Is a warning light on your dashboard? This can range from a minor warning to a serious problem requiring immediate action. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what all the warning lights mean, when you should stop immediately, and when you can continue driving.
Modern cars have dozens of warning lights. Some are informative, others indicate potentially dangerous situations. At Faay Auto Groep in Nieuwegein, we help you troubleshoot your warning lights every day.
Color Code Warning Lights
Warning lights use a universal color system:
Red: Stop Immediately
- Meaning: Serious problem, possible danger
- Action: Stop safely immediately, switch off the engine
- Examples: Oil pressure, temperature, brakes
- Risk: Engine damage, accident possible
Orange/Yellow: Caution
- Meaning: Problem requires attention
- Action: Get to the garage as soon as possible
- Examples: Engine light, ABS, tire pressure
- Risk: Can worsen into a major problem
Green/Blue: Information
- Meaning: System is active or informative
- Action: None, information only
- Examples: High beam, fog lights, cruise control
- Risk: No
Red Warning Lights: Stop Immediately
Engine Oil Pressure Light (Red Oil Can)
Symbol: Oil can, often with a drop
Meaning: Low oil pressure – engine is not getting enough lubrication. High risk of engine damage (repair costs €3,000-€8,000).
Action:
- Stop safely immediately
- Switch off the engine
- Check oil level (when engine is cold)
- If too low: top up and go to the garage
- At normal level: do not drive, have it towed
Causes: Too little oil, leakage, defective oil pump, blockage
Temperature Light (Thermometer)
Symbol: Thermometer in liquid
Meaning: Engine overheating (above 120 degrees Celsius). Risk of cylinder head gasket and engine damage.
Action: Stop immediately, switch off the engine, let it cool, and tow it to a garage. Do not continue driving!
Causes: Insufficient coolant, broken thermostat, defective fan, radiator leak
Brake Warning Light (Red)
Symbol: Circle with exclamation mark or text BRAKE
Meaning: Handbrake on OR too little brake fluid OR brake system problem
Action: First, check the handbrake. Is the light still on? Stop immediately – the brakes can fail!
Battery/Dynamo Light
Symbol: Battery or + and – symbol
Meaning: Battery not charging. Car may stall at any moment.
Action: Drive to the garage (the engine will continue to run on battery power). Turn off all electrical appliances (radio, air conditioning, heating).
Airbag Light
Symbol: Seated person with airbag
Meaning: Airbag system not working. In the event of an accident, the airbag may not deploy.
Action: Get to a garage as quickly as possible. Safety has been compromised.
Orange/Yellow Warning Lights: Attention Required
Check Engine / Engine Light
Symbol: Engine silhouette or text CHECK ENGINE
Meaning: Engine or exhaust system problem detected. This can range from minor (loose fuel cap) to major (catalytic converter failure).
Action:
- Light is on continuously: To the garage within a few days
- Light flashing: Directly to the garage – engine damage possible
- First check: Is the fuel cap closed properly?
Causes: Oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, spark plugs, fuel cap, injectors, air filter
ABS Light
Symbol: Circle with ABS text
Meaning: ABS (anti-lock braking system) is not working. The brakes still work, but they lock up during emergency braking.
Action: Drive carefully to the garage. Be extra careful when braking, especially in rain.
Causes: Faulty ABS sensor, dirty, broken ABS pump
ESP/Stability Control
Symbol: Car with skid marks
Meaning:
- Flashing: ESP is actively intervening (normally in case of skidding)
- Stays on: ESP system defect
Action: If the light remains on, go to a garage. The system no longer helps with skidding.
Tire Pressure Warning Light (TPMS)
Symbol: Tire with exclamation mark
Meaning: One or more tires are under-inflated (TPMS = Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Action: Check tire pressure at the gas station. Inflate to the correct pressure (see sticker on the door frame). The light will go out after a few kilometers of driving.
AdBlue Light (Diesel)
Symbol: Canister with drop
Meaning: AdBlue (urea for diesels) almost depleted. Modern diesels can't start without AdBlue!
Action: Refill AdBlue (gas station, garage, or yourself). If it runs low, the car won't start.
DPF Light (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Symbol: Exhaust with dots
Meaning: Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is full and needs to regenerate
Action: Drive for 20-30 minutes on the highway (100+ km/h at 2500+ rpm). This will burn soot from the filter. If this doesn't work, take it to a garage for forced regeneration.
Glow Plug Light (Diesel)
Symbol: Spiral
Meaning:
- Briefly at the start: Normal – preheat engine
- Stays on: Problem with glow plugs
Action: If the ignition continues to burn, take it to a garage. Difficulty starting in winter may occur.
