All dashboard signs, their meaning and what to do about each of them

Your dashboard may be different and the symbols may look slightly different things, if unsure read your owner’s manual. Some of these lights could indicate a serious malfunction. Don’t ignore them. When in doubt, call your mechanic. 

1. ENGINE TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT

What it looks like: A 3 legged cow buried upside down.

What it means: Your engine is too hot, stop the car immediately. Here is a useful guide for what to do if your engine overheats.

2. TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT

What it looks like: Hand shake brothers sitting at a table and not knowing what to say!

What it means: The pressure in one or more of your tires is too low and needs to be attended to.

3. OIL PRESSURE WARNING

What it looks like: Aladdin’s magic lamp.

What it means: Your engine is running low on oil, or there is a problem with your car’s oil pressure system.

4. TRACTION CONTROL

What it looks like: A drunk Mazda Demio.

What it means: The car’s traction control system is engaged.

5. ENGINE WARNING

What it looks like: A kisiagi.

What it means: It can blink on for a number of reasons ranging from a bad sensor to a failing engine. Read about some of those here.

6. ANTILOCK BRAKE WARNING

What it looks like: A baby class chart.

What it means: There is an issue with your anti-lock brake system that needs to be diagnosed and fixed.

7. AUTOMATIC SHIFT LOCK OR ENGINE START INDICATOR

What it looks like: A ‘shoe-shine booth ahead’ billboard.

What it means: You need to engage the brake, either to start your car’s ignition or to get it out of Neutral.

Learn more about automatic shift options and meaning

8. BATTERY ALERT

What it looks like: Spongy Bob closing one eye.

What it means: The car’s charging system is short of power. You are running solely on battery. Your alternator is dead.

9. FUEL INDICATOR SYMBOL

What it looks like: A snake attacking an ATM machine.

What it means: You are running low on fuel. The symbol on the fuel gauge also has an arrow next to it—this indicates which side of the car has the petrol cap. No more three-point turns in rental cars ever again in petrol stations. Learn how to let if your car runs on diesel or petrol

10. SEATBELT REMINDER LIGHT

What it looks like: A man with his 1st pair of suspenders.

What it means: Buckle your seatbelt, please.

11. AIRBAG INDICATOR

What it looks like: A Luhya man with a mountain of ugali infront of him but his hands are tied

What it means: There may be an issue with one or more of your car’s airbags, or the airbag system in general.

12. FOG LAMP INDICATOR

What it looks like: Someone trying to pee through the zipper.

What it means: Your fog lights are on.

13. SECURITY LIGHT

What it looks like: Rear wheels being powered by a chain saw.

What it means: You may need a key with the proper transponder in order to trigger the ignition. Or, there is something else wrong with your car’s anti-theft system

14. TRACTION CONTROL MALFUNCTION

What it looks like: Illuminati is just around the corner

What it means: There is an issue with your anti-skid system, and it may be shut off completely.

15. WASHER FLUID INDICATOR

What it looks like: The fountain of knowledge.

What it means: The washer fluid level is low. Please fill up as soon as possible.

Source: MentalFloss