Introduction
As a car owner, you might have seen warning lights blinking on your vehicle’s dashboard. However, you might be unaware of some of those warning lights and the sensitivity of the problem.
These issues must be resolved urgently to prevent any accident or damage to the vehicle.
Critical Vehicle Warning Lights
This article will shed light on some critical vehicle warning lights, their leading causes, and some ways to resolve those warning light issues.
Door Open Warning Light
How/Why this light appears?
This light flashes when either one or more than one door of your car is open or not closed properly.
Some car models also blink the door open warning light when the trunk or bonnet is not closed correctly.
Modern car models also indicate the specific door in the warning light, making it easy for the vehicle owner to close that door properly. In addition, the door open warning light can also appear if there is an issue with the door switch. Thus, the switch fails to send a correct signal to the car’s computer resulting in the door open warning light blinking on your dashboard.
How to resolve this light issue?
If the car model is older, it is advised to check all the doors, including the bonnet and trunk, and close them properly. If the problem persists, try cleaning the door switch with a lubricant such as WD-40. Similarly, opening and closing the door 5-10 times can also help resolve this issue.
If these remedies are not working, contact a professional car mechanic to inspect the car switch and associated wires.
Read more about the door opening light warning
Washer Fluid Warning Light
How/Why this light appears?
Washer liquid is beneficial when the driver needs to clean the windshield in dry conditions. The modern automobile is thus equipped with a small reservoir that can store a soapy liquid. This liquid can be used to clean the dirt off the windshield.
The washer fluid light blinks to alert the driver about the low liquid level in the washer’s reservoir.
How to resolve this light issue?
The washer fluid warning light should automatically stop blinking when you fill the reservoir with the fluid. However, in some cases, the reservoir sensor might malfunction, and the light can keep on blinking even if the reservoir is filled up with liquid. In this case, check the washer liquid sensor and replace it if necessary.
Read more about the washer fluid warning light
ABS Warning Light
How/Why this light appears?
Suppose the ABS warning light blinks on your vehicle’s dashboard, indicating that any part of the module or the entire module is malfunctioning. In this case, the car’s regular braking will work fine, but the anti-lock braking will be deactivated.
The ABS warning light indicates that the traction and stability control features will also be deactivated as they depend upon the ABS module for proper functioning.
Some common reasons for this light appearing can be a blown fuse, a damaged ABS sensor, a problem in the ABS controller, or a broken wire between the ABS controller and the sensor.
How to resolve this light issue?
If the ABS light blinks on your dashboard, try the computer reset method. This can be done by turning the ignition off and on. If the issue persists, then try to check the brake pedals. If the pedals are making a grinding sound, then there is a possibility that this light is blinking due to worn-out pedals. If the pedals are good, take the vehicle to a professional mechanic who can check ABS sensors, controllers, and wires to resolve the issue.
Read more about the ABS warning light
Handbrake Warning Light
How/Why this light appears?
A handbrake or emergency brake light appears when the handbrake lever is pulled up, or the e-brake button is pressed. However, if the light still seems on, lowering the brake lever or switching off the button can signify a malfunctioning handbrake.
One common reason for a Handbrake warning light can be a faulty switch. This can be checked by adjusting the handbrake level. If the light blinks off and on, then the faulty switch is the main reason for the appearance of this light.
Similarly, any pressure on the handbrake cable can cause this light to blink. Another reason for the blinking of this light can be low brake fluids or uneven fluid pressure.
How to resolve this light issue?
If the handbrake warning light blinks on the vehicle’s dashboard, try engaging and disengaging the handbrake lever or switch. If the issue persists, check if anything is stuck in the handbrake switch or button. This can cause the handbrake not to disengage correctly. Finally, check the brake fluids. If the light blinks, take the vehicle to a professional for a sensor and other component checks.
Read more about the Handbrake warning light
Engine Warning Light
How/Why this light appears?
There can be many reasons for the flashing of engine warning light, ranging from a loose gas cap to malfunctioning essential engine components. This light usually appears when there is an issue in the electronic control system. Some vehicles also display warning lights in case of low engine fluid levels.
Modern cars indicate two engine warning lights. The orange light usually means that the problem is not severe, and the driver can keep driving. At the same time, the red engine warning light means stopping the vehicle and resolving the issue immediately.
How to resolve this light issue?
As discussed above, a possible reason for the engine warning light can be a loose gas cap or a low level of engine fluid. So, ensure that the gas cap is tight and the engine fluid level is maintained. Furthermore, try to clean standard sensors with a liquid. However, suppose the vehicle also indicates a decline in engine performance. In that case, towing your car to a professional is recommended, as negligence can even result in a blown-up engine.
Read more about the engine warning light
Power Steering Light
How/Why this light appears?
The power steering light is another critical warning indicating malfunctions in the power steering. However, the causes of this light depend on the type of power steering in your vehicle.
Suppose your car has hydraulic power steering. In that case, the power steering light can indicate a leak in the hydraulic fluid/low-level hydraulic fluid. On the other hand, if your vehicle has an electric power steering, this light can indicate a low battery or loose connection with the battery.
Any of these causes will make power steering hard and challenging to turn.
How to resolve this light issue?
