What Does The Red Warning Light Mean?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A red warning light

demands immediate attention (don't drive any further)

, while yellow/orange warning lights indicate a problem that needs to be serviced soon. If you see a green or blue light, this normally indicates that a certain car function is on or currently in use.

Can you drive with red engine light on?

Red engine management light

If you see this, you should stop when it's safe to do so, in order to prevent serious damage.

Don't drive the car

but call your breakdown recovery provider to have the car checked or recovered to a qualified garage that can investigate the issue.

What does the red light on my dashboard mean?

A red warning light generally indicates a

serious issue with your car

. You should act quickly if your dashboard warning light is red – it could be an overheating engine, low engine oil pressure or a braking system problem.

What causes the brake warning light to come on?

When this light comes on, it means one of two things. Either

the hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) in the master cylinder is low

, or the brake is engaged. … When you press on the brake pedal, you actuate the master cylinder and put pressure on the fluid in the brake lines.

What does handbrake warning light mean?

This light is the

parking brake warning light

. … It illuminates to show that the parking brake or emergency brake is engaged and must be released before driving. If it remains lit after the parking brake is released or if it turns on and off intermittently while you're driving, it means you need to add brake fluid.

What is the most common reason for check engine light?

Oxygen Sensor

A faulty oxygen sensor will return a

check engine

warning every time. In fact, it's one of the

most common reasons why

a

check engine light

comes on while you're driving your automobile.

Can I still drive my car with malfunction indicator light?

If the check engine light comes on while you're driving,

it can be unnerving

. Don't panic, though. … Regardless, you're safe to drive for now as long as the car isn't performing strangely. Just have the check engine light checked and the problem repaired.

Can low oil cause the check engine light to come on?


Low oil pressure

: If your car is low on oil, it can cause your check engine light to go off. This is often shown in its own glowing light along with the check engine light on the dashboard. Overheating: If your car's engine temperature is heating up, it can once again trigger the check engine light.

How do I fix my brake warning light?

  1. Push the brake pedal several times to ensure contact between brake pads and brake discs.
  2. Switch the dashboard off for a few seconds.
  3. Switch the dashboard back on and check if the light still remains.

Why won't my handbrake light go off?

Faulty Switch: One common reason for the Parking Brake light to stay on is a

failing or failed switch

. This can be checked easily by moving the handle to and fro after it is down. If the light turns off (or turns off and then back on), the switch is the most likely culprit and will need to be replaced.

Can you drive with brake light on?

Driving with the Brake Warning Light on

should not be done as

this is dangerous. It means your brakes are not working properly and need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Can worn brake pads cause brake light to come on?

The most likely cause of the brake warning light is that the

brake fluid level has got a little low

. … If your brake pads have become significantly worn, this may trigger the light. Some cars do have a separate warning light for worn brake pads, which looks like this.

Can Low brake fluid cause ABS light to come on?

One reason your vehicle's ABS light is on is

because it may be sensing abnormally low levels of brake fluid

. You'll be able to notice if your brake fluid is low by the way your car brakes. … However, if the brake fluid is low, you'll probably see more than just the ABS light come one.

What does a solid check engine light mean?

If the engine light comes on solid, it may still be a reason for concern, however it doesn't immediately need to strike fear in your heart. A solid Check Engine Light can mean

something like a loose gas cap

, or it can indicate a more in-depth problem like a fuel, timing, or transmission issue.

What could be wrong when check engine light is on?

The light could be a minor issue, such as a

faulty gas cap

, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine. … The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong.

How long can you drive with check engine light on?

When the check engine light is solid, you can typically drive the car

for hundreds of miles without an issue

. Of course, that depends on which code is stored in the vehicle's computer. If an engine sensor is faulty, the car will usually use made up sensor values to keep running.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.