I’m driving on the highway and I see that my dashboard symbols are lit. What does it mean? Do I need to pull over? Is there something wrong with my car? These are all questions that run through someone’s head when they see a lit dashboard symbol. In this article, we will discuss what each of these symbols means, so you will know what to do when you see them!
So why are my dashboard symbols still on while driving?
Is it because I left my headlights on? Or is there something more serious going on with my vehicle?
There are a few different reasons why your dashboard symbols may still be lit up while you’re driving.
1. Headlights on
The first reason could be that you simply left your headlights on. To turn off your headlights, you’ll need to find the headlight switch, which is usually located on the left side of the steering column.
Once you’ve found the switch, turn it to the “off” position. If your headlights are still on, then check to see if your headlight bulbs are burned out. To do this, you’ll need to open up your hood and take a look at your headlight bulbs. If they’re burned out, then you’ll need to replace them.
2. Problem with your electrical system
Another reason why your dashboard symbols may still be lit is that there’s a problem with your car’s electrical system. This could be caused by several different things, such as a loose battery terminal or a faulty alternator.
A loose battery terminal is an easy fix – simply tighten the terminal with a wrench. However, a faulty alternator will need to be replaced by a mechanic.
If you think this may be the case, then you’ll need to take your car to a specialist and have it checked out.
3. Turned on switch
Finally, another reason why your dashboard symbols may still be on is that you left something turned on in your car, such as the radio or the air conditioner. These switches are usually located on the center console of your car.
To turn these things off, you’ll need to find the switch for each one and turn it to the “off” position.
If your dashboard symbols are still lit after following these steps, then you’ll need to take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
If you see a lit dashboard symbol while you’re driving, don’t panic! Just take a look at the list below to see what it means and what you need to do.
- Headlights: Turn off your headlights
- Burned out headlight bulbs: Replace your headlight bulbs
- Electrical system: Take your car to a mechanic
- Something left on in the car: Turn it off
Now that you know what each of these symbols means, you’ll be able to handle seeing them while driving without panicking. Just remember to stay calm and check the list above to see what you need
Keep reading to know about types of dashboard symbols that tell you your system is malfunctioning.
Dashboard symbols that indicate a malfunctioning system
It’s important to know that there are different types of dashboard symbols: those that indicate a system is still on, and those that indicate a system is malfunctioning. In this article, we will be discussing the former.
Now that we know why our dashboard symbols are still on, let’s discuss what each of them means.
1. Engine light
The most common dashboard symbol is the check engine light. This light comes on when the car’s computer detects a problem with the engine or emissions control system. The most common problems with your engine light are a loose or damaged gas cap, a faulty oxygen sensor, or a problem with the catalytic converter.
These problems can usually be fixed easily, so it’s important to get your car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible if this light comes on.
2. Battery light
Another common dashboard symbol is the battery light. This light comes on when there is a problem with the charging system or the battery itself. A broken alternator belt, loose connection, or dead battery are all common problems that will cause this light to come on. Causes of a dead battery include leaving your lights on or not driving your car often enough.
If this light comes on, you should take your car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. If the problem is with the battery, you may be able to replace it yourself. However, if the problem is with the charging system, it will need to be fixed by a mechanic.
3. Oil pressure light
The last common dashboard symbol we will discuss is the oil pressure light. This light comes on when there is a problem with the engine’s oil pressure. This can be caused by low oil levels, a clogged oil filter, or a faulty oil pump. To prevent this light from coming on, you should check your oil level regularly and change your oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If this light comes on, you should pull over and turn off the engine immediately. Then, you should check your oil level and add oil if necessary. If the problem is with the oil pump, you will need to take your car to a mechanic to have it repaired or replaced.
These are just a few of the most common dashboard symbols and what they mean. If you see any other symbols, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or take your car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed. Do not ignore dashboard symbols, as they can indicate serious problems with your car.
But what if my car is off and the symbols are still lit?
Have you been also wondering why dashboard lights are on after you shut down your engine? Well there are a few reasons why this happens
1. Car still on
The most likely reason is that you have not yet turned off your car. Many people think that once they have shut the engine off, all of the systems in their car will turn off as well. However, this is not the case!
When your engine is off, your car’s battery is still supplying power to some systems in your car. This includes the lights on your dash! So if you see a lit dashboard symbol, it is most likely because you have not yet turned off your engine. To do this, simply turn your key to the “off” position and remove it from the ignition.
2. Door not fully closed
One possibility is that a door is not fully closed. This can trigger some interior lights to stay on, which will, in turn, cause the corresponding dashboard symbols to stay lit. The doors of your car are connected to an electrical system, and if the connection is not fully closed, it can cause a short circuit. This can trigger the interior lights to stay on as well as the corresponding dashboard symbols.
To fix this problem, you should open and close all of the doors of your car to make sure that they are properly latched.
3. Headlight on
Another possibility is that you have left your headlights on. This will also cause the dashboard symbols to stay lit! The headlight switch is connected to the battery, and if it is left on, it will cause a current to flow through the headlight circuit. This will cause the dashboard symbols to stay lit.
To fix this problem, you should turn off your headlights. To do this, simply find the headlight switch and turn it to the “off” position.
These are just a few of the most likely reasons why your dashboard symbols are still lit even after you shut off your engine. If you’re still having trouble, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or take your car to a mechanic for further diagnosis. Do not ignore these lights, as they could indicate a serious problem with your car
Final thought
Dashboard lights still on while driving can be distracting, but more importantly, they can indicate a serious problem with your vehicle. I will recommend taking your car to a mechanic if you see any lit dashboard symbols. Do not ignore these lights, as they could be warning you of a serious issue!
