Q: What are the red and orange lights that show on the dash?

asked by on December 15, 2015

What are the red and orange lights that show on the dash?

Your car has a number of important dash lights that are used to inform you of potential problems and to deliver other information. These include the following:

  • Seat Belt Reminder Indicator: This light will illuminate if an occupant has not buckled up.

  • Low Oil Pressure Indicator: This light will stay lit if your engine experiences a drop in oil pressure.

  • Charging System Indicator: This light indicates a potential problem with the battery or alternator.

  • Malfunction Indicator Lamp: Also called the Check Engine light, this light comes on for emissions related problems.

  • Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator: This light serves two purposes. First, it indicates if your parking brake is engaged. Second, it warns you that the brake is not disengaging after releasing the handle.

  • Supplemental Restraint System Indicator: This light indicates a problem with your air bag system.

  • Side Air Bag Off Indicator: This light tells you that the side air bag has been turned off.

  • Antilock Brake System Indicator: This light tells you if there is a problem with the system.

  • Vehicle Stability Assist System Indicator: The light flashes if the system is activated, and it will stay on if there is a problem with the system.

  • VSA Off Indicator: This tells you that the vehicle stability assist system is currently off.

  • Low Tire Pressure Indicator: Tells you that one of the tires is low on air.

  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Warns you that there is a problem with the system that monitors the air pressure in your tires.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Running lights work, brake lights do not.
It sounds like you may have a bad brake light switch. But that's a common issue on these models with brake light not working, is the bulb socket contacts (aluminum) in the housing burn up. Remove the brake light bulb...
Is there a smell which develops in a car when the catalytic converter starts to go bad?
Hi there. If there is a rotten egg or sulfur type of smell then most of the time this is caused by a failure in the catalytic converter. When these fail and become too hot they will smell like this....
Cam Position Actuator problem - 1999 Volvo S80
Hello I believe you are referring to the variable valve timing or camshaft position actuator/solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-variable-valve-timing-vvt-solenoid), which varies the camshaft timing relative to the crankshaft position. This feature enhances engine performance, mileage, and lowers emissions. If you are able to...
My truck randomly dies and won't start for hours
The most common cause for this problem is the ignition module and ignition coil causing the no spark condition. I would recommend having the spark tested when the no start condition (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-is-not-starting-inspection) is happening so the problem can be isolated...
Valve cover replacement? 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Hi there - manufacturers are using plastic for valve covers, intake manifolds, and other engine components more and more often for weight and expense savings. Unfortunately, with repeated heat cycles, some of these plastics become brittle, or warp and won't...
Are the variable valve timing solenoid and the camshaft sensor the same?
Hello. The variable valve timing and the camshaft position sensor are two separate sensors. The camshaft position sensor is more towards the front of the engine and is a lot easier to replace. The variable valve timing sensor is a...
My transmission makes a funny noise when I accelerate
If you believe your transmission is making abnormal noises, I would recommend having it inspected by a qualified professional as soon as possible. This will avoid any potential damages that could be caused by whatever is making the sound.
First my trac off light when on. brakes were barely working and car was shaking both at 10mph or less and when idle. what's wrong
I would recommend removing the fuse for your ABS system. This should cause the ABS light to come on. When the ABS light is on the ABS system will not work. Then drive the vehicle and see if the fault...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes Benz S350 BlueTec
The The 2012 Mercedes Benz S350 BlueTec brings diesel to the S-Class line in an extravagant way. With exceptional luxury, comfort and performance, you’ll have to schedule a test drive just to experience it for yourself. Once you do, you...
2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
One of the best ways to cope with pain at the gas pump is to look at downsizing your vehicle, and today’s compact cars are a great option that allow you to keep the space that you need to move...
What Do Fog Indicator Warning Lights Mean?
Fog lights are exterior lights designed to help you see while you're driving in fog, both in the front and rear of your car.