Understanding Warning Lights
Why Warning Lights Matter
Dashboard warning lights are like your car’s way of waving a red flag. They let you know when something’s up, helping you keep your ride safe and running smoothly. Ignoring these lights? That’s a fast track to big problems and even bigger repair bills.
- Safety Alerts: These lights give you a heads-up about urgent issues like low tire pressure, engine trouble, or low oil levels (Reliable Automotive).
- System Checks: If a light pops on and then goes off after you start the engine, it usually means everything’s A-OK.
- Manual Reference: Not sure what a light means? Your car’s manual is your best friend. Lost it? No worries, you can often find it online.
Red, Yellow, and Green Lights: What’s the Deal?
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids use a simple color system for their warning lights: green, yellow, and red. Knowing what each color means can save you a lot of headaches.
| Light Color | Meaning | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Everything’s good | No action needed |
| Yellow | Check it soon | Schedule a service or look into it |
| Red | Big problem | Get it fixed ASAP |
- Green Lights: These are your “all clear” signals. For example, the “Ready to Drive” light means your car’s good to go.
- Yellow Lights: These are like a friendly nudge to check something out soon. The “Low Battery/Charging Needed” light, for instance, means your battery’s running low.
- Red Lights: These are the serious ones. A red light means something needs immediate attention, like the “Serious Electrical Fault” light, which signals a major electrical issue.
Want more info on common EV warning lights? Check out our common EV warning lights section.
By getting a handle on what these lights mean, you can keep your EV or hybrid in top shape. For help with specific warning lights, head over to our EV warning lights troubleshooting guide.
Common EV and Hybrid Warning Lights
Understanding the warning lights on your electric or hybrid vehicle is key to keeping it running smoothly and safely. Here’s a rundown of the most common ones you might see.
Ready to Drive
When the “Ready to Drive” light pops up, your car is good to go. This light is usually green or blue.
Eco Mode
The “Eco Mode” light means your car is in fuel-saving mode. It’s all about squeezing the most miles out of every charge.
General Fault
The “General Fault” light is like your car saying, “Something’s up, but I’m not sure what.” Check the manual or get a pro to take a look.
Limited Power
If you see the “Limited Power” light, your car’s not feeling its best. It might be a battery or motor issue.
Pedestrian Alert
Electric cars have a sound system to warn pedestrians when you’re driving slowly. If the “Pedestrian Alert” light is on, that system needs a check (BookMyGarage).
Low Battery/Charging Needed
This light is your car’s way of saying, “Feed me!” Charge up soon, or you might end up stuck.
General Electrical Fault
The “General Electrical Fault” light means there’s an electrical issue. A red light means pull over and get help ASAP (BookMyGarage).
Serious Electrical Fault
This is the big one. If this light comes on, pull over safely and call for help immediately.
Master Warning
The “Master Warning” light is a catch-all for serious issues. Check your manual for what to do next.
12V Battery Charge
This light means there’s a problem with the 12V battery, which powers things like lights and the radio. Fix it soon to avoid bigger problems.
EV Operation Indicator
The “EV Operation Indicator” light tells you when your car is running on electric power. Handy for knowing when you’re in electric mode.
E-Mode/EV-Mode
Similar to the EV Operation Indicator, the “E-Mode” or “EV-Mode” light means your car is running purely on electric power. Common in plug-in hybrids.
Auto-Glide Control Indicator
The “Auto-Glide Control Indicator” light shows that your car’s auto-glide feature is on. This helps save energy by reducing drag when coasting.
Battery Temperature Warning
If the “Battery Temperature Warning” light comes on, your battery is too hot or too cold. Extreme temps can mess with battery life, so address this quickly.
External Sound System Issue
As mentioned, the external sound system warns pedestrians. If this light is on, the system needs fixing.
Regenerative Brake System Warning Indicator
The “Regenerative Brake System Warning Indicator” light means there’s a problem with the system that recharges your battery when you brake. This system is crucial for battery life.
For more tips on these warning lights and what to do about them, check out our articles on EV warning lights troubleshooting, EV warning lights meanings, and EV warning lights solutions.
