Chevy Dashboard Lights
A new light pops up on the cluster, and the first thought is, “Is this serious?” If you’ve ever wondered “What do the lights on my dashboard mean?” our service team at McKay Chevrolet in Raynham, MA, hears that question all the time. Here’s a guide to what common Chevy warning lights mean and when to book service.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Red lights, like oil pressure or coolant temperature, usually mean pull over safely.
- ✓Amber lights, like ABS or TPMS, generally mean a system needs attention soon.
- ✓A flashing check engine light is more urgent than a solid one.
- ✓Green, white, and blue icons show driver assistance status.
- ✓Most lights flash briefly at startup as a self-check.
What Do Chevy Dashboard Light Colors Mean?
Chevy dashboard lights follow a simple color system. Red signals a potentially serious problem, amber means a system needs attention, and green, white, or blue icons typically show that a feature is on or active.
Solid versus flashing matters, too, and each light is covered below. Here’s a quick color reference:
Which Red Warning Lights Mean You Should Pull Over?
Red lights for oil pressure, coolant temperature, charging, and brakes deserve immediate attention. Find a safe place to stop.
Oil Pressure / Oil Level Warning
The engine may lack the oil pressure it needs. Turn it off, check the oil, and add some if it’s low. If the light stays on more than 10 seconds after restarting, shut it off and don’t restart it.
Coolant Temperature Warning
The engine has overheated. Turn it off and plan for a tow, since driving can cause damage.
Battery / Charging System Light
This points to a possible charging system problem. Driving can drain the 12-volt battery, so switch off accessories like the radio and head to a service station.
Brake System Warning Light
This indicates a brake problem or low brake fluid, and stops may take longer. Stop carefully, and if the light stays on, have the vehicle towed.
Which Amber Lights Mean You Should Schedule Service?
Amber lights rarely require an immediate stop, but they shouldn’t be ignored.
Check Engine Light
A solid check engine light means the vehicle detected an engine or emissions issue, sometimes before you notice anything. Get it checked soon. A flashing light typically signals a misfire that can damage the catalytic converter, so reduce speed and get service right away.
ABS Warning Light
If only the ABS light is on, your regular brakes still work, but anti-lock braking doesn’t. If the brake system light is on too, the regular brakes need attention as well.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light
A solid TPMS light means a tire is significantly underinflated. Check pressures against the label on the driver’s door frame. If it keeps flashing at startup, the system itself may need service.
Traction or Stability Control Light
A flashing light means traction control or StabiliTrak is actively working, often on wet or snowy roads. A solid light may indicate a system problem, so have it checked soon.
Low Fuel Light
It’s time to refuel. If the light stays on after filling up, schedule service.
What Do Chevy Driver Assistance Icons Mean?
These icons are status indicators. Their colors show whether a feature is ready, active, or needs you to act.
Super Cruise Light
On the steering wheel light bar, solid green means it’s steering hands-free. A green flashing light means look back at the road. Blue means you’re steering manually. Flashing red means take control immediately.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Icon
White means LKA is on but not ready. Green means it’s available to assist. Amber means it detected that you may be unintentionally leaving your lane.
Forward Collision Alert Vehicle Ahead Indicator
Green means the system detects a vehicle ahead. Amber means you’re following too closely, so ease off and leave more space.
Know What Your Chevy Is Telling You
Once you know the color code, Chevy dashboard lights are much less stressful. Red means stop and assess, amber means schedule service soon, and green or blue usually means a feature is working. When a warning light won’t go away, the McKay Chevrolet service team in Raynham can diagnose it.
Seeing a light that won’t turn off? Contact the McKay Chevrolet service department or schedule an appointment online.
FAQ
Can I drive with the check engine light on?
If it’s solid and the vehicle drives normally, a short trip to service is usually fine. If it’s flashing, get service right away.
Why do all my dashboard lights come on at startup?
It’s a self-check confirming each light works.
Why does my TPMS light come on in cold weather?
Cold air lowers tire pressure, which is common on chilly New England mornings. Check and adjust pressures as needed.
What if a warning light comes on, then goes away?
Chevrolet suggests turning off a gas-powered vehicle for 2 minutes, then restarting it. If the light returns, schedule service.