Understanding Warning Lights
Common Electric Vehicle Lights
Electric and hybrid vehicles come with a bunch of dashboard warning lights to keep you in the loop about potential problems. Knowing what these lights mean can save you a lot of headaches and keep your ride running smoothly.
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Hybrid System Warning Light:
- Looks like a “check engine” light but for the electrical stuff.
- Colors matter:
- Yellow: Minor hiccup
- Red: Big trouble (Firestone Complete Auto Care)
- What to do: Grab the owner’s manual and follow the steps.
-
Battery Warning Light:
- Signals an issue with the battery or charging system.
- Usually a battery icon on the dash.
- What to do: Check for loose or corroded connections and get a pro to take a look.
-
Brake System Warning Light:
- Tells you there’s a problem with the brakes.
- Often shows up as an exclamation mark inside a circle.
- What to do: Check the brake fluid and have a professional inspect the brakes.
-
Temperature Warning Light:
- Means the vehicle’s running too hot.
- Typically a thermometer symbol.
- What to do: Pull over safely, let it cool down, and check the coolant levels.
Interpretation of Warning Lights
Getting these warning lights right can stop further damage and keep you safe on the road.
| Warning Light | Description | Severity | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid System | Electrical component issue | Yellow (Minor), Red (Serious) | Check owner’s manual, pull over, tow to a pro (Firestone Complete Auto Care) |
| Battery | Battery or charging system issue | Varies | Check connections, see a pro |
| Brake System | Braking system issue | High | Check brake fluid, get a pro inspection |
| Temperature | High vehicle temperature | High | Cool down, check coolant levels |
For more details on what each warning light means, check out our article on EV warning lights meanings. Knowing these lights can help you fix issues quickly and keep your vehicle in top shape. If you see any of these warning lights, head over to our EV warning lights troubleshooting guide for step-by-step solutions.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
Understanding the warning lights on your hybrid car’s dashboard is key to keeping it running smoothly and safely. Let’s break down what those lights mean and how to fix common problems.
What Those Lights Mean
Different lights mean different things. Here’s a quick guide:
| Warning Light | Meaning | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Power | Your car’s slowing down due to an electrical issue, battery problem, or something else | Head to an approved dealer ASAP (Swansway Garages) |
| Low Battery | Only 10% charge left (flashing means 5% or less) | Plug it in to charge (Swansway Garages) |
| Electrical Fault (Amber) | There’s a problem with the electrical system (batteries, motors, or wiring) | Get it checked by a dealer (Swansway Garages) |
| Electrical Fault (Red) | Major electrical issue, car might shut down | Immediate attention needed from a garage (Swansway Garages) |
| Hybrid System Warning | Check engine light for the electrical part | Look at the owner’s manual; take it to a dealer (Firestone Complete Auto Care) |
| Regenerative Brake System Warning | Problem with electronic brakes or brake fluid | Get it checked right away (RAC) |
For a full guide on hybrid vehicle warning lights, check out our detailed article.
Fixing Common Problems
Here’s how to tackle common issues with those warning lights:
- Identify the Light:
- Check your owner’s manual or our hybrid vehicle warning lights chart to figure out what the light means.
- Do Basic Checks:
- Look at the battery charge, brake fluid, and oil levels.
- If the battery’s low, plug in the car right away.
- Use Diagnostic Tools:
- Use an EV warning lights code reader or hybrid vehicle warning lights scanner to find out the exact problem.
- For more info, see our guide on ev warning lights troubleshooting.
- Get Professional Help:
- If it’s a serious issue (red light or major fault), take the car to an approved dealer or garage.
- Follow the pro’s advice to avoid future problems.
- Regular Maintenance:
- Keep up with regular maintenance to prevent issues. Follow the manufacturer’s service schedule and update the car’s software.
- For more tips, visit our article on ev warning lights maintenance.
By knowing what each light means and how to fix it, you can keep your hybrid car in top shape. For more troubleshooting tips, check out our ev warning lights troubleshooting guide.
