Warning Lights of the Car

A complete guide to determine what they mean and how to behave.

Car warning lights: Colors and meanings

Green, yellow, red, white, and blue.

Did you notice the illuminated warning light in your car, and you don't know what it means? Discover more than 40 warning lights in your car, the colors, their meanings, and what to do in case of ignition.

Green Warning Lights

You don't have to worry about the green warning lights as they are normal indicators of the car's functions. These lights indicate the status of an active accessory or function.

Luci posizione

Position Lights

The indicator light on the position lights indicates that they are activated.

Luci anabbaglianti

Dipped beam

The low beam warning light indicates that the low beam is on.

Luci fendinebbia anteriori

Front fog lights

The warning light on the front fog lights indicates that the fog lights are activated.

Luci indicatrici di direzione lato destro e sinistro

Left and right side turn signal lights

The turn signal indicates that the turn arrow is entered to the right or left.

Spia modalità ECO

ECO Mode Indicator Light

The ECO mode warning light tends to be green but the color may vary depending on the manufacturer of the car, it only comes on if the mode is activated.

Cruise control

Cruise control

The cruise control warning light indicates the electronic system that allows the automatic adjustment of the car's speed.

Yellow/orange Warning Lights

Yellow or orange lights indicate a situation or problem that is important to pay attention to. They are warning lights for the driver that indicate a mechanical or electronic malfunction, without inviting him to stop immediately.  

Riserva carburante

Fuel reserve

The fuel reserve light indicates that you need to refuel. When it turns orange while driving and you hear a beep, it means you need to refuel as soon as possible. There is about 50 km of autonomy left. Next to the gasoline symbol, you will find an arrow indicating the side of the vehicle where the fuel cap is located.

Luci fendinebbia posteriori

Rear fog lights

The rear fog lamp indicates that the rear fog lights are activated.

Airbag passeggero attivato

Passenger airbag activated

The passenger airbag warning light indicates that the airbag is deployed. Activation or deactivation must take place when the vehicle is stationary.

Sistema filtro antiparticolato

Particulate filter system

The particulate filter system warning light when activated indicates that the filter is clogged and you need to go to the workshop to have it cleaned. This filter is specifically used for the treatment of exhaust gases from petrol engines.

Anomalia Elettronica

Electronic Anomaly

The electronic fault warning light comes on when the engine is started and goes out after a few seconds. If it lights up while driving, it may indicate a fault in the injection calculator.

Sistema di sorveglianza della pressione degli pneumatici

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The tire pressure warning light comes on to alert you to tire inflation abnormalities. It is necessary to check and adjust the pressure of the cold wheels.

Avvertimento limite di velocità

Speed Limit Warning

The speed limit warning light indicates that you have entered and exceeded the set speed limit.

Preriscaldamento delle candelette

Glow plug preheating

The preheating system light is activated when the key is inserted and the ignition is switched on, and then disappears after a few seconds. Only then can you turn the key completely and start the car. If this warning light remains on while driving, it is an engine problem. It will be necessary to reach a workshop as soon as possible, always driving very carefully.

Avaria del motore

Avian Engine

The engine failure light indicates that there is a generic problem with the engine, but does not specify which one. Take the car to the workshop as soon as possible.

Sistema di controllo dei gas di scarico

Exhaust gas control system

The exhaust gas control system warning light forces the engine to run in limp mode, and as a result, you will have a loss of power. Act with caution: If the car is not going in fits and starts or the engine is not overheating, drive at a moderate speed - trying not to exceed 2,000 rpm - to the nearest workshop.

Anomalia impianto ABS

ABS system fault

The ABS fault warning light indicates that the anti-lock braking system has failed, but the conventional braking system will continue to operate normally, as long as the brake warning light is off.

Controllo stabilità

Stability control

The car's stability warning light lights up when the ignition is switched on and then goes out; If it occurs again during the journey, it indicates that the stability control has been activated due to a loss of control of the vehicle.

Allarme

Alarm

The alarm light is in the shape of a wrench, it lights up when the ignition is switched on and then goes out; If it recurs on the way, you must contact the service or go to the workshop. In fact, it could indicate that the scheduled maintenance has expired and needs to be serviced or instead serious damage and malfunctions to the control unit, electrical and electronic parts or the engine.

