May 23, 2023 by Anne Kelley

Common Nissan Dashboard Warning Lights and Indicators Explained

An unknown icon appearing on your dashboard can be nerve-racking, especially when driving. Not every icon means immediate car failure, but it’s good practice to know which symbols are serious and which ones are less serious.

We’ll highlight the most important Warning and Indicator Lights but not the full list. Check your model’s official manual if you don’t find the information you’re looking for: https://www.nissanusa.com/owners/ownership/manuals-guides.html

If you need any help, please schedule a service appointment with us!

Important Indicator and Warning Lights

Brake Warning Light

This light turning on means there is an issue with your car’s brakes. Pull over immediately and call a tow truck to take you to an authorized dealership.

Charge Warning Light

When this light illuminates, there is a problem with the battery in your car. If this shows up on your dashboard, you should stop driving and call a tow truck to take you to a certified mechanic.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

If you see this indicator turn on, it means the oil pressure in your engine is low. To avoid damaging your engine, pull over and check the oil level. If it’s low, add oil and see if the light turns off. If it stays on, take your car to an authorized mechanic.

Check Engine Light Indicator Light

If this light illuminates, it could suggest damage to your catalytic converter, emission control system, or the engine itself. When it turns on, you should take your car to an authorized dealership asap, and if the light flashes, DON’T drive it, call a tow truck,

Master Warning Light

The Master Warning Light typically shows up with text describing the issue, so look out for it. This light can show up for something like an open car door, but it could also indicate something more serious, like low oil pressure. It’s best to understand the full situation before driving.

Seat Belt Warning

The light will turn off when a passenger is not wearing a seat belt, and it will likely sound off a chime. If this goes off while everyone is buckled in, the sensor might be malfunctioning.

Security Indicator Light

If working correctly, the security light will come on briefly when the engine is started and go away. If the engine doesn’t start and this light stays on, there could be a malfunction with the theft-deterrent system.

Anti-lock Braking System

This light shows up as ABS and will turn on if driving in slippery conditions; this means the system functions as it should. If the ABS light turns on during normal driving conditions, then you should take your car to an authorized dealership because the system might be malfunctioning.

Passenger Airbag Status Light

If this light turns on, there is probably an issue with the airbags in your car. Take your car to a certified mechanic as soon as possible to keep yourself and others safe.

Temperature Warning Indicators

The light indicates that the temperature of your engine is either too hot or too cold. If the light is red, pull over immediately before your engine overheats.

Transmission Warning Light

If this starts blinking, there’s likely an issue with the transmission system, and the gear positions may be unstable. It might be unsafe to drive your car in this state, so make sure to take it to a certified mechanic right away.

If this light turns on but doesn’t blink, the transmission oil temperature is too high. Slow down if driving, and don’t drive at high speeds until the light turns off. If this warning light turns on regularly, take it to a certified mechanic.

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

This light will turn on if the pressure is low in one or more of your tires. Try to fill the air in your tire as soon as possible not to cause damage to your wheels. If the warning stays on, take your car to an authorized dealership to have mechanics check your tires.

Low Windshield-Washer Fluid Warning Light

This light illuminates when you’re low on windshield wiper fluid. Check the fluid level and if the fluid is full while the light is on. There’s a possibility that something is wrong with the sensor, so take your car in for a check-up.

Power Steering Trouble Warning Light

If this light turns on, there is a problem with the car’s power steering system. The car is still drivable when the system malfunctions, but it will be harder to steer. You should still take your car to a certified dealership as soon as possible.

Shift P (Park) Warning Light

This warning turns on and chimes if you try to turn off the car when it’s not in park. Make sure the car is in Park before turning off the car.

Engine Start Operation Indicator Light

If this light shows up when attempting to start the engine, you will need to press the brake or clutch to start the engine. If the engine still doesn’t start after pressing the brake, you will need to take your car to an authorized dealership.

Keyless Ignition Detection Indicator Symbols

If this light flashes, the car probably can’t detect the electronic key. If the key is inside the car, the battery is probably dead and needs to be replaced.

Door Open Warning Light

This indicator will turn on if one of your doors is left open. If this light still doesn’t go away after closing all doors, the sensor might be malfunctioning.

Electric Shift Control System Warning Light

If the light illuminates on the dash, there is an issue with the electrical shift control system. The phrase “When parked apply parking brake” will also appear on the dashboard. The car should start if you apply the brake while turning on the car, but make sure to take it to a certified mechanic as soon as possible.

Water In Fuel Indicator Light

This warning turns on if water is detected in the fuel filter. Don’t start the car until you are sure that the water is drained from the fuel, and take your car to an authorized dealer right away.

What to Do When an Indicator Light Turns On?

Not all indicators mean immediate danger, but it’s always best to take your car to your local Nissan dealership as soon as possible. But if the light indicates your car is unsafe, DO NOT drive it. Paying for a tow truck is worth the price if it keeps you safe!

Schedule your service with us today!

Posted in: How to Guides

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