Chevrolet Express Dashboard Warning Lights Meaning

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David Lawrence

Dashboard lights in your Chevrolet Express are critical alerts for safety and maintenance. Recognizing these indicators helps prevent breakdowns, costly repairs, and ensures optimal performance.

Chevrolet Express Dashboard Warning Lights

Red Warning Lights (Stop Immediately)

Engine Oil Pressure

Oil Pressure Warning Light
Low oil pressure or pump failure. Stop driving immediately, check oil levels, and seek service to prevent engine damage.

Brake System Alert

Brake Failure Warning Light
Low brake fluid or hydraulic failure. Park safely and contact a mechanic to restore braking function.

Battery Charge Warning

Battery Warning Light
Charging system malfunction (faulty alternator/battery). Turn off electronics and visit a service center promptly.

SRS Airbag Warning

Airbag Warning Light
Airbag system fault. Immediate inspection required to ensure crash protection systems function properly.

Coolant Temperature Warning

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
Engine overheating. Pull over, turn off the engine, and let it cool before checking coolant levels.

ABS Warning

ABS
Anti-lock braking system failure. Brakes work, but ABS may fail during sudden stops; schedule service soon.

Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Power Steering Warning
Steering assistance failure. Stop driving immediately; manual steering increases accident risk.

Transmission Overheat

Transmission Warning Light
Excessive transmission temperature. Stop driving to prevent gearbox damage; check fluid levels.

Glow Plug Indicator (Diesel)

Glow Plug Warning Light
Pre-heating system issue in diesel engines. Allow extra warm-up time; if persistent, seek service.

Fuel Cap Loose

Fuel Cap Warning Light
Loose or damaged fuel cap. Tighten or replace to prevent fuel evaporation and emissions leaks.

Door Ajar Warning

Doors Open Warning Light
Door/trunk not fully closed. Check all doors to prevent accidents or interior light drain.

Security System Alert

Security Warning Light
Anti-theft system malfunction. Restart the vehicle; if the light persists, consult a technician.

Low Washer Fluid

Washer Fluid Level Warning
Windshield washer fluid low. Refill soon to maintain visibility in adverse weather.

Parking Brake Engaged

Parking Brake Light
Parking brake is active. Release it before driving; if stuck, seek service.

EV Mode Unavailable (Hybrid)

Plug In Hybrid Mode Indicator
Hybrid battery charge too low. The system switches to gas mode; recharge or drive to restore.

Yellow/Amber Warning Lights (Action Required Soon)

Check Engine Light

Engine Warning Light
Engine or emissions system fault. Diagnose via OBD-II scanner; common causes include sensor issues.

Tire Pressure Warning

Tyre Pressure Warning
Low tire pressure detected. Inflate tires to recommended PSI; check for punctures if light remains.

Maintenance Required

Maintenance Required
Routine service due (oil change, filter replacement). Schedule an appointment within 500 miles.

Traction Control Off

Traction Control Warning Light
TRAC system manually disabled. Reactivate via dashboard button for slippery-road safety.

VSC Off

ESC Braking Warning Light
Vehicle Stability Control disabled. Turn it back on unless intentionally off-roading or stuck.

DPF Warning (Diesel)

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Diesel Particulate Filter clogged. Drive at highway speeds to burn off residue or visit a mechanic.

Low Fuel Warning

Low Fuel Level (Red)
Fuel level critically low. Refuel immediately to avoid stranding or fuel pump damage.

Key Detection Alert

Key Detection Warning
Smart Key not detected. Ensure the key is inside the vehicle or replace its battery.

Lane Departure Alert

Basic RGB
Unintentional lane drift detected. Check road alignment or deactivate the system if desired.

Headlight Malfunction

Headlight Malfunction
Bulb outage or wiring issue. Replace faulty bulbs or inspect electrical connections promptly.

Transmission Alert

Powertrain Malfunction Light
Shift system error. Avoid aggressive driving; have transmission fluid and sensors checked.

Master Warning Light

Master Warning Light
Generic system malfunction (e.g., low washer fluid, electrical issues). Check dashboard messages for details.

AEB Warning

AEB Warning Light
Automatic Emergency Braking system fault. Schedule service to restore collision avoidance features.

4WD Lock Engaged

All Wheel Drive Warning Light
All-wheel-drive mode active. Use for off-road traction; deactivate on normal roads.

Green Warning Lights (Information Only)

Cruise Control Active

Adaptive Cruise Control Warning Light
Cruise control engaged. Speed is maintained automatically; tap the brake to deactivate.

Turn Signal Indicators

Turn Signal Active
Turn signals or hazard lights in use. Manually cancel after completing turns or lane changes.

High Beam Active

High Beam Indicator
High-beam headlights on. Switch to low beams when approaching traffic to avoid blinding others.

Eco Driving Assist

Eco Mode
Fuel-efficient driving detected. Accelerate smoothly and maintain steady speeds to maximize savings.

Shift Position Indicator

Gear Shift Indicator Light
Current gear displayed (P/R/N/D). Ensure correct gear selection before accelerating.

Parking Sensor Active

Parking Sensors Active
Proximity sensors detecting obstacles. Audible alerts increase as objects get closer.

Seatbelt Reminder

Seatbelt Warning Light And Buzzer
Occupant unbuckled. Fasten seatbelts to avoid injury and silence the alert.

Fog Light Active

Front Fog Warning Light
Front/rear fog lights in use. Ideal for low-visibility conditions; disable in clear weather.

Daytime Running Lights

Daytime Running Light Failure
DRL bulbs active. Automatically turns on headlights at reduced brightness for daytime visibility.

Exterior Lights On

Warning Message Light
Headlights or taillights active. Turn off when parked to prevent battery drain.

Auto Hold Active

Auto Hold
Vehicle holds brake pressure at stops. Release by pressing the accelerator pedal.

This guide ensures Chevrolet Express drivers can respond appropriately to every dashboard alert, enhancing safety and vehicle care.

About the author
David Lawrence
David grew up among mechanics and off-road enthusiasts, gaining deep knowledge in car mods, off-roading techniques, and automotive engineering, making him a trusted 4x4 expert.