Understanding every dashboard symbol keeps you safe, prevents costly damage, and helps you decide when to pull over or book a workshop visit. Use the colour groups below to judge urgency at a glance.
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Red (Stop Immediately)
Engine Oil Pressure
Oil can icon means oil pressure is gone; engine can seize. Stop, switch off, check level, top-up if low; if it stays on, arrange recovery.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Thermometer icon shows coolant is overheating. Pull over, let engine cool, check coolant; do not drive until temperature drops.
Brake System
Circle-exclamation light points to low fluid or hydraulic fault. Park safely, check fluid, and call a mechanic before moving again.
Battery Charging
Red battery shows alternator isn’t charging. Turn off electrics, reach a safe spot, and seek assistance to avoid stalling.
Electronic Parking Brake Fault
Flashing red “P” signals EPB failure. Stop on level ground, apply manual brake if possible, and contact a workshop.
Manual Parking Brake / Clutch Fluid
Red “!” in circle also warns fluid is low. Top up if handy; if level correct, suspect leak—do not continue driving.
Airbag & Belt Tensioners
Seated figure with circle means restraint system is disabled. Stop soon and have airbags checked to keep occupants protected.
Seat Belt Reminder
Blinking belt icon shows a front occupant unbelted. Buckle up immediately; system will silence when belts click in.
Door Open
Car-door symbol glows when any door isn’t latched. Pull over and close all doors firmly before resuming.
Bonnet Open
Bonnet icon warns hood unsecured. Stop, shut bonnet properly to avoid it lifting while driving.
Tailgate Open
Boot symbol means rear hatch unlatched. Halt, close tailgate until light disappears.
STOP Engine
Red “STOP” text or message signals critical fault. Kill the engine straight away and arrange towing.
Continuous Damping Control Fault
Red shock-absorber icon shows suspension fault. Drive only at low speed to a garage if immediate stop is unsafe.
Electronic Stability Control Not Ready
Red car-skid icon (rare) tells ESC offline on start-up. Park, restart; if icon stays, seek service.
Vehicle Ready to Drive
Red “READY” appears on LPG/electric variants to confirm system live. Ensure seatbelt fastened, press brake, then select gear.
Yellow / Amber (Action Required Soon)
Check Engine (MIL)
Engine outline means emission or sensor fault. Book diagnostic soon; flashing means slow down to save catalytic converter.
ABS
Amber “ABS” marks anti-lock brake fault; normal brakes work, but avoid hard braking and get sensors checked.
ESC / Traction Control
Skidding car icon steady = system off or fault; get it scanned before next long trip.
Power Steering
Steering-wheel with “!” signals variable assist fault; steering feels heavy or light. Drive carefully and book repair.
Tyre Pressure
Horseshoe icon warns low pressure or puncture. Check all tyres and reinflate or replace.
Glow Plug (Diesel)
Coil symbol should go out before starting. Staying on or flashing hints plug or sensor issues; service soon.
Diesel Particulate Filter
Box with dots shows DPF filling. Drive 15 min at 40 mph to regenerate; seek service if light persists.
Brake Pads Worn
Amber circle plus dashed lines says pads thin. Book brake job before discs get damaged.
EPB Degraded
Amber spanner-lightning bolt notes reduced parking-brake performance. System still works—schedule workshop visit.
Low Washer Fluid
Windshield icon with dotted jet warns reservoir almost empty. Refill with screen wash.
Immobiliser Fault
Flashing car-lock symbol means key not recognised. Try spare key or change fob battery; dealer may need to reprogram.
Transmission / Engine Electronics
Spanner in car or gearbox icon signals sensor or shift issue. Drive gently and plan diagnostic test.
Reduced Power (Limp Mode)
Engine with down-arrow means ECU has cut power to protect components. Limit speed and get fault codes read.
Bulb Failure
Bulb with “!” shows external light out. Replace faulty bulb soon to stay legal.
Fuel Filter Water / Contamination
Fuel pump with droplet signals water in diesel filter. Drain filter or visit garage quickly.
Green (Information Only)
Turn Signal / Hazard
Flashing arrows confirm indicators or hazards are working.
Headlights On
Green headlamp shows dipped beam active.
Front Fog Lights
Semi-circle with slanted lines indicates fogs switched on.
Sidelights
Twin green lights mean sidelights are operating for parking illumination.
Daytime Running Lights
DRL icon proves automatic daytime lights are active.
High Beam Assist
“A” within headlamp signals auto high-beam is managing main beam.
Cruise Control Set
Speedometer with arrow confirms cruise holding chosen speed.
Vehicle Ahead Detected
Car with bars shows adaptive cruise sees traffic ahead.
Lane Departure On
Road-lane icon confirms lane keep aid is live.
Eco Mode
Leaf or “ECO” means fuel-saving strategy engaged; throttle and AC trimmed.
Descent Control Ready
Vehicle on slope steady green shows system armed; flashing signals it’s working.
Automatic Restart
Circular arrow tells start-stop will restart engine automatically.
Upshift Recommended
Arrow pointing up suggests changing to higher gear for economy.
Trailer Indicator
Green trailer lamp flashes with turn signals to confirm trailer lights working.
When looking at Vauxhall, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Vauxhall Grandland X, Vauxhall Movano, Vauxhall Viva, and Vauxhall Adam. Understanding dashboard warning lights is essential. Our expert reviews break down what each light means, highlighting common alerts for these models and what they could signal about underlying issues, so you’re never left guessing behind the wheel.
