#dashboard lights

Several warning lights appeared on a Honda Accord.

Your vehicle’s dashboard houses many warning lights. 

Some may be more familiar to drivers, like the check engine light or tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light. 

Others – such as the airbag light – might not appear as often. However, they are still worth paying attention to.

When you start your vehicle, various dashboard lights should appear for a few seconds before turning off.

One of these symbols sort of resembles a teapot with a drop of fluid coming from the spout. This icon is the oil pressure light. 

If there is something going on with the oil level or – as the name implies – oil pressure, the warning light will illuminate.

Dashboard lights play an important role in alerting drivers to potential issues in their vehicles. If one or more of these lights suddenly turn on or remain on, it can be both confusing and frustrating. Knowing how to fix dashboard lights is important to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly. Below are simple tips to help you troubleshoot and address common dashboard light problems.

Understand What the Lights Mean

Before fixing the problem, you need to know what each light on your dashboard represents. Some of the most common dashboard lights include:

Check Engine Light: Indicates issues with the engine or emissions system.

Battery Light: Suggests a problem with the car’s battery or charging system.

Oil Pressure Light: Warns of low oil pressure, which can damage the engine.

ABS Light: Points to an issue with the anti-lock braking system.

Modern cars come with dozens of dashboard lights, and knowing what they mean will help you take the right action quickly. Your car’s manual contains a complete list of these lights.

Turn the Car Off and On Again

Sometimes, dashboard lights may turn on by accident due to a temporary glitch in the car’s system. The simplest way to reset them is by turning the car off, waiting a minute, and restarting it. If the lights remain off after restarting, it may have been a minor software issue. However, if the lights come back on, there could be an underlying problem.

Check the Car’s Battery

A weak or dying battery can trigger multiple dashboard lights. Use a voltage tester to check if the battery is in good condition. A healthy car battery should read around 12.6 volts or higher. If the reading is lower, the battery might need to be replaced.

If the battery is more than 3-5 years old, consider replacing it even if it still works, as most car batteries begin to lose effectiveness over time.

Inspect Fuses and Wiring Connections

Dashboard lights rely on electrical circuits to function. A blown fuse or a loose wiring connection could cause these lights to stay on or not light up when needed.

Locate the fuse box (usually under the dashboard or in the engine compartment).

Use the car’s manual to identify the fuses related to the dashboard.

Replace any blown fuses with ones that match the same amperage.

If the problem persists, it might require checking the wiring connections under the dashboard or in the engine compartment.

Use an OBD-II Scanner

For more complex problems, you might need a diagnostic tool like an OBD-II scanner. This tool connects to your car’s onboard computer and reads error codes that explain why certain dashboard lights are on.

You can purchase an OBD-II scanner for about $30-$50 or borrow one from an auto parts store. Once connected, the scanner will display codes related to engine, transmission, or sensor issues. These codes can help you decide whether the issue requires professional attention or a simple DIY fix.

Reset the Dashboard Lights

If you’ve resolved the issue but the light stays on, you may need to manually reset the dashboard light. The easiest way to do this is by:

Disconnecting the battery’s negative terminal for 15-30 minutes.

Reconnecting the battery and starting the car.

This method often works for resetting warning lights like the check engine light. However, if the light remains on, it’s best to scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner or visit a mechanic.

Inspect the Sensors

Many dashboard lights are triggered by faulty sensors. For example, if your tire pressure light stays on, one or more tire pressure sensors might be malfunctioning. Similarly, a failing oxygen sensor could trigger the check engine light.

Sensors wear out over time and need to be replaced. In some cases, cleaning the sensor connections may temporarily fix the issue, but replacing the faulty sensor ensures long-term reliability.

Know When to Call a Mechanic

While some dashboard lights can be fixed at home, others may indicate serious issues. For example, the airbag light (SRS light) means there is a problem with the airbag system, which is crucial for safety. Similarly, the ABS light points to brake issues that should not be ignored.

If you are unsure how to fix dashboard lights or feel uncomfortable handling complex repairs, it’s best to visit a trusted mechanic. They can quickly diagnose the issue using advanced tools and ensure your car is safe to drive.

Consider Professional Help From a Car Transport Company

If your car needs extensive repairs or has multiple dashboard lights on, you may need to take it to a specialized repair shop. Driving a car with warning lights on can be risky. In such cases, using a car transport company can be a safer and more convenient option.

Car transport services can help move your vehicle to a mechanic or dealer without adding extra wear and tear to the car. This is especially useful if you need to transport the car across a long distance or if it is not safe to drive.

Prevent Future Issues with Regular Maintenance

Prevention is always better than repair. Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance can help you avoid dashboard light problems altogether. Here are some tips:

Check the oil level and replace it every 3,000-5,000 miles.

Inspect the battery and replace it every 3-5 years.

Rotate your tires and check their pressure every month.

Get the brakes checked regularly, especially before long trips.

Routine maintenance reduces the chances of warning lights turning on and ensures your car stays in good condition for longer.

Well shit, I thought. I don’t have key fob batteries and I have no idea where my second set of keys is. So I didn’t make any stops on the way home because I was concerned that if I turned my car off I wouldn’t be able to start it again and would be stuck. So I got home and read a bit more about it, and googled how to change the key fob battery for my car. I then opened up the key fob, figuring I’d see what kind of battery it was and then overnight some from Amazon or something. Turns out it was a watch battery that we already had a few of! I then changed the battery, was able to start the car with no problems, and the light didn’t turn on again.