Power Steering Light
Symbol: Steering wheel with exclamation mark
Meaning: The power steering isn't working. Steering becomes heavy, but it's still possible.
Action: Carefully drive to the garage. Steering requires much more force, especially when parking.
Green/Blue Lights: Informational
These lights only provide information about active systems:
- High beam (blue): High beams are on
- Fog lights (green): Front/rear fog lights active
- Cruise control (green): Cruise control enabled
- Eco mode (green): Economical driving mode active
- Sport mode: Sporty driving mode active
What to do when a warning light comes on?
Step 1: Identify the Light
- Check the car's instruction manual
- Pay attention to color (red/orange/green)
- Is it flashing or on continuously?
Step 2: Determine Severity
- Red: Stop immediately
- Orange: Get to the garage as soon as possible
- Green: No action required
Step 3: Take Action
- Check simple things (handbrake, fuel cap, fluids)
- Call garage for advice
- Make an appointment or come by immediately
- When the light is red: do not drive, have the vehicle towed
Diagnosis at Faay Auto Group
Don't know what the light means, or does it keep coming back? At Faay Auto Groep, we have professional diagnostic equipment:
- Computer diagnosis: Reading error codes from on-board computer
- Analysis: Determine the exact problem
- Advice: What needs to be done and what does it cost?
- Repair: Resolve immediately if possible
- Clear error code: Light off after repair
Cost of diagnosis: From €39.95 (free with repairs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the engine light mean?
The check engine light (orange engine symbol or CHECK ENGINE) indicates a problem with the engine or exhaust system. This can range from a loose fuel cap to a faulty catalytic converter. Have this checked within a few days at a garage with diagnostic equipment.
Can I drive with an orange light?
Yes, you can carefully drive to a garage. Orange lights indicate problems that require attention but are not immediately dangerous. However, schedule a visit to the garage as soon as possible (within a few days) to prevent the situation from worsening.
What if the oil light is on?
If the oil pressure light is red, you must IMMEDIATELY stop safely and turn off the engine. Low oil pressure can cause serious engine damage within minutes (€3,000-€8,000 repair). Check the oil level and have the car towed to a garage if it's normal.
How much does it cost to have a light read?
At Faay Auto Groep, computer diagnostics cost €39.95. Many garages offer free diagnostics if you also have the repairs carried out. The diagnostics read error codes and tell you exactly what's wrong, so you don't pay for unnecessary repairs.
Why does the light stay on after repair?
Some lights remain on until the error code is cleared from memory. This must be done with diagnostic equipment. At Faay Auto Groep, we always clear the error codes after repairs so the light goes out. If it comes back, the problem hasn't been solved.
What does a flashing engine light mean?
A flashing engine light is more serious than a solid light. This indicates an acute problem that can cause engine damage (often ignition problems). Drive immediately to a garage – do not continue driving on the highway.
Can a light go off by itself?
Yes, some lights go out if the problem was temporary (e.g., fuel cap not closed properly, temporary sensor failure). If the light comes back regularly, have it checked anyway – there's an underlying problem that needs attention.
What is the difference between ABS and brake light?
The ABS light (orange) means the anti-lock braking system is not working – the brakes are still functioning. The brake light (red) indicates a problem with the entire braking system and is much more serious. If the brake light is red, stop immediately!
Why is the battery light on?
The battery light means the battery isn't charging. Possible causes: a faulty alternator, slipping V-belt, or faulty wiring. You can still drive for a while on the battery, but turn off all electrical components and drive to a garage immediately.
Should I go to the dealer or can a garage also help?
A professional garage like Faay Auto Groep has the same diagnostic equipment as dealers. We can read all the warning lights and resolve most issues, often at a lower cost. A dealer may only be necessary for specific software updates.
Warning Light Checked?
Is a warning light on and you don't know what to do? Faay Auto Group in Nieuwegein we will help you further:
- Computer diagnosis: €39.95 (free with repairs)
- Professional equipment: All makes and models
- Clear explanation: What's going on
- Honest advice: What needs to happen
- Transparent prices: First quote, then repair
- Fast service: Often immediately or the same day
- Warranty: On all activities
Have the light checked:
- Call: 030 601 99 15
- Online: Book an appointment now
- Visit: Lageweide 271, 3439 LM Nieuwegein
- Speed? Call for an urgent appointment
Don't ignore warning lights – small problems can turn into major repairs. Have it checked today!
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