Meaning of vehicle malfunction (warning) lamps and warning signs
The car dashboard is the brain of a permanent car. It gives you all the necessary information about the status of your vehicle, but most people don’t know what these warning lights on the vehicle’s instrument panel mean. That’s why he keeps using his tool. Then either major damage occurs to the vehicle or fatal accidents occur.
If some of these symbols are lit on your vehicle’s panel, you should definitely take it to the authorized service. We explain in detail when the warning lights on the vehicle’s instrument panel come on, there is a problem or in which situations which lights should come on.
Meanings of vehicle warning or warning lights
The warnings in the image below are numbered. You can find the number of the warning light on your vehicle from the picture and learn what it means from the numbered explanation below.
- Indicates that the front fog lamp is on.
- The Electric Power Steering System (EPS) light comes on automatically when you turn on the ignition. If the light does not go out within 4 seconds of starting the car, this indicates a fault in the steering system. As a result of this malfunction, the steering becomes stiff after a while.
- Indicates that the rear fog light is on.
- Indicates that the windshield washer fluid level is low. However, these warnings go off 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on. If it does not go out, it means that the windshield washer fluid is running low. In this case, add windshield washer fluid.
- Indicates that the brake pads are worn.
- Fixed vehicles with cruise control have this warning. It lights up when you put the vehicle in cruise control.
- These are the signals you should give when turning right and left.
- The brightness and rain sensor calculates the refraction and reflection status of the light when it rains and reports this to the control unit.
- This system, which you can activate with the winter mode button, ensures that you can drive smoothly on an icy and slippery road.
- Message notification light Some supported messages light up yellow or red. It lights up yellow if the message is of normal importance and red if it is of high importance.
- The glow plug warning lamp illuminates for 4 seconds when the ignition is switched on. If it does not go out, this indicates a problem with the fuel system water temperature sensor.
- This warning light lights up yellow or red, depending on the outside temperature. It lights yellow when the ambient temperature is between +4°C (39ºF) and +0°C (32ºF), and red when it lights up at temperatures below +0ºC (32ºF).
- If the ignition switch warning light comes on while the vehicle is running, this indicates a malfunction and you should take the vehicle to an Authorized Service Center without turning off the ignition.
- The key is not in the vehicle, it is the warning light. (Applies to vehicles equipped with the keyless entry system.)
- Indicates that the key chip battery is low.
- It is the next distance warning light.
- Indicates that the clutch pedal must be depressed when the ignition is switched on.
- Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal to move the automatic gear lever.
- Steering lock warning. If this light is red, it means that the vehicle should not be driven. If it illuminates yellow, it indicates a fault in the steering lock.
- Indicates that the high beams are on.
- If this warning illuminates, it indicates low tire pressure or a malfunction in the tire pressure monitoring system.
- It comes on when the dipped beam, direction indicators or rear lights are on or in the event of a malfunction.
- Indicates a malfunction in at least one of the parking lights, brake lights, rear fog lights, turn signals, interior lights, license plate lights, daytime running lights.
- Indicates that the outer brake lamp is defective.
- The particulate filter indicator indicates that the filters in the DPF are clogged.
- It turns on when the electricity supplied to the trailer by the vehicles connected to the trailer is interrupted.
- It is an air suspension warning light. This light system usually comes on due to an error in the handling, stability and ground clearance of the vehicle.
- Lane Keeping Aid. This system prevents you from going disproportionately on the roadway. If this warning device glows solid red, it indicates a fault in the system.
- Catalytic converter warning light. It lights up in case of overheating and damage.
- Indicates that the seat belt is not fastened
- It comes on when you put the gear in “Park” after parking the vehicle in cars with automatic transmission. If it illuminates in any other condition, it indicates a problem with the parking system.
- It is the charging system warning light. It comes on when you switch the ignition on and goes off when the engine starts. If the light comes on outside of these conditions, it indicates a low battery or problem with the charging system. Do not drive your vehicle.
- Parking aid warning light. It lights up for 4 seconds when the ignition is switched on and then goes out. Other than that, when it illuminates, it indicates a malfunction in the system.
- It is a service error warning light. It flashes for 4 seconds when you switch on the ignition. If this light flashes continuously, it means that you should definitely take your vehicle in for service.
- It is a warning light for an adaptive lighting system. Indicates a malfunction in the headlights.
- Headlight level control notification light. If this light comes on, it indicates a malfunction in the headlamp leveling system.
