Auto mechanics: How to read the sign on the dash board of your car

Washer fluid indicator
The washer fluid level is low. Please fill it up when you get a chance.

Open doors indicator
This symbol is usually turned on just after the driver starts the engine and informs him that one or more doors are closed incorrectly.

Anti-theft system
This is exclusively installed on Ford models, this symbol flashes once the Securilock Anti-theft technology has been enabled.

Electronic throttle control light
It is briefly enabled when the driver starts the engine; the indicator shows a malfunction in the Electronic Throttle Control system.

AWD
With a pretty suggestive name, this panel is lit once the all-wheel drive system is enabled.

ESP/BAS light
It is similar to the ABS indicator, but especially installed to inform the driver about a potential problem with the Electronic Stability Program technology.

Overdrive indicator
It shows the driver that the overdrive system has been turned off.

Turn signals
Surely the most known instrument panels, the turn signals are activated once the driver changes direction and uses the signal lever.

Temperature warning light
Driving with the temperature warning light on can increase the risk of expensive engine damage! When the temperature light comes on, it means your engine is overheating (running too hot). An engine should not overheat if the cooling system is properly filled and is working normally — even during hot weather or stop-and-go driving. Sometimes abnormal driving conditions such as towing a heavy trailer during hot weather may overload the cooling system’s capacity to control heat, but usually a temperature warning light means trouble. It warns the driver of the possibility of engine overheating and usually demands the driver to stop the vehicle.

OBD indicator
Member of the Onboard Diagnostics, this indicator reveals a problem to the engine or to the gas emissions and required the car to be serviced.

High beam light
It is turned on once the driver activates the high beam mode of the headlights.

Oil pressure warning
Your engine is running low on oil, or there is a problem with your car’s oil pressure system. This notification is turned on if the ECU detects a problem with the oil pressure; the driver is usually recommended to stop the vehicle and service it as soon as possible.

Traction control malfunction
As the ignition key is rotated through the phases of Off, Run, and Start, a system bulb check is activated. The traction control system light should illuminate for one to two seconds and then go out as the vehicle starts and begins to run. If the light stays on, it either means that the system is deactivated or there is a problem in the traction control system. There is an issue with your anti-skid system, and it may be shut off completely. If the traction control light comes on intermittently, there is a problem that may not be “hard coded,” meaning it isn’t a permanent condition yet. A flickering light could also mean that the system is not fully operational, so use extra caution in adverse road condition. Many traction control systems will illuminate the warning light when the system detects a loss of traction, like in snowy or rainy weather. Typically the light is seen when the system intervenes to maintain traction. It’s a good idea to read the section in your vehicle owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with how your traction or stability system operates.
If the traction control light illuminates and stays lit without blinking, this means that the traction control system has been deactivated and there is no traction control available. There may even be a message broadcast by the driver information center warning that the traction control system is shut down and to use extra caution when driving, especially in water, ice, and snow.

Automatic shift lock or engine start indicator
This is the Automatic Shift Lock (ASL) or an Engine Start Operation Indicator symbol.. When the ignition is on, ASL locks the shifter in neutral or park. The symbol of a shoe inside the typical circular brake symbol is a reminder that the brake must be stepped on to release the lock and shifts the transmission into drive or reverse. The symbol of a shoe or foot on pedal is a reminder that the brake must be engaged to start a push button start car. The first image can appear on an instrument panel or on the console near the shifter. With a start push button start vehicle, the indicator will appear on the instrument panel.

DPF / diesel particulate filter warning light
Most modern diesel vehicles are fitted with a diesel particulate filter, which removes harmful soot from the exhaust gases to reduce emissions.