Dashboard warning lights: What do they mean?

What are the main dashboard warning lights?

Charging system

Colour

Red

Meaning
The battery light may indicate a problem with the battery or the charging system. It could also mean a loose or broken alternator drive belt.

Risks
If this system fails, all electrical assistance could stop working, greatly increasing the risk of an accident.

What to do

• Turn off electrical accessories (radio, heater, air conditioning) or reduce their use.
• Pull over as soon as possible in a safe place.
• Have your vehicle towed to an auto repair shop.

Coolant temperature

Colours

• Red
• Orange (some models)
• Blue (some models)

Meaning
The thermometer-in-liquid icon means the coolant temperature is too high or there’s a coolant leak. It could also point to a faulty thermostat, sensor, or water pump. If the light is blue, it means the engine hasn’t reached optimal temperature yet—accelerate gradually.

Risks

• Engine overheating
• Blown head gasket
• Excessive fuel consumption
• Premature wear of internal engine components

What to do

• Stop the vehicle safely.
• Turn off the engine and let it cool down (never open the radiator cap while hot).
• Check the coolant level in the reservoir and top up if needed.
• Tow your vehicle if necessary. A professional mechanic should inspect it to identify the cause.

Engine oil pressure

Colour

Red

Meaning
The oil can icon signals insufficient engine oil pressure.

Risk

Engine damage

What to do

• Stop in a safe place immediately.
• Turn off the engine.
• Once it cools, check the oil level and add more if needed.

If the light stays on after restarting, turn off the engine right away and have the car towed to a repair shop.

Brake system

Colours

• Red
• Orange

Meaning
A red circle with an exclamation mark means brake system failure. Often caused by low brake fluid or reduced brake pressure. It may also mean the parking brake is on, stuck, or the brake pads are worn out.

Risks

• Overheating brakes
• Accelerated brake pad wear
• Increased braking distance
• Damaged brake discs
• Wheel lockup
• Brake failure
• Loss of vehicle control

What to do

• Press the brake pedal firmly and observe its response.
• Engage and release the parking brake.
• If the brake light stays on, stop your vehicle and check the brake fluid level.

If there’s a leak, have your car towed or visit a mechanic quickly. A professional can check for damaged brake hoses or faulty components like a brake caliper.

Hood, trunk, or door open

Colours

• Red
• Orange (some models)

Meaning
These icons appear if a door, the hood, or the trunk is not properly closed.

Risks

• Hood: reduced visibility, windshield damage
• Trunk: lost objects, danger to other drivers
• Door: danger to passengers, noise, exhaust gas entering the cabin

What to do

• Stop in a safe place.
• Close the hood properly.

If the light stays on, have it checked by a professional.

Yellow and green warning lights

These warning lights indicate major issues related to passenger safety. They also draw the driver’s attention to potentially dangerous situations.

Seat belt

Colours

• Yellow
• Red

Meaning
The seated figure with a belt lights up if the seat is occupied but the seat belt isn’t fastened.

Risks

• Serious injury or death in the event of an accident or sudden braking

What to do

Always fasten your seat belt properly.

Airbag system

Colours:

• Yellow
• Red

Meaning
The airbag icon signals a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system (SRS), including airbags or seat belt pretensioners.

Risks

• Airbags won’t deploy in a collision
• Airbags may deploy unexpectedly
• Seat belts may lose tension support

What to do

Contact your dealer or mechanic as soon as possible.

Check engine light (Malfunction indicator)

Colours

• Yellow
• Red

Meaning
The engine-shaped icon indicates an emissions control system malfunction.

Risks

• Poor emissions control
• Increased fuel consumption
• Catalytic converter damage
• Loss of engine power

What to do

If steady: Ensure the gas cap is tightened until it clicks. If the light remains there, visit a repair shop.

If flashing: Stop the vehicle in a safe spot and have it towed to the nearest garage.

Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Colours

• Yellow
• Orange

Meaning
The exclamation mark inside a tire means one or more tires have low air pressure.

Risks

• Unstable driving
• Higher fuel consumption
• Premature tire wear or blowouts
• Reduced traction
• Longer braking distance

What to do

• Check your tire pressure (keep a tire gauge in your car).
• Inflate the affected tire(s) as needed.

Some vehicles display tire pressure directly on the onboard computer.

Electric power steering (EPS)

Colours

• Yellow
• Orange
• Red (some models)

Meaning
A steering wheel with an exclamation mark signals a problem with the power steering system.

Risks

• Difficult manoeuvring
• Steering wheel lock
• Loss of control

What to do

Have your vehicle towed to the nearest repair shop. A mechanic must diagnose the issue.

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Colours

• Yellow
• Orange

Meaning
The ABS letters inside a circle mean the anti-lock braking system is malfunctioning or deactivated. Basic brakes still work, but without ABS assistance.

Risks

• Wheel lockup
• Loss of traction
• Loss of control

What to do

• Avoid hard braking if possible. In an emergency, brake just before the wheels lock.

Visit your vehicle’s manufacturer/dealer or mechanic immediately to fix the ABS system.

Winter mode

Colours

• Yellow
• Orange
• Blue (some models)

Meaning
The snowflake on a road icon signals possible dangerous road conditions when the temperature drops below freezing. In most vehicles, this light turns on when it falls below 4°C.

Risks

• Reduced traction
• Loss of control
• Hydroplaning
• Longer braking distances

What to do

Drive cautiously in winter conditions and equip your car with winter tires when the time comes (the earlier the better).

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Colours

• Yellow
• Orange
• Green (some models)
• Blue (some models)
• Red (some models)

Meaning

Depending on the colour, the car-with-squiggly-lines icon means ESC is active, off, or malfunctioning. ESC improves traction and stability to reduce skidding risks.

Risks

• Skidding on rain, snow, ice, or gravel
• Loss of vehicle control

What to do

• If steady: Ease off the accelerator to regain traction.
• If flashing: The traction control system (ESC, TCS) is actively correcting a loss of grip.

What do the dashboard light colours mean?

Red lights

Immediate danger (low oil, overheating engine, brake failure, etc.). Stop safely, have the car towed if needed, and get it inspected by a professional mechanic.

See our tips for choosing the right mechanic and making the necessary repairs or adjustments.

Orange or yellow lights

Issues that need attention soon (engine, windshield washer fluid, low tire pressure). You can still drive your vehicle briefly, but ignoring them increases risks. However, these situations can be dangerous if you decide not to deal with them.

Green or blue lights

Information or activated functions (high beams, cruise control, eco-driving mode). No need to worry—you can keep driving safely.

What if you don’t recognize a warning light?

Dashboard warning lights vary by car model. If you don’t recognize a symbol:

• Check your vehicle owner’s manual.
• Contact CAA-Quebec’s Mobility Advisory Services.

Good to know: Regular car maintenance is essential to prevent breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and keep you safe on the road. It’s also a smart way to help lower your auto insurance premiums.