Car Engine Light Meanings

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is the most common type of engine light. It can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Oxygen sensor failure
• Spark plug or ignition coil failure
• Catalytic converter failure
• Fuel injector failure
• Mass airflow sensor failure

If the check engine light is on, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to more serious problems and expensive repairs.

Service Engine Soon Light

The service engine soon light is less serious than the check engine light. It typically indicates that your car is due for a scheduled maintenance service, such as an oil change or tire rotation.

If the service engine soon light is on, you should have your car serviced as soon as possible. Ignoring the service engine soon light can lead to decreased performance and fuel efficiency.

Engine Overheating Light

The engine overheating light is a serious warning that your car’s engine is overheating. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Coolant leak
• Water pump failure
• Thermostat failure
• Faulty radiator fan

If the engine overheating light is on, it is important to pull over and turn off your car immediately. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 30 minutes before restarting it.

Ignoring the engine overheating light can lead to serious engine damage.

Oil Pressure Light

The oil pressure light is a warning that your car’s oil pressure is low. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Oil leak
• Oil pump failure
• Clogged oil filter

If the oil pressure light is on, it is important to stop driving immediately. Continuing to drive with low oil pressure can lead to serious engine damage.

Battery Light

The battery light is a warning that your car’s battery is not charging properly. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Loose or corroded battery terminals
• Faulty alternator
• Bad battery

If the battery light is on, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

ABS Light

The ABS light is a warning that your car’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) is not working properly. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Faulty ABS sensor
• Bad ABS module
• Damaged wiring

If the ABS light is on, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Traction Control Light

The traction control light is a warning that your car’s traction control system (TCS) is not working properly. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Faulty TCS sensor
• Bad TCS module
• Damaged wiring

If the traction control light is on, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Airbag Light

The airbag light is a warning that your car’s airbags are not working properly. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Faulty airbag sensor
• Bad airbag module
• Damaged wiring

If the airbag light is on, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light

The TPMS light is a warning that your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is not working properly. This can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

• Faulty TPMS sensor
• Bad TPMS module
• Damaged wiring

If the TPMS light is on, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.