Navigating Your Subaru’s Dashboard Lights: What They Mean

Your Subaru’s dashboard lights warn you of serious issues, alert you, or provide important information. Here’s a list from your Los Angeles Subaru dealer of some of the most common lights, their symbols, and colors to help you understand them better.

 

Warning Lights Colors

The colors of the warning lights on your dashboard are silent alerts, each with its own urgency. Red lights demand urgent attention for critical issues while yellow lights signal caution for problems that need addressing and green lights quietly share helpful information. 

Red Warning Lights

Check Engine Warning Light

If the symbol of an engine or the words “check engine” illuminate or begin to flash while you’re driving, it indicates a serious problem. Have your vehicle checked by your Subaru technician promptly. 

Brake System Warning Light

The circle with the exclamation point is your brake system warning light. It warns you of a brake system malfunction that requires urgent repairs immediately for your safety. 

Charge Warning Light

The symbol with the outline of a battery with a minus and a plus sign indicates charging system trouble. It could indicate a weak battery.   

Coolant Temperature Warning Light

If you notice the thermometer on top of wavy lines flashing, stop your vehicle when it’s safe to prevent overheating and call us immediately.  

Low Tire Pressure Light

When you see the horseshoe enclosing an exclamation point light up, pull over to check your tire pressure levels. Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI promptly. 

Yellow Advisory Lights

Low Engine Oil Level

When the oil can with a droplet of oil lights up, it’s time for an oil change. 

Vehicle Dynamics Control

If the car with two wavy lines underneath goes on, there’s an issue with your Subaru’s VDC. You can continue to drive your vehicle, but we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with us at your earliest convenience.

Green Information Lights

Door Open Warning

If the symbol of a car with two open doors flashes, check your doors and ensure they are closed securely.

Seatbelt Warning

The seatbelt warning symbol is a passenger with a seatbelt. When the light is on, it indicates that a seatbelt is not securely fastened.

LED Headlight Warning

If the headlight symbol with an exclamation point through it illuminates, it means there is an issue with one or more of your headlights.

Windshield Washer Fluid Warning

The symbol with the image of a windshield and a fountain indicates that the windshield washer fluid needs to be refilled.

Check your Subaru owner’s manual for a full list of warning lights. You can also stop at Puente Hills Subaru in City of Industry, CA, for more information on your Subaru’s warning lights and expert maintenance and repair services.

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