Chevrolet Dashboard Warning Lights and Symbols

Anti-Lock Brake System

This light means that the anti-lock brake system is disabled. The vehicle may take longer to bring to a stop or may skid during hard braking. In most cases, this problem is caused due to a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor.

To troubleshoot the ABS light on a Chevrolet vehicle, you need an ABS OBD-II Scanner. Use the scanner to read the codes from the ABS module to find out which sensor is bad.

Check Engine Light

This light means that the onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem. One or more fault codes will be stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM).

To find out why your Chevrolet check engine light is on, you will need to use an OBD-II scanner to read the ECM module’s codes. 

Air Bag Warning Light / SRS

This light means that there is a problem with the airbag system. Airbags have been disabled and most likely won’t deploy if you get involved in an accident. A common problem that triggers the airbag light is a faulty passenger weight seat sensor mounted on the front passenger seat. Other possible problems include low battery voltage or faulty clock spring.

You need to read the Airbag / SRS module’s fault codes with a Chevrolet Airbag Scanner to find out why your Chevrolet airbag light is on. Note that most generic OBD-II scanners can not read Airbag Codes.

Engine Temperature

This light means the engine is overheating. Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and shut off the engine. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 30 min. Once the engine has completely cooled down, you should check the engine coolant level.

Do not drive or keep the engine running if the engine overheating light stays on or is flashing.

Tire Pressure Monitor 

This light means that the air pressure in one of the tires is below 30 PSI. Inflate the tires to about 35-40 PSI.

A sticker on the door frame shows you exactly how much air your Chevy needs. Open the driver’s door, and you will see the tire pressure label.

Battery Light

This light means that there is a problem with the charging system. The battery light should not stay on when you are driving. If the light stays on, you may have a bad battery or alternator or a broken serpentine belt.

4-Wheel Drive Indicator

This light means that vehicle is set to switch between 2WD and 4WD as needed.

Adaptive Cruise Control

This light means that adaptive cruise control has been turned on.

Automatic High Beam 

This light means that the lights will switch between high and low beams automatically.

Brake Light

This light can mean a few things. First, make sure that the parking brake is released. If the brake light stays on, it could be due to the low brake fluid level in the brake reservoir. It could also indicate a problem with the brake system.

Do not drive if the brake light stays on. If needed, call an auto mechanic and ask for advice.

Collision Alert Indicator

If the collision alert flashes or turns on briefly, it means that the vehicle has intervened and avoided a collision.

If the collision alert light stays on all the time, it means that the system has been disabled due to a problem.

Cruise Control Light

This light means that cruise control has been turned on.

Door Ajar 

This light means that one of the doors is open or not fully closed.

Electric Park Brake 

This light means that there is a problem with the electric parking brakes. Note that parking brakes may not work. They may get stuck engaged and therefore prevent you from driving. The park brakes motor may fail, which means the parking brakes may not be able to engage at all.

Electronic Power Control 

This light means there is a problem with the electronic power control module.

Electronic Power Steering

This light means that there is a problem with the electronic power steering assist. The steering wheel may be tough to turn, but it will still work.

It’s not recommended to drive the vehicle with this light on.

EV Mode 

This light applies only to electric vehicles (EV) and indicates the vehicle is in power-saving mode.

Forward Alert 

This light is associated with the Advanced Crusie Control (ACC). If the light is yellow, it means there is a warning. If the light is red, it means there is a problem with ACC.

Lamp Out 

This light means that one of the light bulbs is burned out.

High Beam 

This light means that the high beams are on. Pull the turn signal switch towards you to turn off the high beams instead of pushing it up/down.

Hill Descent And Terrain Mode 

This light means that hill descent mode has been activated.

Hybrid, EV Ready 

This light lets the driver know that the vehicle is in electric vehicle mode and can move if the brakes are released.

Lane Keeping 

If this light flashes, it means the driver is departing the lane without turning on the turn signal. If the light stays on constantly, it means there is a problem with the lane departure system.

Low Fuel 

This light means your vehicle is low on fuel and needs to be refueled.

Low Washer Fluid 

This light means that you need to add windshield washer fluid.

Oil Light

This light means there is low engine pressure. This can be caused due to low engine oil levels.

Pull over immediately, turn off the engine, wait at least 5 minutes, and then check the engine oil level. If the oil level is low, add engine oil. Do not drive or leave the engine running if the oil light stays on.

Park Lamps ON 

This light means that the parking lights are on.

Pedestrian Warning 

This light means that a pedestrian has been detected.

Regenerative Mode 

This light means that the electric vehicle battery is being recharged.

Seat Belt Reminder

This light means that the driver or one of the passengers doesn’t have the seat belt on.

Security 

This light means that the security system is activated. If you see this light and can’t start the car, you may have a bad key or dead key fob battery.

Snow Mode 

This light means that the outside temperature has dropped below freezing.

Sport Mode 

This light means that vehicle is in sport mode. In sport mode, engine and transmission characteristics change to offer the best performance at the cost of fuel economy.

Stability Control 

If this light flashes, the stability control is engaging because it has detected that the vehicle is skidding and not staying in the intended path.

If the stability control light stays on all the time, the problem could be due to a fault with the ABS brakes, especially if the ABS light stays on.

Stability Control OFF 

This light means that stability control has been turned off. If this is the only light on your dash, try pressing the ESP off button on the dashboard.

If you notice several lights on the dashboard, it could mean an ABS problem, and the stability control has been turned off.

Tow Mode 

This is the light for tow mode. It may also say TOW or TOW HAUL. It simply means that the tow mode has been activated.

Traction Control 

This light means there is a problem with the traction control system.

Turn Signal Indicator

This light means that one of the turn signals is on. If you notice that both arrows blink, it means the hazard lights are turned on. Press the red triangle on the dashboard to turn on and off the hazard lights.