May 19, 2023 by Angela Ramirez

What is that Light on Your Dash? Important Warning Lights and Indicators for Nissan Models

A mysterious symbol appearing on your car’s dashboard can be an unexpected stressor, especially if you are driving down the road. Not all symbols on your dashboard mean car failure, but it’s best to know which symbols are serious and which ones aren’t.

Here are the most important Warning and Indicator Lights, but not a full list. Check your model’s official manual if you don’t find the information you’re looking for: https://www.nissanusa.com/owners/ownership/manuals-guides.html

If you need any help, please schedule a service appointment with us!

Important Indicator and Warning Lights

Brake Warning Light

If this light turns red, pull over immediately. This means there is a problem with the brakes, and you need to be towed to a certified mechanic.

Charge Warning Light

This light turns on when there is a problem with the electrical charging system or the battery. If this light ever comes on, stop driving and pull over as soon as possible to avoid crashing. Call a tow truck to take you to a certified mechanic.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

When this light turns on, the engine oil pressure for your car is low. This could damage your engine, so pull over and check your oil levels. If they are low, add oil. If the light is still on, there’s a chance your engine could overheat, and you should take your car to a certified Nissan mechanic.

Check Engine Light Indicator Light

If this comes on, you should take your car to a mechanic immediately. If this light flashes, pull over and call a tow truck to take you to an authorized Nissan dealer. This light could indicate damage to your catalytic converter, emission control system, or the engine itself.

Master Warning Light

If this light turns on, there is text likely popping up as well, so look for what this tells you. The symbol could point out something serious like low oil pressure, but it could also indicate that one of the car doors is open. Make sure to look out for the text displayed with this warning light.

Seat Belt Warning

This warning will go off if one of your passengers is not wearing their seat belt. An extra chime will go off to make sure all passengers stay safe.

Security Indicator Light

The security light will come on for a moment when the engine is started, and if working correctly, it will turn off after a moment. If the light stays on and the engine doesn’t start, it could be an issue with the theft-deterrent system.

Anti-lock Braking System

This light will appear as ABS and activates when driving in slippery conditions. If this light turns on during normal conditions, the system is likely malfunctioning, and you should take your car in to be looked at by an authorized dealership.

Passenger Airbag Status Light

The airbag light will turn on if there’s an issue with any airbags throughout the car. Airbags are essential to safety during a crash, so take it to a certified mechanic quickly.

Temperature Warning Indicators

This warning will indicate if your engine is too hot or too cold, signified by the color of the symbol. If the light is red, the car’s engine is too hot, and you should pull off the road immediately.

Transmission Warning Light

This light will blink if the transmission system malfunctions, meaning certain gear positions may be unstable, and the car may be undrivable. Take your car to an authorized mechanic right away.

If the light stays on, not blinking, the transmission oil temperature is too high. Avoid driving at a high speed until the light turns off. The light should turn off after a short time, but if the light continually turns on, take your car to an authorized mechanic.

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

This light will illuminate when one or more of your tires is low on pressure. Fill your tire up as soon as possible so you don’t cause damage to your wheels. If the sensor continues to go off, take your car to your local Nissan dealer to have them check your tires.

Low Windshield-washer Fluid Warning Light

This light turns on when your car is low on windshield wiper fluid. If the light is still on and the fluid is full, there is something wrong with the sensor, and you should take your car in for maintenance.

Power Steering Trouble Warning Light

The warning light goes off when there’s an issue with the vehicle’s power steering system. You can still drive with a power steering failure, but it could make it more difficult to steer. It’s best to take it in as quickly as possible.

Shift P (Park) Warning Light

This light will blink red and sound off a chime when the car’s ignition is turned off when the car is not in park. Move the shifter level to park and turn off the car.

Engine Start Operation Indicator Light

This light turns on when the engine refuses to start, and you’ll need to push down the brake or clutch to start the engine. If your engine still doesn’t start, take it to an authorized dealership.

Keyless Ignition Detection Indicator Symbols

This indicator light flashes red means that the electronic key is not detected. If the key is inside the car, the battery most likely needs to be replaced.

Door Open Warning Light

The Light turns on when one of your doors is left open. If this light doesn’t go away, you should take your car to an authorized dealership.

Electric Shift Control System Warning Light

This symbol will appear and turn off when you start your engine, but if the light stays on, there is a malfunction in the electrical shift control system. “When parked apply parking brake” will be displayed, so make sure to apply the parking brake when the ignition switch is off. Have your car checked by a certified mechanic soon.

Water In Fuel Indicator Light

This light turns on if there is water detected in the fuel filter. If this light stays on, don’t start the car until you drain the water from the fuel filter, and make sure to take your car to a certified mechanic immediately.

What to Do When an Indicator Light Goes Off?

The best bet is to take your car to your local Nissan dealership to make sure there’s not an underlying issue with your car. If a light indicates your car is unsafe, DON’T drive it. Towing your car to a mechanic is worth the price if it keeps you secure, so better to play it safe than sorry.

If you are in the Kansas City Area, schedule your service with us today!

Posted in: How to Guides

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