Understanding Common Dashboard Warning Symbols

PW Auto Repairs
3 days ago
4 min read

Modern vehicles are packed with technology designed to keep you safe - and one of the most important tools at your fingertips is your dashboard warning lights. But with so many symbols, it can be hard to know which ones need urgent attention.

We recently had a panicked customer concerned about a new symbol on his dash. Turned out, he had inadvertently put the vehicle into "Eco Mode" - so it was a 30 second visit and no need for a diagnostic assessment or work!

Some warnings however, are absolutely critical - so you should never ignore a warning.

At PW Auto Repairs, we’re here to help you stay safe, informed, and stress-free on the road. Here’s a breakdown of the most common dashboard warning symbols - and what to do if they appear.

A Variety Of Common Dashboard Warning Symbols

Red Warning Lights: Stop Immediately

Red lights are serious — they usually mean a critical issue that needs immediate attention. We'd always recommend getting a vehicle recovered to a garage if you have a serious warning and do not know what the issue is.

Engine Overheating Light

Usually looks like: A thermometer in water or water tank

What it means: Your engine is too hot. Stop the car as soon as it's safe, and let it cool. Driving further can cause serious damage.

Oil Pressure Warning

Usually looks like: An old-fashioned oil can

What it means: Low oil pressure. Stop and check your oil level immediately. Running an engine without enough oil can cause major damage. If the oil level is ok, don't assume there isn't an issue - check with garage as it could indicate a serious issue.

Brake System Warning

Usually looks like: An exclamation mark in a circle

What it means: There may be an issue with your brakes or brake fluid. If your handbrake is off and this light is still on, don’t drive — get professional help.

Amber/Orange Warning Lights: Check Soon

Amber lights are warnings that something needs attention soon - not an emergency, but don’t ignore them. The situation could suddenly get worse.

Check Engine Light

Usually looks like: An outline of an engine

What it means: A problem in the engine or emissions system. Book a diagnostic check with us as soon as possible.

Traction Control / Stability Light

Usually looks like: A car with squiggly lines behind it

What it means: Your traction or stability control has been activated or has a fault. Be cautious, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Usually looks like: An exclamation mark inside a flat tyre shape (like a horseshoe)

What it means: One or more of your tyres may be under-inflated or losing pressure. It's not an emergency, but driving with incorrect tyre pressure can affect fuel economy, tyre wear, and safety. Check and adjust your tyre pressures as soon as possible, and inspect for punctures.

Green & Blue Lights: Information

These lights usually show that a system is active, like your headlights or cruise control.

High Beam Indicator

Usually looks like: A blue headlight symbol

What it means: Your high beams are on. Be sure to turn them off when other drivers approach.

Cruise Control Indicator

Usually looks like: A speed dial or steering wheel

What it means: Cruise control is active. No action needed unless you want to switch it off.

Dash Warning - Front Assist Not Available

What Is "Limp Mode" or "Restricted Performance"?

If your dashboard shows a warning like "Restricted Performance", or your car suddenly loses power and won’t accelerate properly, your vehicle may have entered what’s known as limp mode.

Limp mode (also called “restricted performance mode” by some manufacturers like Land Rover and Jaguar) is a safety feature that kicks in when your vehicle detects a serious fault - usually related to the engine, transmission, or turbo system.

It reduces your engine power, limits your speed, and disables non-essential features to prevent further damage while you get to a garage.

Common Causes of Limp Mode:

Faulty sensors (e.g. MAF, throttle position)
Turbocharger issues
EGR or DPF problems (especially in diesel vehicles)
Transmission faults
Overheating or low oil pressure

What Should You Do?

Don’t panic - limp mode is designed to protect your vehicle.
Pull over safely and turn the engine off for a few minutes. In some cases, a short reset may temporarily clear the issue.
Avoid driving long distances or on motorways — your car may not respond as normal.
Book a diagnostic check with a trusted garage (like us!) to read the fault codes and get to the root of the issue.

What Should I Do If a Warning Light Stays On?

If a warning light comes on and stays on:

Stop driving if it's red
Check your handbook to confirm the meaning
Call us to book a diagnostic assessment - we have the latest diagnostic equipment to find and fix issues quickly
When safe to do so, take a photo of the warning message/symbol. Think about the road conditions and any other events around the time the warning came on. Was everything working as it should? Are there any other symptoms? Additional information may help us get to the root cause of the issue faster.