Dashboard lights for the safety systems
Start with the color, then find the symbol. These are the lights that belong to the systems in our guides, drawn the way most makers draw them.
Red
Something needs attention now. Stop when it is safe and find out what it is.
Amber or yellow
A system is off, limited or has a fault. Check it soon.
Green or blue
A feature is switched on and working. Nothing is wrong.
Red
Brake system
The parking brake is on, the brake fluid is low or the brake system has a fault. If it stays on with the parking brake released, stop and get help before driving on.
Airbag (SRS)
Usually a seated figure with a circle in front. It lights briefly at start-up. If it stays on or flashes, the airbags may not deploy in a crash.
Seat belt reminder
Someone in a front seat, and on many cars a rear seat, is not buckled. It often comes with a chime that grows louder.
Amber or yellow
Stability control
A car with two wavy lines behind it. Flashing means the system is working right now, so ease off. Steady, or with OFF, means it is switched off or has a fault.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
The letters ABS in a circle. Normal braking still works, but the wheels can lock in a hard stop. Have it checked.
Tire pressure
A horseshoe shape with an exclamation mark inside. One or more tires are low. Check all four, including the pressure on the label inside the door frame.
Forward collision system off
Often two cars with a star or a line between them, or the same symbol with OFF. The car will not warn or brake for you until it is back on or the sensor is cleared.
Blind spot system off
Usually two cars side by side or a car with radiating lines. Often appears when the rear sensors are blocked by dirt, snow or a trailer.
Passenger airbag off
Words or a symbol near the rear-view mirror or center stack. Expected with a child or an empty seat. If an adult is sitting there and it says OFF, check their seating position and the manual.
Green or blue
Lane keeping on
A car between two lane lines, or a steering wheel with lines beside it. Green or white usually means it can see the lines; grey means it is standing by.
Adaptive cruise on
A speedometer or car symbol with a gap marker. The car is holding a set speed and following distance.
Symbols differ between makers and model years, and many cars show a message in words alongside them. When the two disagree, your owner’s manual is right. If a red light comes on while you are driving, stop when it is safe to do so.
