbag warning lamp
• Coolant sight glass
• Engine oil sight glass
• Brake fluid warning lamp
• ABS warning lamp
• Preheat indicator
• Tire pressure indicator
• ESP indicator
• Battery indicator
• Parking brake warning light
• Brake pad warning light
• Particulate filter warning lamp
• Power steering warning lamp
• Stop signal

🚗 Engine warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The engine indicator warns you of a contamination and combustion problem in your engine. If the engine light stays on, it indicates a contamination problem that may be coming from various parts of the vehicle.

Indeed, a failure can occur due to a fuel pump, injectors, an air flow meter, a lambda probe, a coil and spark plugs, a catalyst, a particulate filter, an exhaust gas recirculation valve, a gas sensor. "Camshaft…

If your engine light is flashing, you need to turn off the engine as soon as possible, as this usually indicates a problem with the catalytic converter that could overheat and cause a fire.

You should understand this, but if the engine light comes on or blinks, it is important to get to the garage as soon as possible to have the engine checked and avoid serious damage.

💨 The airbag warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The airbag warning light warns you that your airbag system is not fully operational. If the airbag warning light stays on, it could be due to a problem with the presence sensor under your seat or the power supply to one or more airbags.

The problem can also come from the computer or shock sensors. So remember to go to the garage if the airbag warning light comes on, because that means your safety is no longer guaranteed on the road.

Attention : On the other hand, the passenger airbag must be deactivated if you are transporting a child in a child seat mounted on the back of the road in the passenger seat.

❄️ The coolant indicator lamp is on or flashing: what to do?

The coolant warning light warns you if the coolant level is too low or if the temperature in your radiator is too high. Note that the coolant warning light can also come on if your temperature sensor is out of order.

In short, if the coolant warning light comes on, it could be due to a problem with the coolant level, water pump, radiator leak, or even a faulty cylinder head gasket.

If the warning light still does not go out after adding coolant, go to the garage as soon as possible to check the cooling system. Pump your coolant at the best price with Vroomly!

⚠️ Engine oil level warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The engine oil indicator may turn yellow or red depending on the severity of the problem. In fact, if the engine oil warning light is orange, it means that the engine oil level is too low. Hence, there is not much immediate danger, but it is important to add engine oil as soon as possible to ensure proper lubrication of your engine.

Without lubrication, your engine seizes and heats up, leading to serious and costly breakdowns. If the warning light stays on after adding engine oil, the problem is clearly a clogged oil filter.

Likewise, if the warning light comes on regularly after adding engine oil, it means the oil is leaking.

On the other hand, if the engine oil indicator is red, it is a serious problem requiring the vehicle to stop immediately due to engine failure. Then have your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible and change the engine oil at the best price on Vroomly!

💧 The brake fluid warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The brake fluid warning light is used to indicate that the pressure in the brake circuit is too low or that the brake fluid level is too low. It could also be a brake fluid leak.

If the brake fluid warning light comes on, this is a serious problem as it means your vehicle cannot provide optimal braking. In this case, go straight to the garage to inspect the car.

Attention : Do not add brake fluid yourself, even if the level seems low to you, because the brake fluid level depends on the thickness of the brake pads.

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🚗 The ABS warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The ABS warning light indicates that the ABS (anti-lock braking system) on your vehicle is not working. If the ABS warning lamp remains on, it means that the ABS is not working. The problem could come from a faulty ABS sensor or a problem with the ABS box.

Go to the garage to check your ABS system. Do not take this warning lightly, as without the ABS your road safety will be significantly impaired.

🌡️ The preheat indicator is on or flashing: what to do?

Available on diesel vehicles only, the glow plug indicates the condition of your glow plugs. If the preheat lamp comes on at start-up, it means the glow plugs are heating up. Then wait for the preheat lamp to go out to start the engine.

If, however, the preheating lamp comes on after starting, this means that your vehicle does indeed have a preheating problem.

This problem can have several causes: short circuit or fuse problem, faulty EGR valve, dirty diesel filter, HS pressure valve, faulty injection ... Have a professional mechanic examine your vehicle to find the source of the problem.

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💨 The tire pressure warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The tire pressure warning light is used to indicate insufficient inflation of one or more of your vehicle's tires. If the tire pressure warning light comes on, you should check the pressure in all tires and, if necessary, inflate them again. Refer to your service brochure for the correct pressure for your tires.

If, despite adjusting the tire pressure, the warning light still does not go out, the pressure sensors (TPMS) may be defective.

🛠️ The ESP indicator is on or flashing: what to do?

The ESP warning lamp indicates that the ESP (Trajectory Corrector) is not working on your vehicle. Therefore, if the ESP indicator is on continuously, it means that the ESP is not working. The problem may be a faulty sensor or a malfunctioning ABS unit. Go to the garage to check your ESP system.

If the ESP indicator flashes as you turn, don't worry. This precisely means that your ESP system has just adjusted your trajectory to ensure you better control of your vehicle.

🔋 Battery charge indicator is on or flashing: what to do?

The battery indicator warns you if your vehicle's electrical voltage is abnormal (less or greater than 12,7 volts). If the battery light stays on, it may be because the battery is not sufficiently charged or is discharged.

You will then have to recharge the battery, use the amplifier, or replace it if the problem persists. Also, be sure to check that the terminals of your battery are in place, as they can come loose from engine vibration.

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🔧 Parking brake warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The parking brake warning light is indicated by a P in a circle in parentheses. On some car models, the parking brake warning light and brake fluid are grouped together. Then it is the same character, except for the exclamation mark instead of P.

If the parking brake warning light comes on while driving, you have a mechanical problem with the handbrake bracket or a short to ground. If the handbrake warning light is flashing, it is due to an issue with the ABS sensors that are blocking your vehicle's ABS system.

In any case, if the parking brake warning light comes on or flashes, do not put off your way to the garage to inspect the vehicle.

⚙️ The brake pad warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The brake pad warning light warns you when the brake pads need to be replaced. If the warning light for the brake pads comes on, you need to replace them as soon as possible. Indeed, if the linings of your brake pads are too worn out, you risk damaging the brake discs, but above all, you will jeopardize your own safety and the safety of other people on the road.

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💡 The diesel particulate filter warning light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) warning lamp informs you about the status of your particulate filter. If your DPF indicator comes on, then your DPF is clogged. It is also possible that one of the exhaust sensors is faulty.

If your DPF is clogged, you can try cleaning it. Otherwise, you will have to change it. You can also descale to prevent the DPF from clogging.

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🚗 Power steering warning lamp that is on or flashing: what to do?

The power steering warning lamp warns you of a power steering malfunction. So, if your power steering stays on, it means you have a problem. The problem may be related to a lack of power steering fluid, a broken power steering pump, a broken or loose accessory drive belt, a faulty sensor, a discharged battery, etc.

If the power steering light comes on, go to the garage to inspect the power steering.

🛑 The brake light comes on or flashes: what to do?

The stop light tells you to stop the car immediately. It could be a problem that endangers your safety, or a mechanical problem that could seriously damage your vehicle.

This light is not available on all car models. So, if you have other lights warning you of a serious problem, don't wait for the brake light to come on to stop your car.

Now you know what to do if any of these lights come on or blink on your dashboard. Correct the problem quickly to avoid repeated breakdowns. Search for the best garage owners near you on Vroomly if needed and compare their offers to find the best price. Save money with Vroomly!