In this guide, we'll detail the Chevrolet dashboard lights and the meaning of these symbols, so you can better understand what your ride is telling you.
What Are Chevrolet Dashboard Warning Lights and What Do They Mean?
Image via Flickr by drewgstephens Licensed CC BY-SA 2.0
Warning lights are how your vehicle communicates with you when something goes wrong. Color is one of the main indicators when you're trying to decipher what Chevrolet dashboard warning lights mean. Generally, dashboard warning lights are represented in red, yellow, orange, blue, and green depending on how serious the issue is. When a warning light is orange or yellow, it's usually something that you need to take care of soon. While green and blue warning lights are less critical, we recommend you employ the same measures as you would for the more serious red warning lights to prevent severe damage to your vehicle.
Chevrolet drivers commonly see the following dashboard warning lights and symbols, and here's what they're telling you.
Low Fuel Symbol
Let's start things off with a Chevrolet dashboard light that you might encounter more often than some of the others. If you notice the warning light that resembles a gas pump, be sure to check your fuel levels. This light means you may soon run out of gas, so head to the nearest gas station to fill up.
Engine Symbol
One of the most critical Chevrolet warning lights you'll come across is the Check Engine light. Your check engine light comes on for different reasons. It can sometimes mean a severe problem that requires you to pull over immediately. It could also be a sign of overheating or low oil pressure. Other times, this light appears if your gas cap is cracked, loose, or open, causing fuel to evaporate.
If this light comes on, pull over and check your gas cap and other systems in your car. If it's flashing, you should immediately stop driving! In most cases, a flashing check engine light indicates that you've got a severe problem that could result in serious damage if overlooked.
Battery Symbol
When the Chevy battery warning light comes on while you're driving, it is a sign that your car's charging system has malfunctioned and the battery is no longer charging power. If this happens, you should disable all non-essential electrical systems and have the vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
Engine Temperature
The Chevrolet engine coolant symbol, which looks like a thermometer, warns you of high engine temperature. If this symbol illuminates, park your car and turn it off to cool down the powertrain. Then, head to your nearby service center in Dayton, Ohio, where they can examine your engine and other Chevrolet auto parts that might be making your car overheat.
Tire Pressure Symbol
This Chevy dashboard warning symbol resembles an exclamation point in a horseshoe. The tire pressure warning light means some of your tires are below the recommended minimum amount of air pressure needed to support your automobile at its maximum load (PSI). Check your tires and fill them to the recommended PSI.
Brake System Symbol
Your car's hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part is malfunctioning, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working together. If your Chevy's brake system warning light comes on and stays on, you've got a brake problem. Have your brake system checked right away.
Antilock Brake System Symbol
Chevrolet's antilock brake system controls brake pressure to stop wheels from locking while braking. If the antilock brake system isn't working correctly, the wheels might lock up and cause a dangerous driving situation. If the antilock brake system light stays on, the antilock brake system needs a professional diagnosis. The warning light is sometimes denoted as text only: "ABS" or "Antilock."
Headlights Symbol
If you spot a symbol that resembles an exclamation point inside the sun, you should have your headlamps inspected as soon as possible. It's not safe for you to drive in situations requiring headlamps; therefore, it's best to address the problem immediately. Take your vehicle to the nearest Chevrolet service center and have a professional check which bulbs aren't up to par.
Traction Control Symbol
If you see the image of a car with two S-shaped lines behind it, and it's not flashing, this indicates that there's a problem with your Chevy's traction control system. However, if the light is flashing, the system is engaged and functioning correctly.
Cruise Control Symbol
If you see what looks like a small version of a speedometer on your dashboard, it's a signal to let you know that your cruise control is enabled. However, this feature won't function until you set your maximum speed.
Engine Oil Pressure Symbol
This feature shows that the engine has lost oil pressure or needs to be topped off. If you can't recall the last time you checked the oil level or had it changed, the chances are it's at a dangerously low level, which could cause severe damage. Drive into the nearest Chevrolet service center and have your ride checked.
We hope our informative guide on Chevrolet dashboard warning lights and symbols has helped point you in the right direction or understand what your vehicle is trying to tell you upfront. However, we've only covered a few of the most common ones here, so check your car owner's manual for more details. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're driving around and see an unfamiliar light come on. You can also stop by the service center at White Allen Chevrolet and schedule your service appointment. Be sure to check out our used and new Chevrolet inventory, and enjoy a full selection of auto services and genuine car parts geared toward keeping you safe.