When the dashboard of your car lights up with an array of colorful symbols, it’s easy to feel a sense of alarm. These car warning lights are designed as a quick communication method between you and your vehicle’s diverse systems, indicating anything from a loose gas cap to a potential engine failure. Understanding these signals can be the difference between a simple fix and a costly repair, so familiarizing yourself with the most common car warning lights is an essential aspect of responsible vehicle maintenance.
car warning lights and symbols explained
Hybrid Service Warning
If you see a spanner with lightning bolts (or zigzags) running through it, this means that the hybrid system of your Chrysler Town and Country needs to be serviced. There are numerous potential causes, including age or mileage. Or it could indicate that the hybrid system has detected an error. You should take your vehicle to a Chrysler Town and Country technician, as hybrid systems are highly specialized
Power Steering Warning
It is likely that the problem is with your electric power-assisted steering if you see a red wheel with a yellow exclamation mark next to it. You can reset the car by turning it off and starting it again. If the light persists after restarting the car, then you should seek the help of a trained technician or Chrysler Town and Country dealer.
Security/Anti-Theft Warning
The security and anti-theft systems can malfunction if a simple red dot appears on the instrument cluster. It could be any security system, such as an immobilizer or alarm. The light will continue to flash while you are driving, which is a sign that there is a serious problem. A trained mechanic should be consulted.
Airbag Warning
Your Chrysler Town and Country is trying to warn you about an airbag issue by displaying a red circle on the dashboard. It is recommended that, as soon as you see this light, you take your car to an experienced mechanic or Chrysler Town and Country dealer.
Seat Belt Reminder
The red light will flash when a picture of a person with a band around them is displayed. This means that the passenger has not properly fastened their seatbelt. The system detects a passenger by the weight of a seat. If you have luggage or shopping on your seat, this could be why it is going off. Once the car has started moving, an audio alert is usually also heard.
Transmission Oil Overheat Warning
The transmission oil may be too hot if you see a red warning on the dashboard. It looks like a thermometer with a wavering circle. The oil may need to be replaced because it is not performing its function properly, or your Chrysler Town and Country transmission could have been pushed too far. Stop as soon as you can and allow the oil to cool before continuing. If the problem persists, seek assistance from a trained technician or Chrysler Town and Country dealer.
Engine Temperature Warning
The car will tell you if the engine is overheating if you see a series of waves and a thermometer displayed above with a red backlight. Waves represent coolant, which is what is typically measured when it comes to temperature. This can be caused by a number of things, from an engine that is being pushed hard to a malfunction or leak. Stop the vehicle and let the engine cool down. If the problem persists, seek help from a Chrysler Town and Country mechanic or trained technician.
Oil Temperature Warning
You will most likely see an oil container with a thermometer floating over it if your car is telling you that the oil in the motor is too hot. This indicator is usually only found on performance Chrysler Town and Country cars that are designed to be pushed hard by the driver. This could be due to heavy acceleration or, worse, a loss in oil. It is a red signal, so you need to pull over. Allow the engine to cool. It will continue if you don’t seek out a mechanic.
Brake Warning
The warning light will look different based on where you bought your Chrysler Town and Country. The brake warning light is displayed in most countries as the word BRAKE. However, it appears as an exclamation mark with brake pads around a circle. It’s a little confusing because the Canadian version looks similar to a handbrake on many cars. If you see any red icons (especially the red warning for brakes), you should stop the vehicle immediately. The brakes could be malfunctioning for a variety of reasons, including a lack of fluid pressure or a technological issue such as brake assistance programs. If you see this symbol, contact an independent garage or Chrysler Town and Country dealer.
Charging System Warning
This warning light looks like a Lego brick or a battery with both a positive symbol and a negative symbol. It is solid red in color. This light on the dashboard indicates that the battery has stopped being charged. If you see a red light, it means that the battery is not being charged by your engine. You should stop driving as soon as possible. This problem can be caused by a malfunctioning alternator or loose wires that connect it to the battery. Continued driving with a near-empty battery could cause a serious accident, as vital systems may fail at any moment. Ask for help from an independent mechanic, or visit your local Chrysler Town and Country dealership or garage.
