Dashboard warning lights come in two types: red and orange. A red warning light means you should act quickly, because the problem is serious: an overheating engine, low oil pressure, or a braking system fault.
Got a warning light on right now?
The symbol tells you which system has a fault, not why. Our diagnostic scan reads the fault codes, checks the likely cause, and gives you options and costs before any work is done. It’s $132 incl GST at Henderson or Avondale.
Red and orange: what the colours mean
An orange warning light means that the engine management system – the computer that runs the engine – has detected a fault. You may continue to drive, but you should take your car to your local service centre for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.
It’s important to pay attention to car dashboard warning lights because they can help you avoid a car breakdown, as well as potentially saving you from an expensive repair bill and keeping you safe on the road.
Warning light on? A light tells you something is wrong, but not what. Book a diagnostic scan at KAAR and our technicians will find the actual cause. Call 0800 522 734.
The electronic system in today’s cars relies on a series of sensors – these sensors can also tell you if there’s something wrong with your car using warning symbols on the dashboard.
What to do when a light comes on
If a red or orange warning light appears on your dash, don’t ignore it. Instead, pull over somewhere safe and look up what it means in your owner’s manual.
If you’re not sure what the problem is, give us a call or check with your vehicle’s manufacturer. If the light is hard to describe, take a photo of your dash and send it to us.
If a light briefly illuminates and then disappears, there may not be a problem, but it’s still a good idea to have it checked for peace of mind.
Knowing which light is on tells you something is wrong. It doesn’t tell you what. An orange engine management light can mean a failing sensor, an emissions fault, or something that will get expensive if you leave it, and the only way to tell them apart is to read what the car’s computer has recorded.
That’s what diagnostic scanning does. We run manufacturer-level equipment alongside generic scan tools, so we see live data and manufacturer-specific fault codes, not the generic code any code reader will give you.
The most common we see is the engine check light and DPF Light
If a light is on now and you’d rather not guess, call us on 0800 522 734 or book online
Dashboard warning lights: the full list
- Fog light (front)
- Power steering warning light
- Fog light (rear)
- Washer fluid low
- Brake pad warning
- Cruise control on
- Direction indicators
- Rain and light sensor
- Winter mode
- Information indicator
- Glow plug/diesel pre-heat warning
- Frost warning
- Ignition switch warning
- Key not in vehicle
- Key fob battery low
- Distance warning
- Press clutch pedal
- Press brake pedal
- Steering lock warning
- Main beam headlights
- Tyre pressure low
- Sidelight information
- Exterior light fault
- Brake lights warning
- Diesel particulate filter warning
- Trailer tow hitch warning
- Air suspension warning
- Lane departure warning
- Catalytic converter warning
- Seat belt not on
- Parking brake light
- Battery/alternator warning
- Parking assist
- Service required
- Adaptive lighting
- Headlight range control
- Rear spoiler warning
- Convertible roof warning
- Airbag warning
- Handbrake warning
- Water in filter
- Airbag deactivated
- Fault problem
- Dipped beam headlights
- Dirty air filter
- Eco driving indicator
- Hill descent control
- Temperature warning
- ABS warning
- Fuel filter warning
- Door open
- Bonnet open
- Low fuel
- Automatic gearbox warning
- Speed limiter
- Suspension dampers
- Oil pressure low
- Windscreen defrost
- Boot open
- Stability control off
- Rain sensor
- Engine/emissions warning
- Rear window defrost
- Auto windscreen wiping
Some warning lights aren’t just advisory. They’ll fail a warrant of fitness. An airbag or SRS light, an ABS light, or a brake system warning all mean the vehicle won’t pass until the fault is fixed, because the system the light refers to is one an inspector has to check. NZTA’s guide to the warrant of fitness sets out what’s inspected and how often.
If your WOF is coming up and a dashboard warning light is on, it’s worth dealing with the light first. We can check it and tell you where you stand before you book the inspection.
Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs (KAAR) is recognised as the most competent, capable, and reliable automotive repairer west of the Auckland City isthmus.
With fully equipped, state of art facilities in both Avondale and Henderson, KAAR gives a choice of two handy locations for full automotive, mechanical, electrical repairs and servicing for all vehicles, including European makes and models like Audi, VW and BMW.
We cater for all makes and models of cars, vans, 4x4s and light trucks. We service petrol, diesel and hybrid motors.