GMC WARNING LIGHTS GUIDE

When you’re driving down the road and suddenly see one of the lights on the dash light up, it could be something simple, or it could mean that there’s something significant going on with your vehicle. In order to help you determine if you can keep driving with the warning light on or if you should bring your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible, we’ve created a short guide to some of the lights. Take a look at what you need to know.

Serious Indicator Lights

Some lights mean that there’s a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away. In many cases, the light will be red if there’s a serious issue. Some of these include:

Charging System Light

The charging system light turns on when you engage the ignition key, but it normally turns off when the engine starts up. If it stays on, there may be an issue with the charging system, and you should bring your car in for service as soon as possible.

Brake System Warning Light

The brake system warning light should come on for just a second when you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t or if it stays illuminated, there could be a problem with your braking system, or your parking brake may be engaged.

Anti-Lock Braking System Warning Light

The ABS warning light lets you know if there’s a problem with your anti-lock braking system. This is different than the brake system light. It’s a serious problem that should not wait.

Air Bag Warning Indicator

The air bag warning indicator looks like a person belted in a seat with a circle above them. It should come on for a second when the car starts and then go off. If it stays illuminated, you may have a problem with your air bag system.

Engine Temperature Indicator

The engine coolant temperature gauge will light up if your engine is overheating. This light should never be ignored because an engine that’s too hot can cause serious damage and even start a fire under the hood. If it goes on while you’re driving, head to the nearest service station.

Oil Warning Light

The oil pressure warning light will let you know if your oil is too low. Not having enough oil is a serious problem and can cause engine damage and complete failure. If the light goes on, check your oil and add more or schedule an appointment for an oil change.

Fault Indicator Lights

A fault indicator light is an indication that something may be wrong with a component, but it isn’t as serious as a red light. These are usually illuminated in yellow, and while they need to be addressed, it isn’t an imminent concern. If one of these lights goes on, contact your service center and make an appointment to have it looked at. Some of the yellow fault indicator lights are:

Check Engine Light

The check engine light looks just like an engine. This will light up for several different reasons. The best way to find out why it’s on is to have a mechanic use a diagnostic tool to find out why. If the check engine light starts flashing, it’s a serious issue, and you should stop driving the car.

Stability Control Indicator

The stability control indicator looks like the back of a car that’s slipping. If this light goes on, it probably means that the road conditions are slippery and the stability control system has been activated.

Traction Control Indicator

The traction control indicator is another system that’s illuminated when the system engages. It lets you know the system is doing its job.

Tire Pressure Monitor Indicator

The tire pressure monitor light looks like a low tire with an exclamation point. If this light comes on while the engine is running, one or more of the tires is underinflated. If it flashes and then stays on, one or more of the tire pressure monitoring system sensors could be faulty.

Anti-Lock Braking System Fault Indicator

The ABS fault indicator lights up when there’s a problem with your anti-lock braking system. It could mean that your brakes may lock up if you brake hard.

Other Indicator Lights

There are several other lights that may go on and off while you drive. Many will illuminate green just to let you know a system is engaged, while others provide information about your vehicle. Some of these include:

Turn Signal Indicator

When you engage the turn signal, a green arrow indicating the direction you’re turning will light up on the driver information display.

Parking Lights On

The green indicator that looks like two headlights shining away from each other lets you know that your parking lights are on.

Seat Belt Light

The seat belt light looks like a person sitting with a seat belt across their chest. It lights up as a reminder when you don’t put your seat belt on.

Low Fuel Light

The low fuel light looks like a gas pump. It’ll light up if you’re getting low on fuel. If it lights up, you shouldn’t wait too long before getting gas, or you may run out.

Door Ajar Light

The door-ajar light will illuminate if one of the doors hasn’t shut properly. This will let you know which door is open by lighting up the specific area.

High Beam Indicator

The high beam indicator is a blue light that looks like a headlight. It’s only active when the high beams are on.

Cruise Control Indicator

The cruise control indicator usually looks like an odometer. It lights up green when the cruise control is engaged. Some newer vehicles have a light that just says cruise in green.

You’re Ready To Hit The Road Now That You Know What Your Warning Lights Mean

All the different lights that can go on in your GMC’s dash can be confusing. The most important lights that need immediate attention are usually in red, while the yellow and green lights aren’t as crucial. If you have questions about your dash lights or need help determining why one is on, stop by Spruce Pine Chevrolet Buick GMC In Spruce Pine, North Carolina, or give our service department a call.