Oil Pressure Warning
A red Aladdin lamp icon with no surrounding text indicates that oil pressure is low in the engine. It can be due to an oil leak underneath the engine or oil burning within the engine that is pushed through the exhaust. This is a warning light, and it is not recommended that you drive your vehicle until the light goes out. The engine can be seriously damaged if you drive with the low oil pressure warning light on. It will not have been properly lubricated, and it could overheat or cause extensive wear..
Master Warning Light
The triangle symbol with the exclamation point in the middle is used to signal that a car has detected an important fault. The warning light could come on for only a few moments, indicating that your car has detected a serious fault. You should seek assistance from a Chrysler Town and Country dealer or trained mechanic if the warning light remains on after you restart your vehicle.
Adaptive Cruise Control Warning
The adaptive cruise control system may report a problem if a speedometer or car has an exclamation point warning. The letters “ACC,” displayed either in yellow or red, may also be used. The system monitors traffic ahead of the vehicle using radars or cameras and adjusts the speed accordingly. Try restarting your car and see if the warning light persists. If it does, then you should seek out a qualified mechanic or Chrysler Town and Country dealer.
Lane Sense Warning
You may see a warning light that looks like the car is straying across broken or solid lines. This could be your car reporting that you have changed lanes. This system will only work with a camera or similar technology that can detect lanes. Some Chrysler Town and Country models can correct the steering on behalf of the drivers to ensure that the car stays in the middle lane.
Forward Collision Detection Off
If you see a warning light that shows two cars with stars symbolizing a collision and the word “OFF,” it means the forward collision detection is off. It is recommended that you take the vehicle to a Chrysler Town and Country dealer or a trained technician if you haven’t turned off this system yourself.
Forward Collision Detection Warning
The forward collision detection system could display a warning with two cars following one another, an exclamation mark, and an arrow under the car in question. This system is telling you that a collision is possible, and it is adjusting brakes, suspensions, and seatbelts to avoid it. This warning light will continue to flash if you do not seek out the assistance of a qualified mechanic or Chrysler Town and Country dealer.
Key-Fob Detected Indicator
The dashboard may display a symbol of a car key fob surrounded by waves. This indicator will tell you if your car is equipped with a keyless ignition system. If this indicator does not display when the keys are inside the car, then the battery may be flat.
ABS Warning
The warning light will be very visible and feature the letters “ABS,” surrounded by a circular shape and some crudely drawn pads. This warning light is meant to alert you that your ABS brake assist has malfunctioned, but the brakes may still function normally even without it. You should seek out a qualified mechanic or Chrysler Town and Country dealer as soon as you can.
Stability/Traction Control Off
This symbol is similar to the warning for stability control, also known as traction control. It has the word “OFF” underneath it, which indicates that the system has been turned off. It is rare that you can switch off the stability control in your car by pressing a single button. You will usually have to press and hold a button down for several seconds. You may need a mechanic if you are experiencing problems and haven’t switched it off.
Stability Control Warning
You will see a warning light that is orange or yellow and shows a car below with swirls. When this happens, you’ll usually hear an alarm sound to let you and others know that it has been activated. The light will remain on if you do not have traction and it is still illuminated. This means that your Chrysler Town and Country has a fault. If the warning light is on all the time, you should seek help from a qualified mechanic or Chrysler Town and Country dealer
Low Fuel Indicator
You are likely running low on fuel if you see what appears to be an old-fashioned pump in a gas station. This warning light may appear even if you have already filled your tank with fuel. Contact your dealer or a trained mechanic if this occurs.
Low Washer Fluid Warning
The washer fluid in your vehicle is running low, as indicated by a symbol of a windscreen or an open book with a fountain in the center. Under your bonnet, you will find a cap with the same symbol that shows where to place your washer fluid. If the light does not go out after you top up (wait for a few moments), then contact a professional.
Loose Gas Cap Warning
Your gas cap could be loose if you see a strange symbol on your dashboard. It looks like a car that has a piece cut out and a screw next to it. You may need to consult a mechanic if you’ve checked that your gas cap is securely fastened and you still have problems. On modern engines, a loose gas cap can lead to pressure problems.
Check Engine Light Warning
The check engine light on your Chrysler Town and Country can be a sign of many things, from a simple repair to a costly one. It can be an icon that has text in the center, or it may not have any text but look like a transmission outline. When you see the warning light, pull over and restart your engine. Sometimes a sudden fluctuation will set it off, even if there isn’t a problem. The engine will most likely be damaged if the warning light flashes instead of staying on. You should turn off the vehicle as soon as you can if the light is not solid. You can do it yourself by buying a cheap OBD2 reader and plugging it into your dashboard.
