Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators

Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury.

Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Some warning lights come on briefly when the engine is started to indicate they are working.

Gauges can indicate when there could be a problem with a vehicle function. Often gauges and warning lights work together to indicate a problem with the vehicle.

When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on while driving, or when one of the gauges shows there may be a problem, check the section that explains what to do. Follow this manual's advice.

Waiting to do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.

See also:

When the Change Engine Oil Soon Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See Engine Oil. An Emission Control Service. When the Change Engine Oil Soon message displays, service is required for the vehicle as soon as possible, within the ne ...

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
English Shown, Metric Similar This gauge shows the engine coolant temperature. If the indicator needle moves to the hot side of the gauge toward the shaded area, the engine is too hot. If the v ...

Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. The light turns off when the engine is started. If ...