Updated: May 2025
Your Chevrolet vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated onboard system designed to monitor key components and ensure everything is operating smoothly. When a dashboard warning light appears, it’s your vehicle’s way of letting you know that something needs attention. Whether you drive a Silverado, Equinox, Blazer EV, or any other Chevrolet truck, VUS, or electric vehicle, recognizing these lights and understanding what to do can help you stay safe and avoid costly repairs.
Here are 15 common dashboard warning lights you may see—and what steps to take if they come on.
This light resembles an outline of an engine and may appear in yellow or orange. It could indicate anything from a loose fuel cap to a more serious engine or emissions issue.
What to do: Check that the gas cap is secure. If the light remains on, book a diagnostic appointment at Applewood GM to determine the cause.
This red icon shaped like a battery signals a charging system problem. It might mean the battery isn’t charging properly due to an issue with the alternator, wiring, or the battery itself.
What to do: Turn off non-essential electrical accessories. If possible, head to a service centre promptly—your vehicle may lose power if the battery drains completely.
Appearing as an oil can with a drop, this red warning light indicates low oil pressure. Driving with this light on can lead to serious engine damage.
What to do: Pull over safely and shut off the engine. Check the oil level. If low, top it up. If the light stays on, do not continue driving—call roadside assistance or have the vehicle towed for service.
This red exclamation point in a circle, or the word “BRAKE,” could mean low brake fluid, a problem with the brake system, or that the parking brake is still engaged.
What to do: First, check that the parking brake is fully released. If the light remains on, check the brake fluid level. If everything looks fine but the light stays lit, visit a service centre immediately.
The yellow “ABS” light indicates a malfunction in the Anti-lock Braking System. While your regular brakes will still function, ABS prevents wheel lock-up during sudden stops.
What to do: Drive cautiously and avoid sudden braking. Have the ABS inspected by a professional technician as soon as possible.
This icon looks like a horseshoe with an exclamation point and signals that one or more of your tires may be underinflated.
What to do: Check the tire pressure on all four tires and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the driver’s side door frame. If the light doesn’t go off, it may need to be reset or indicate a sensor issue.
A thermometer icon appearing in red means your engine is overheating. Continuing to drive could lead to engine failure.
What to do: Pull over safely and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool before checking coolant levels. If the coolant is low, top it up with the appropriate type. If the light stays on or you see steam, call for assistance.
This light often looks like a car with wavy skid marks or may say “ESC” or “TCS.” It indicates that your traction or stability control system is engaged or malfunctioning.
What to do: If the light blinks while driving in slippery conditions, it’s just doing its job. If it stays on continuously, the system may be deactivated or faulty—have it checked at a service centre.
This red light looks like a person seated with a circle (representing the airbag) in front of them. It signals a problem with the airbag system, which may not deploy correctly in a collision.
What to do: Schedule a service appointment right away. Driving with a disabled airbag system poses a safety risk to you and your passengers.
In Chevrolet EVs like the Bolt EV or Blazer EV, you may see a yellow or red EV system alert. This can relate to the high-voltage battery, charging system, or electric motor.
What to do: If the warning is yellow, drive with caution and schedule service. If it’s red, stop the vehicle in a safe location and contact roadside assistance or your dealership.
This icon looks like a car with a wrench and indicates a non-engine-related fault, possibly with the lighting, suspension, or other systems.
What to do: The vehicle may still drive normally, but it’s important to schedule a service appointment to identify and fix the issue before it becomes serious.
The light resembles a car between lane lines and appears if the Lane Keep Assist system is unavailable or isn’t functioning properly.
What to do: If you’re in heavy rain, snow, or poor road conditions, the system may temporarily shut off. If the warning stays on in good conditions, get the system inspected.
This warning shows a car with a star or triangle symbol in front and alerts the driver of an imminent collision risk or a sensor problem.
What to do: Maintain a safe following distance and ensure the camera or radar sensor is not blocked. If the light stays on, book a service check for calibration.
A yellow fuel pump icon lights up when the fuel level drops below a certain point, typically around 10–15% of capacity.
What to do: Refuel as soon as possible. Running on a near-empty tank can lead to fuel pump damage or inaccurate range estimates.
This icon, shaped like a vehicle with open doors, means a door, liftgate, or hood isn't fully closed.
What to do: Stop and recheck all doors and the rear liftgate. If the light persists despite everything being shut, a latch sensor may need to be serviced.
Dashboard warning lights aren’t just suggestions—they’re critical alerts designed to help you protect your Chevrolet’s performance and your own safety. If you’re ever unsure about a light or your vehicle’s condition, don’t take chances. The certified technicians at Applewood GM are here to help diagnose and resolve any issue, ensuring peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.
Need help right away? Schedule a service appointment or contact our team to get expert support for your Chevrolet truck, sport utility vehicle, or EV.
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