- The rear spoiler is the notification light. Indicates a malfunction in the rear spoiler system.
- Convertible top warning light. This light turns on and off when the roof is opened or closed. If it illuminates when it is not on-off, it indicates a malfunction in the system.
- Air bag and seat belt system warning light. It flashes several times when the ignition is turned on. If this light does not go off, it indicates a problem with the airbag.
- Brake system warning light. It lights up when you apply the parking brake and goes out when you release it. If it does not go out, this indicates a malfunction in the braking system.
- It is a water warning light. This symbol illuminates when the water level in the fuel filter exceeds a certain level.
- It is the warning light that indicates that the airbag system is deactivated.
- Indicates a malfunction in the mechanical or electrical system.
- Indicates that the dipped beam is on.
- Indicates that the vehicle’s air filter should be replaced if it is dirty.
- This is the ECO indicator icon. The function is a system that informs you to drive economically over long distances. When the ECO is on, the green light on the panel lights up.
- Descent Control System (DCS) active and not ready warning light. If it is green it means the system is running, if it is yellow it is not ready.
- It is the engine coolant temperature warning light. When you switch on the ignition, it lights up for 4 seconds and then goes out. If it does not go out, it means that the engine coolant is overheated.
- It is an ABS warning light. When you switch on the ignition, it lights up for 4 seconds and then goes out. If it doesn’t go off when you turn the ignition on, it indicates a problem with the ABS system.
- It is a warning light for a fuel filter water separator. When you switch on the ignition, it lights up for 4 seconds and then goes out. If it comes on while driving, it means there is water in the fuel filter. lights up and goes out after a few seconds. If it comes on while driving, it means that the water in the fuel filter has exceeded a certain level.
- It is an open door warning light. Indicates that the door is open or not fully closed.
- Indicates that the hood is open.
- Low fuel warning light. When you switch on the ignition, it lights up for 4 seconds and then goes out. If your fuel is running low, the light will not go out.
- It is a warning light for an automatic transmission malfunction. This lamp sends you a message when it is lit. Act on that message or take it to the authorized service.
- It illuminates when the speed limit is exceeded in vehicles with a speed limiter.
- Adaptive suspension shock absorbers are the warning light.
- It is the engine oil pressure warning light. When you switch on the ignition, it lights up for 4 seconds and then goes out. If it comes on while driving, it means that the engine oil pressure has dropped significantly.
- Indicates that the windshield defroster is active. If the windshield does not demist while this light is on, there is a problem with the system.
- It is the warning light that indicates that the boot lid is open.
- The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is both an active and a warning light. When you switch on the ignition, it lights up for 4 seconds and then goes out. If it lights up otherwise, this indicates a malfunction in the ESP system.
- Indicates that the rain sensor is active.
- It is the exhaust system indicator light. When you switch on the ignition, it lights up for 4 seconds and then goes out. If the lamp illuminates outside of this condition, it indicates a malfunction.
- Indicates that the rear window defroster is operating.
- Indicates that the automatic wiper is operating.
What are the fault (warning) lamps in the vehicle?
Fault (warning) lights in the vehicle are flashing lights that warn and inform the driver when there is a problem in various systems or parts of the vehicle. These lamps indicate possible problems with various vehicle systems such as engine, braking system, airbag, battery, fuel, temperature.
Which fault (warning) lamps are used most often?
The most commonly used fault (warning) lamps are engine fault lamp, brake system fault lamp, airbag fault lamp, ABS fault lamp, fuel level warning lamp and battery fault lamp. However, different fault lamps may also be used depending on the vehicle model and manufacturer.
What should I do if the fault light (warning light) comes on?
If the MIL (warning light) comes on, stop in a safe place first and refer to your vehicle owner’s manual. The manual contains information about the meaning of the fault (warning) lamps and how to intervene. In some cases, the MIL may indicate a serious problem, which may require a workshop to be contacted.
Can I continue to drive the vehicle if the MIL (warning light) is on?
If the malfunction (warning) light is on, it may be risky to continue driving your vehicle, depending on the nature of the problem. It is important to stop your vehicle and call service, especially if the engine or brake system malfunction lights are illuminated. When the MIL illuminates, it is important to resolve the problem quickly for safety and vehicle performance.
Can the fault (warning) lamps flash?
Yes, in some cases the fault (warning) lights may flash to indicate that the problem is temporary or that there is a minor fault in the system.