Hybrid Power Limitation Warning
The Chrysler Town and Country will display a yellow or orange turtle in a circle on the dashboard to let you know that it is running low on power. The batteries could have been depleted by heavy use, but battery damage could also be the cause. It’s best to have your hybrid system checked if this warning appears for longer than usual..
Electronic Throttle Control Warning
You may be having an issue with the electronic throttle control if you see a lightning symbol between two bent lines. If you are unable to restart your car after pulling over, then it’s best to consult a mechanic.
Tire Pressure Warning
In the instrument cluster of most Chrysler Town and Country vehicles sold today, there is a tire-pressure warning light. This light will turn orange as soon as your tire pressure falls. The indicator may flash if a sudden drop in tire pressure has been detected. It is advised that you pull over immediately. Dropping pressure can be caused by a puncture, wear and tear on the rim, or even a sudden change in temperature. It can be dangerous to drive on tires that have not been properly inflated, as it will affect braking and handling. The worst-case scenario is when the tire ruptures, usually at high speeds and at the worst possible time. It is best to pump up the tire yourself or ask for help from a professional at a tire store or Chrysler Town and Country.
Auto Stop-Start Warning
You may see a circle in which the letter “A” is located at the center, or an exclamation point. This indicates that the auto-stop-start system is malfunctioning. If the problem persists after restarting the vehicle, seek professional assistance. The car may still function as normal without the economy feature.
Cruise Control Indicator
The cruise control system will be active if you see a green warning light with arrows pointing at a speedometer. It may appear in yellow or with the shape of a car next to the symbol..
High Beam Indicator
The full-beam headlights are on when a semi-circle is blue or yellow with straight lines coming from the side. The full-beam light will activate when you turn on the main lights. It produces a stronger beam pointing forward. In some areas, it is against the law to have these lights on while driving towards another road user. The lights behind the steering are usually turned on by moving the stalk backward and forward.
Fog Lamp Indicator
When you see a semicircle next to a group of wavy lines, this means that your fog lights are on. These additional lights are visible when you turn on your main lights to try and help you in fog conditions. The control for turning them off is usually located near your steering wheels and lights.
Hybrid Ready Indicator
On a Chrysler Town and Country dash, if you see a green box with “READY” written inside it, that means the hybrid system is almost certainly ready for use. The batteries must be charged enough to power the motors, allowing the car to operate in electric mode.
Brake Pad Warning Light
The yellow exclamation mark on a yellow brake disc could indicate that your brake pads have become low. Modern models are more likely to display this warning. This should give you time to fix the problem before your brake pads become dangerously thin.
Engine Coolant Warning
The car will tell you if the engine is overheating if you see a series of waves and a thermometer displayed above with a red backlight. Waves represent coolant, which is what is typically measured when it comes to temperature. This can be caused by a number of things, from an engine that is being pushed hard to a malfunction or leak. Stop the vehicle and let the engine cool. If the problem persists, seek help from a Chrysler Town and Country mechanic or trained technician.
Powertrain/Drivetrain Warning
The drivetrain or powertrain of your Chrysler Town and Country refers to mechanical parts that carry the power from the engine of your car to the wheels. This can include the transmission/gearbox, clutch, differentials, off-road equipment, and axles (as well as many other parts and driving aids). If the warning light doesn’t go away when you turn off your car and on again, it is likely to be severe. It may also be dangerous for you to drive with this warning light on.
Heads Up Display Warning
If you see a warning light on the dashboard of your Chrysler Town and Country that looks like a caterpillar, or if it is shaped as a long tube with lines flashing from it, this could be referring to the heads-up screen. There may be a problem with your system if you do not see an error on the separate heads-up display as well. Check with your Chrysler Town and Country dealership or mechanic to run diagnostics and diagnose the issue.
Electronic Parking Brake Warning
In modern Chrysler Town and Countrys, the electronic parking brake replaces a handbrake. It is operated by a button near the gearshifter rather than with a stick. The warning can be displayed as a yellow light with the letter “P” enclosed within it. A warning in red that looks like a brake pad around a circular circle with a lightning symbol will appear if a fault has been detected. This warning is important because the digital system provides less feedback than the handbrake. This warning could be dangerous. Contact your local Chrysler Town and Country dealer for assistance.