If you are driving a car with hydraulic power steering, check the fluid by locating the power steering reservoir in the engine. There will be a sign of steering on the cap of this reservoir. If the light blinks after filling the reservoir, this might indicate a leak in the hydraulic system. On the other hand, if you are driving a car with electronic steering, try turning off and on the vehicle to restart the computer. Further, check the battery connection and its charging. Finally, try consulting a professional if the issue persists.
Read more about the power steering light warning
TPMS Light
How/Why this light appears?
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light appears on the vehicle’s dashboard when either tire’s tire pressure is low or high. This, in turn, creates unsafe driving conditions. An overinflated or underinflated tire can cause tire wear and even tire failure. So, this light blinks to protect you from any hazardous situation.
How to resolve this light issue?
This issue can be resolved by checking the pressure in your vehicle’s tire. Try to maintain the tire pressure as mentioned in the vehicle’s manual. Similarly, it is also recommended to underinflate or overinflate the tires according to the weather conditions to avoid TPMS light.
Read more about the TPMS warning
Airbag Light
How/Why this light appears?
The airbag light indicates a malfunction in the airbag system. Three possible reasons for this light blinking on your vehicle’s dashboard exist. The first problem can be the airbag sensor, where the sensors send wrong signals to the computer. Similarly, an airbag light can appear on your dashboard if the seatbelts are not buckled properly. Finally, suppose your vehicle has recently been in an accident. In that case, the airbag light can also occur, indicating a malfunction in the system.
How to resolve this light issue?
This issue is difficult to resolve at home. However, try buckling and unbuckling the seatbelts to check if the light stops blinking. If the issue persists, take your car to a professional mechanic/service center.
Read more about the airbag light warning
Battery Warning Light
How/Why this light appears?
A battery warning light appears on the vehicle’s dashboard when the battery cannot provide optimum voltage to the car. This can be due to loose connections or an uncharged battery. Similarly, a damaged alternator can cause the battery warning light to display on your vehicle’s dashboard.
How to resolve this light issue?
This issue can be resolved by removing and reconnecting the battery terminals. Similarly, try scrubbing the rust using WD-40 lubricant or household grease if you see corrosion on the battery terminals. Finally, if the battery light remains on, take the car to a professional mechanic who will check both battery and the alternator to figure out the actual cause of this warning light.
Read more about the battery warning light
Oil Pressure Warning Light
How/Why this light appears?
This light appears on the vehicle’s dashboard when the engine oil level or pressure is considerably low. Similarly, this light can signal that the engine oil pump is not working. A faulty engine oil reservoir sensor can also send this signal to the vehicle’s dashboard.
The common reasons for Oil Pressure Warning light can be a drop in oil pressure level, low engine oil, a faulty engine oil pump, or a faulty sensor.
How to resolve this light issue?
This issue can be resolved by checking the engine oil level in the reservoir. If the engine oil level is low, fill it with new oil according to the vehicle’s manual. If the light blinks, consult a professional mechanic who can check the engine oil pump or the reservoir error to detect the possible problem.
Read more about the oil pressure warning light
Service Maintenance Light
How/Why this light appears?
This light is a common indication that the vehicle is due for a standard service inspection.
Usually, a car requires service after traveling 5000 miles, where it requires engine oil, oil filter, and air filter replacement for optimum performance.
Similarly, the service maintenance light can also blink to indicate the overall service of the car. Again, this is usually required after traveling 60,000 miles.
How to resolve this light issue?
The light issue can quickly be resolved using the reset trip meter button. Turn on the ignition and hold the reset trip meter button for 5-10 seconds. After that, turn off the ignition back on to check if the light has disappeared. This procedure can change depending on the model/make of your vehicle.
Read more about the service maintenance light warning
Engine Temperature Light
How/Why this light appears?
An engine temperature light appears when the car’s engine temperature has exceeded the maximum limit. The major causes of an overheated engine can be leaks in the cooling liquid reservoir, a faulty radiator, or an overworked engine in hot temperature conditions.
How to resolve this light issue?
If the engine temperature light appears while driving, it is advised to keep moving for one or two miles. If the light does not disappear by itself, it is recommended to stop the car and check the cooling reservoir liquid. The vehicle can also be rested to resolve this light issue. However, suppose the light does not go by now. In that case, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic, as driving a heated engine can result in engine seizing.
Read more about the engine temperature light warning
Stability Control Light
How/Why this light appears?
There can be many reasons for the stability control light to blink on your vehicle’s dashboard. The common reason for this light blinking is that the stability control is activated and controls your car. However, if the light remains blinking for a long time, it can be a sign that the vehicle is not stable. Similarly, if the light remains blinking in every drive, this can be a sign of faulty sensors of ESC.
How to resolve this light issue?
The stability control light issue can be resolved by driving slowly on a slippery road. However, if the light blinks on a straight road, it signifies faulty ESC modules or sensors. In this case, take the car to a professional mechanic to resolve the issue.
Read more about the stability control light warning
StabiliTrak Service Light
How/Why this light appears?
StabiliTrak service light appears on the dashboard when there are problems with steering wheel position sensors, ABS sensors, or throttle position sensors. Similarly, there can be issues in the StabiliTrak module that can cause this light to blink on the vehicle’s dashboard.
How to resolve this light issue?
An ordinary driver cannot service StabiliTrak, given its complex system that an average driver cannot comprehend. Thus, it is crucial to visit a professional mechanic who understands this system’s sensors and complex electronics. However, a hard reset is recommended before taking the car to the mechanic.
Read more about the stabiliTrak service light warning
