Below list is the most common warning lights for most automobiles. Some auto manufacturer use different warning lights, and some do not use these warning lights, so always refer to your owner's manual when you're not 100% sure what the light indicates.
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Temperature Warning Light:
This indicates that your car's engine is overheated and may need more coolant. If this light turns on while you are driving, pull over as soon as possible and turn off your engine. You may need to add coolant to your vehicle's coolant reservoir; however, never open your vehicle's coolant reservoir cap while the engine is still hot. You may need to wait for a while until the engine is cool, then you can open your coolant reservoir cap and add coolant.
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Oil Pressure Warning Light:
This indicates that your oil level may be too low. Check your oil dipstick and add oil if necessary. If your warning light is still lit after adding oil, visit a mechanic.
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Check Engine Warning Light:
This indicates that there is a serious problem with the engine that requires your immediate attention. You may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic right away. If the engine light comes on in conjunction with other warning lights such as the temperature warning light or oil pressure warning light, pull over and turn off the engine and follow the instructions above for the issues relating to temperature and oil pressure.
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Tire Pressure Warning Light:
This indicates that one or more your vehicle's tires have low pressure. On occasions, this happens when one or more of your tires are getting close to going flat due to possible damage or because you may have driven over a nail or sharp object. If this light comes on while you are driving on the highway at the higher speed, grab your steering wheel firmly, so you can control your car better in case of a tire blowout, start slowing down, and pull over the vehicle as soon as you can. Then take your vehicle to a tire center for tire inspection.
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Brake System Warning Light:
This indicates that there is a problem with the brake system. Also, you may have left your parking brake on, or you may have low brake fluid.
If you do not have your parking brake on, your vehicle's brake fluid is okay, and your brake system Warning Light still comes on, you need to stop driving the vehicle and take the vehicle to a mechanic for repairing the brake system.
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ABS Warning Light:
This indicates that your vehicle's anti-lock brake system (ABS) has been deactivated due to an issue with the ABS. However, the standard brake system is working. ABS is important for situations when you need to stop the vehicle suddenly, or you need to brake on a wet or slippery road. Thus, it is recommended to fix the ABS issue as soon as possible.
If both the Brake System Warning Light and ABS Warning Light come on while you're driving, pull over immediately – there is a possibility that your brake system is not working. Take your vehicle to a mechanic.
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Electronic Stability Control Light:
This indicates that the vehicle's traction control is activated to prevent skidding; this is caused by slippery driving conditions.
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Transmission Temperature Warning Light:
This indicates that the transmission's current temperature is higher than normal. Pull over and let the engine cool, and then check the coolant level and transmission fluid level; if both are at the correct level and your transmission temperature warning light is still on, take your vehicle to a mechanic.
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Battery Warning Light:
This indicates that your vehicle's charging system is not working correctly, and the engine is not getting enough power. This problem may be caused by your battery's condition or its terminal connections, or your vehicle's alternator or alternator belt. Don't turn off the engine because it may not turn on again and take the vehicle to a nearest part store or mechanic. Part stores usually have a tester that can test the battery and alternator for you at no charge.
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Airbag Warning Light:
This indicates that your vehicle's airbag system is not working properly. Take your vehicle to a mechanic or a dealer to fix this safety issue.
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Door Ajar Warning Light:
This indicates that there is a door or the trunk door is open. Make sure that all of the doors and hood and trunk are closed before starting to drive your vehicle. Also, if you leave your door open and the vehicle's light is on, it can drain your battery.
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Fog Lamp:
This indicates that the vehicle's front lamp is on.
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