Blind Spot Warning OFF
The blind-spot detection system will be turned off if you see a warning light with two cars in a line, a radar between them, and the word OFF above. A blind spot is an area that most drivers do not see. If the system persists after you have switched the car on and off, even if you did not turn it off, seek the help of a mechanic.
Hood Ajar Warning
The hood ajar alert is more severe than the trunk warning and should not be ignored. Open the hood or bonnet on your Chrysler Town and Country and close it with force. This will ensure that the mechanism is locked. A loose bonnet or hood is dangerous to drive with, as it can fly open and damage your windshield.
Trunk Ajar Warning
The visual of an outline of a vehicle with a flap that extends out on the right side indicates that your trunk remains open. Close the trunk before you drive, as the warnings will become more severe. The sensor may be malfunctioning if your trunk is closed.
Engine Air Filter Warning
It is easy and inexpensive to replace your air filter if it’s blocked. Modern Chrysler Town and Country vehicles can be equipped with sensors that alert you when the air filter is blocked. The warning light will appear on your dashboard in the form of a string with a wind gust blowing through.
Water In Fuel Warning
If you still see this message, it means that some water is getting through. Your fuel filter will remove water from the fuel to store and empty later. Water can be fatal for engines. You can find out how to empty your fuel filter by checking the owner’s manual if this warning light looks like a pump with water drops or rain.
Glow Plug Warning
The glow plug is represented by a warning light, which looks like a coil or string and is yellow. This glow plug is used to start a diesel engine from cold. The warning should appear briefly when the engine starts and then disappear as soon as you turn your ignition on. The warning should only appear briefly and then disappear quickly. This indicates that it has finished warming up.
Service Reminder
Some models have a service alert that will be triggered after a certain amount of time or miles since the last visit by a mechanic. The spanner will have an exclamation point through it. It is not a warning, but merely a friendly reminder. If you want to keep your vehicle in top condition, it is best to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Brake Override Warning
In addition to causing damage to your vehicle, pushing both the brake and accelerator pedals at the same time can cause an accident. Some cars have a warning on the dashboard to let you know that you’re pressing both pedals at once. This will help you understand what you’re doing and stop it. You can even have the car fixed for you, but for safety, you should still change your driving. This warning light will flash if there is an issue with the system. You should fix it as soon as you can.
Adblue Warning
Adblue (r) is a pollution-reducing additive that can be used in certain modern diesel engines. You need to refill it when it runs out; otherwise, your engine will not start. Adblue may be displayed on the warning, or it could simply show an empty bottle. Adblue (r), a fluid that is available in many places, including service stations and fuel stations, can be purchased.
Headlight/Taillight Out Warning
Modern models have a warning system that displays when a taillight or headlight is not working. It is a very useful feature, as it can quickly lead to safety concerns if a light goes out. The warning is a bulb of light trapped in a circle with two smaller circles around it.
Immobiliser Warning
Immobilizers are a safety feature in your vehicle that helps prevent hotwiring. It works by detecting the key in the car and disabling the power to the fuel pump. Your car may not start if there is a problem with the unit. It will display an icon of a car inside a key. To diagnose and fix the problem, seek the assistance of a Chrysler Town and Country technician.
Air Suspsension Warning
Certain models of cars (typically those that are off-road capable) have an air suspension system that allows them to be raised or lowered. These systems are prone to damage because they have many moving parts. The air suspension may be the cause of an alert light that looks like a car outline with arrows pointing upwards and downwards. A car with a problem can be dangerous, so you should seek out a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission Warning
A car’s automatic transmission makes driving so much easier, but it is also a very complex component. It can be very expensive if it fails. Your car could be telling you to check the gearbox if you see a cog that looks like an exclamation point. It is important to get it checked as soon as you can. Avoid pushing the car or driving if possible.
Oil Service Warning
The yellow oil symbol, rather than the red oil symbol, can indicate that your oil needs to be serviced or changed. It may also mean that the level of oil has decreased. Modern cars may display an actual message on their dashboard, such as “oil service required” or “oil change required.” You should change the oil and replace the oil filter at the same time to remove any dirty contaminants. You can top up the oil levels to make sure, but it’s not a solution that will last. by though you could just top the levels up to be sure but this isn’t a long-term fix.
source:warninglights.co
