4 Dashboard Lights You Can’t Ignore

Dec 28, 2015

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You might be tempted to ignore those pesky lights on your dashboard if you’re in a rush to reach your destination or just don’t have time to look into the issue. While some warning lights might not alert you to an urgent situation, some signal that immediate attention is required. Be on the alert if you see any of these four lights on your dashboard.

Engine Temperature

Dashboard Lights Temperature

The engine temperature warning light, which looks like a thermometer or simply the word “TEMP,” illuminates when your vehicle’s engine has exceeded the recommended maximum temperature. Because an overheated engine can result in major damage that’s often irreparable, you should take action right away.

Typically, this light gives you at least a little advance notice of a serious problem. Monitor the light closely for the next mile or two, and if the warning light doesn’t turn off by then, pull over and turn off the engine. The most frequent causes of an overheated engine are cooling system leaks or an overworked engine during hot weather. Either way, your best bet is to call your local service center or emergency roadside assistance for help.

Oil Pressure

Dashboard Lights oil

If you see the oil pressure warning light, which looks like an oil can or simply the word “OIL,” take action right away. This warning light signals that your car has experienced loss of oil pressure, which could lead to damage. As soon as you have an opportunity to pull over safely, stop the car and check the oil pressure. If either is dangerously low, call your local Toyota service center for assistance right away.

Keep in mind that the oil pressure warning light isn’t a sign that your car is low on oil or that it’s time for an oil change. Simply adding more oil won’t solve the problem, so if the oil pressure warning light stays on, call for help immediately.

Check Engine

Dashboard Lights Engine

The check engine light, which looks like an engine icon or the phrase “CHECK ENGINE,” is a component of your vehicle’s diagnostic system. This computerized system produces Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that automotive service professionals can decipher to get to the bottom of the problem. Typically, issues that trigger the check engine light are related to emissions systems. These aren’t usually emergency situations, but they do need to be resolved by a trained technician as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure

Dashboard Lights Tire

The tire pressure warning light, which looks like a tire with an exclamation mark, signals low tire pressure in one or more tires. The instrument panels on newer Toyota models will typically show which tire has low pressure, making it easy to check the pressure manually. If a manual check does indicate low tire pressure, fill the tire to the appropriate level at your local service station.

While low tire pressure isn’t usually an emergency, it can cause damage to your tires or wheels if you let it go for too long. If you don’t detect low pressure and suspect a faulty sensor, have the vehicle serviced at your earliest convenience.

Your Toyota’s instrument panel is home to countless dashboard lights. Take the best care of your car by understanding which warning lights require immediate attention and schedule your next appointment at our service department.