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Modern vehicles are loaded with technology to help keep you safe, and one of the most important communication tools your car has is the dashboard. While those little glowing symbols may feel overwhelming at first, they’re designed to alert you to specific issues so you can take action before a small problem becomes a major repair.
At Motor Inn Auto Group in Carroll, IA, we want our customers to feel confident behind the wheel of their Chevrolet, Toyota, or any other vehicle. Here’s a guide to some of the most common dashboard warning lights and what they mean.
Transmission Temperature
- Symbol: A gear with a thermometer inside
If this light turns on, your transmission is running too hot. Causes may include towing heavy loads, low transmission fluid, or worn-out internal components. Continuing to drive could cause significant damage, so it’s best to pull over safely and contact Motor Inn’s service team right away.
Brake System
- Symbol: An exclamation point inside a circle with parentheses
This light could be something simple—like driving with the parking brake engaged—or something more serious such as worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or a malfunctioning anti-lock brake system. If the parking brake isn’t the cause, have your brakes inspected immediately. Safe braking is non-negotiable.
Airbag Warning
- Symbol: A seated figure with a circle in front (representing an airbag)
If this light stays on while you’re driving, it means your airbag system isn’t functioning properly. In the event of a collision, the airbags may not deploy as intended—putting your safety at risk. Schedule a service appointment to have it inspected right away.
Lamp Out
- Symbol: A circle with an exclamation point and rays (like a sun)
This light alerts you when a headlamp, taillight, or another bulb has burned out. Having all your lights working is critical for visibility and safety, especially on rural Iowa roads at night.
Washer Fluid
- Symbol: A windshield with water spray arcs.
This one’s straightforward: Your washer fluid is low. It may not seem urgent, but good visibility is crucial. Keeping the reservoir topped off ensures you can clear dirt, bugs, or road grime from your windshield while driving.
Door Open
- Symbol: An overhead outline of a car with one or more doors open
This warning means exactly what it shows—one of your doors isn’t fully closed. Before you pull away, make sure all passengers have shut their doors securely.
Low Fuel
This one’s familiar—you’re running low on gas. Don’t push your luck too far, as running on fumes could leave you stranded. Plan ahead and fuel up before your tank runs dry.
 Oil Pressure Warning Light
- Symbol: An oil can, usually in red
If this light appears, it could mean your oil level is low, your oil pump isn’t working correctly, or there’s an issue with oil pressure. Driving without proper lubrication can severely damage your engine. Pull over safely and contact Motor Inn’s service department.
Battery Alert
- Symbol: A car battery with plus and minus signs
This indicates an issue with your charging system, whether it’s the battery itself, the alternator, or the cables. If this light appears, your car may not start the next time you turn the key.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
- Symbol: A horseshoe shape with an exclamation point inside
This light indicates one or more of your tires has low air pressure. Driving with underinflated tires reduces fuel efficiency, affects handling, and increases the risk of a blowout. Stop to check your tires and add air as needed.
Engine Temperature Warning Light
- Symbol: A thermometer dipping into water, usually in red
This light means your engine is overheating—often due to coolant or antifreeze issues. Pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and call for assistance. Overheating can cause major engine damage if ignored.
Traction Control Light
- Symbol: A car with squiggly tire tracks underneath.
This light means the traction control system has activated—usually when a wheel slips on ice, snow, or loose gravel. It typically turns off once traction is regained. If it stays on, it may signal a system malfunction.
Check Engine Light
- Symbol: A small engine outline, often amber
Few dashboard alerts spark more worry than the check engine light. It can indicate anything from a faulty sensor to a serious engine malfunction that shouldn’t be ignored. Because there are so many possible causes, it’s important to bring your vehicle in for diagnostics at Motor Inn in Carroll as soon as possible.
Trust Motor Inn Auto Group with Your Vehicle Maintenance
Dashboard warning lights aren’t meant to be ignored—they’re designed to keep you safe. Whether it’s a minor issue or something more serious, our certified technicians at Motor Inn Auto Group in Carroll, IA, are here to help.
Schedule a Service Appointment
You can schedule an appointment by calling (712) 522-2526 or visit our Service Department scheduling page. Our repair service hours are Monday-Friday from 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM and Saturday from 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM.
Shop New or Used Vehicles
Looking to trade in your vehicle or shop for a new one? Check out our new Chevrolets and Toyotas that are fresh on the lot, or browse our used cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans.
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