What Does The Light On My Dashboard Mean?

If you see a light flash on your dashboard while you’re on the highway, it’s easy to worry. While dashboard warning lights do not indicate an emergency, they do mean your car needs attention. Save time and stress by learning how to interpret the symbols and colors of your car’s dashboard alerts. In the guide below, you’ll learn which alerts are minor and which require immediate service:

Dashboard Lights and Their Meanings

If an unfamiliar dash alert makes you think, “What does the light on my dashboard mean?”, study your owner’s manual to find out which dashboard warning lights need to be dealt with immediately. Here, we’ve listed a few key symbols and their meanings:

Safety Alerts and Routine Reminders

• Washer Fluid Reminder — An easy fix, this light means your windshield washer fluid is low and it’s time for a refill.
• Fog Lamp — When you see this light, turn your brights back off after using them to navigate dark roads outside Fountain Hills.
• Security Alert — Otherwise known as the “door ajar” light, this comes on if your ignition switch is locked, indicating a technology malfunction.
• Airbag Fault — The airbag light warns you that the airbags won’t deploy correctly in the event of a collision, due to fault in the airbag system. You’ll want to get this checked out soon at a Mercedes-Benz service center near Scottsdale.

Engine Issues

• Service Vehicle — The “Service Vehicle” light means there’s an issue in your vehicle’s electrical system. A problem with the battery, starter or alternator definitely needs to be checked out at a service center.
• Coolant Temp Warning — This lights tells you your car’s coolant temperature is abnormal. It’s important to find the cause, because it can be the result of a malfunctioning fan or coolant leak.
• Reduced Power Warning — This is a more serious warning, indicating that an engine part may be malfunctioning, causing a reduced power output. Bring your car in for an inspection as soon as possible to keep your Mesa drives safe. If you’re a Mercedes-Benz driver near Fountain Hills, you can find genuine OEM parts at the Mercedes-Benz of North Scottsdale Parts Center.

Brake Issues

• Traction Control or ESP® — Drive with caution when you see this light, which indicates that your vehicle’s electronic stability system has has been triggered by an unstable section of Fountain Hills roadway.
• Brake System — This light can mean several different issues are present in the brake system, such as low brake fluid, an ABS issue, or a mechanical problem with the brakes themselves.

Learn Mercedes-Benz Maintenance Best Practices with Mercedes-Benz of North Scottsdale

We’re happy to answer questions about Mercedes-Benz roadside assistance at our Phoenix service center. With regular visits for Mercedes-Benz Service A* and Mercedes-Benz Service B*, you’ll never need to worry about the most serious dashboard warning lights.

Of course, even drivers who keep with regular service might want to know how to take care of some tasks at home! Find out how to change a tire today.