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The first dashboard warning lights were developed by the Hudson Motor Company in the 1930s.  

They were initially dubbed the “idiot light.” Really. Because they only turned on right before or right after a major breakdown.  

Fast forward to the 1980s – most cars had computerized control systems connected to several different areas of your vehicle. The trouble is every manufacturer has a different version of these systems. It wasn’t until 1996 that standard diagnostic systems were required for all cars sold in the United States. 

These days, we have a lot of information being communicated to us through our dashboards. There can be more than 60 lights available on your dash. 😳  

 

 

1	Front Fog Lights	33	Parking Assist Indicator Light
2	Power Steering Warning Light	34	Service Vehicle Soon
3	Rear Fog Lights	35	Adaptive Light System
4	Washer Fluid Reminder	36	Headlight Range Control
5	Brake Pad Warning	37	Rear Spoiler Warning
6	Cruise Control	38	Convertible Roof Warning Light
7	Direction/Signal Indicators	39	Airbag Indicator
8	Rain and Light Sensor	40	Brake Warning Light
9	Winter Mode	41	Water Fluid Filter Warning
10	Information Warning Light	42	Airbag Deactivated
11	Glow Plug Indicator	43	Routine Maintenance Required
12	Icy Road Warning	44	Low Beam Indicator Light
13	Ignition Switch Warning	45	Air Filter Warning Light
14	Key Not in Vehicle	46	Eco Driving Indicator
15	Starter System Fault	47	Hill Descent Control
16	Distance Warning	48	Engine Temperature Warning Light
17	Press Clutch Pedal	49	Anti-Lock Braking System
18	Press Brake Pedal	50	Fuel Filter Warning
19	Steering Wheel Lock	51	Door Ajar
20	High Beam Light Indicator	52	Hood Open
21	Tire Pressure Warning Light	53	Low Fuel Level
22	Lamp Out	54	Automatic Gearbox Warning
23	Exterior Light Fault	55	Speed Set Limiter
24	Brake Lights Warning Light	56	Adaptive Suspension Dampers
25	DPF Warning Light	57	Oil Pressure Warning Light
26	Trailer Tow Hitch Warning	58	Windshield Defrost
27	Air Suspension	59	Open Trunk Warning Light
28	Lane Assist	60	Traction Control Warning Light
29	Catalytic Converter Warning	61	Rain Sensor Light
30	Seatbelt Indicator	62	Check Engine Light
31	Parking Brake Warning Light	63	Rear Window Defrost
32	Battery Charge Warning Light	64	Auto Windshield Wiping

 

But don’t worry, these are not all required, so not every manufacturer includes them all. Let’s go over the basics. 

When you first turn the key or push your start button, your dash should light up all your warning lights. This is a bulb check to make sure the bulbs or LEDs lighting up these important indicators are operational before you start your trip. There is a standard color system to help you figure out how serious that annoying blinking light is. 

• Red – Requires immediate attention. Safely exit the road as soon as possible. 
• Amber – Requires attention. Address soon. 
• Green – Indicates a system is active. 
• Blue – Indicates high beams are on. 

 

We’ve come a long way from warning lights that were triggered by cables, tubes and floats. Current vehicles can have 20 – 30 different computers monitoring everything from cruise control variables to lane deviation. So, what do you really need to know? 

 

• Check Engine Light – Can indicate a serious issue with your engine. 
• Oil Pressure Light – Low oil pressure can damage your engine. 
• Temperature Light – Your car could overheat, due to a faulty cooling fan, low coolant or a failed thermostat. 
• Speedometer – How fast you are driving. 
• Fuel Level and Light – When the fuel light comes on, you have limited fuel supply. 
• Tire Pressure Light – Low tire pressure can cause low traction, reduced fuel mileage, or tire failure. 

 

When these lights turn on, you can get a free computer diagnostic check at many auto parts stores. But this may not tell the whole story. There could be a mechanical issue tripping a sensor. It’s best to bring your car in for an inspection. Listen to our podcast for more information about dashboard warning lights and automotive computer systems.