Segnalazione pericolo ghiaccio

Ice hazard warning

The ice warning light activates below 3 degrees and warns you of the possibility that the road is icy. It turns off when the outside temperature returns above 3 degrees.

Livello liquido tergicristallo

Wiper fluid level

The fluid level indicator in the windshield wiper indicates that the fluid is low. You must then open the hood and fill the tray.

Aviaria luci esterne

Avian Exterior Lights

The exterior light failure indicator indicates that there is a malfunction in the outdoor lighting system, the bulb or the electrical contact.

Segnalazione del servosterzo

Power Steering Signaling

The power steering warning light is activated in the event of a steering problem. If the problem was considered serious by the system, the steering wheel would be hard to the point that you would have to restart the car to unlock it.

Usura delle pastiglie dei freni

Brake pad wear

The brake pad wear warning light is not present on all cars. For those that do, he warns of the approaching deterioration of the brake pads. If the light remains on, you will need to have the pads replaced.

Filtro DPF Intasato

Clogged DPF filter

The clogged DPF filter light means that the machine is regenerating and it is recommended – if possible – to continue the journey until the light goes out to complete the regeneration cycle.

Acqua nel serbatoio

Water in the tank

The water indicator light in the tank indicates the presence of water inside the tank. We recommend that you go to the workshop.

Sensore pioggia

Rain sensor

The rain sensor light is automatically activated when the rain detection sensor is activated.

Aviaria luci di stop

Avian Brake Lights

The brake light failure warning light warns you of a malfunction in the taillight lighting system that signals that the brakes are applied.

Red Warning Lights

Red warning lights indicate potential danger, warning the driver to stop the car. The cars are equipped with horns that are activated in the event of anomalies. Some red indicator lights always come on before the engine starts and then turn off. If not, repair is necessary. Click on the spy of your interest and you will be redirected to the page.

Cintura non allacciata

Not fastened belt

The unfastened seat belt warning lamp is activated when the car is switched on if the driver's or passenger's seatbelts (if the seat is occupied) are not fastened. If the vehicle is in motion and the seat belts are not fastened, above 20 km/h the warning light flashes accompanied by an audible signal that stops after 2 minutes.

Frenata di emergenza attiva

Active Emergency Braking

The emergency brake warning light is activated when a risk of collision is detected and is accompanied by an audible warning.

Porta/e aperte

Open door(s)

Freno a mano inserito

Handbrake on

The handbrake warning light indicates that the handbrake needs to be disengaged. If the warning light remains on despite being switched off, there may be a problem with the braking system.

Temperatura del liquido refrigerato

Refrigerated liquid temperature

The engine coolant overtemperature warning light indicates a malfunction of the cooling system. In this case, turn off the vehicle immediately, wait for it to cool down and check the liquid level. Wait for it to cool down before continuing, and if the problem persists, contact your nearest repair shop.

Spia della batteria

Battery light

The battery light comes on when the ignition is switched on and then goes out; If it occurs again during the journey, it indicates that the battery is low or on the contrary the system is too charged. Pull over and stop your car in a safe place and contact roadside assistance or go to a workshop.

Pressione dell’olio motore

Engine Oil Pressure

The low oil pressure warning light indicates that you need to stop the vehicle immediately and check the oil level when the engine is cold. If the level is normal, there is another cause. Stop your car in a safe place and contact roadside assistance or a workshop.

Livello dell’olio motore

Engine oil level

The engine oil level light indicates that you need to check the engine oil level. If after checking the engine oil level it is low, you should top it up as soon as possible.

Spia di arresto immediato

Immediate stop indicator light

The immediate stop light is described as STOP, normally it is activated when the ignition is switched on and then goes out, but if the warning light should reappear during the journey, you must stop immediately and contact assistance.

Quattro frecce

Four Arrows

The four arrows indicator light is in the shape of a triangle and is a warning sign. All turn signals are lit simultaneously.

Avaria generica

Generic breakdown

The general fault indicator indicates a non-specific problem. We recommend that you go to the workshop.

Airbag passeggero disattivato

Passenger airbag deactivated

The passenger airbag deactivated warning light indicates that the airbag is not active, probably to allow a child seat to be fitted. The passenger airbag must be activated or deactivated when the vehicle is stationary.

Blue Warning Lights

The blue light is rare and indicates to be careful.

Luci abbaglianti

High beam

The low beam warning light indicates that the low beam is on.

Contacts

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