Warning Light FAQ
What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
We’ve all experienced it. You’re ready to go someplace, you jump in your car, you start the engine – all to be greeted by a strange light with no idea of what it means. Is my car safe to drive? Are the tires just going to fall off? Never find yourself in this predicament again! Here is your go-to guide for what the dashboard indicator lights on a Toyota Camry mean.
Low Pressure Indicator
What does it looks like – It looks like an oil can with a drop coming out of the tip.
What does it indicate – This warning light comes on when engine pressure is low. Check your oil levels to see if you are low on oil and top up your levels. If this light comes on when driving, stop your car in a safe place immediately and call roadside assistance.
Possible repair needed – engine oil leakage, oil pump
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator
What does it looks like – It looks like the letters “ABS” surrounded by a circle.
What does it indicate – This warning light indicates a problem with your anti-lock brake system. If this light is one, your vehicle no longer has ABS functionality but has normal braking functions.
Possible repair needed – ABS sensor repair
Battery (Charging System) Indicator
What does it looks like – It looks like a battery outline with a “+” and “-“ sign.
What does it indicate – This warning light comes on when the battery is no longer charging. If this comes on while driving you want to reduce the car’s electrical consumption. Turn off any device that uses the car battery – entertainment system, heating and cooling, radio, and rear defogger.
Possible repair needed – battery replacement, alternator, starter
Check Engine Light
What does it look like – It looks like an outline of an engine.
What does it indicate – This light illuminates when there is a problem with your vehicle’s emissions system. A steady light is not an emergency but should be checked by a technician as soon as possible. A blinking light indicates a serious problem that requires immediate attention such as a severe engine misfire – pull over and turn off your car. Schedule a service appointment to have your car diagnosed.
Possible repair needed – catalytic convertor, exhaust, airflow sensor, spark plugs
Low Tire Pressure (TPMS) Indicator
What does it look like – It looks like a tire outline with an exclamation point.
What does it indicate – One or more of your vehicle’s tires is low or flat. If this light comes on, check your tire pressure, re-inflate tires to proper psi, or replace the flat tire. This warning light may come on when there is an extreme temperature drop or if your system has not been calibrated correctly.
Possible repair needed –replace TPM sensor, new tires
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator
What does it look like – It looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation point beside it.
What does it indicate – It indicates there is a problem with your electric power steering or your vehicle’s power steering fluid levels are low. Check your fluid levels to identify if they are low. If that is not the problem, take your car in to a technician to have it diagnosed. If your power steering fails, you can still drive your vehicle, but it will be harder to steer.
Possible repair needed – refill power steering fluid, power steering pump
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Indicator
What does it look like – It looks like a car with two squiggly lines coming from the tires.
What does it indicate – The VSA system helps correct over steer and under steer along with wheel slip to improve corning capability, handling, and steering. This light blinks when the system is being used, usually during slippery driving conditions, and this is completely normal although you might want to lay off the accelerator.
If the light comes on permanently, there may be a permanent issue with the system. First turn off the engine then restart your car to see if the light comes back on. If it does make an appointment with your car service station. You will have normal functionality with the light is on, but you will no longer have your vehicle stability assistance.
Possible repair needed – replace brake pads, replace brake fluid
Supplemental Restraint Indicator
What does it look like – It looks like a passenger with a circle in front of them.
What does it indicate – The Supplemental Restraint warning light indicates a problem with the airbag and seatbelt network in the car. If this light comes on it could indicate a problem with one of the components or sensors in your car’s supplemental restraint system. If the light stays on, have your car inspected immediately.
Possible repair needed – obstruction in the seat belt buckle, clockspring, airbag reset