Key Takeaways: Dashboard Warning Lights
Red Lights = STOP - Critical issues requiring immediate attention (Oil Pressure, Brake System, Engine Overheat)
Yellow/Orange = CAUTION - Get checked soon (Check Engine, TPMS, Charging System)
Flashing Check Engine = Severe - Pull over immediately to prevent catalytic converter damage
Initial Light Show = Normal - All lights briefly illuminate during system self-check at startup
Driving through Central Oregon's diverse terrain, from Madras to Mount Jefferson, you rely on your Chevrolet or GMC to get you there safely. When an unfamiliar light suddenly illuminates your dashboard, it can be unsettling. At Chevrolet GMC of Madras, we understand that confusing moment. Those dashboard warning lights are your vehicle's communication system, alerting you to potential issues before they become major problems. Understanding their messages can save you from costly repairs and keep you safe on Oregon's roads.
Modern Chevrolet and GMC vehicles feature sophisticated monitoring systems with numerous warning indicators. While some symbols are self-explanatory, others can be as puzzling as a foreign language. When you start your vehicle, you'll notice a brief display of all symbols—this is a normal self-test to ensure each warning system is functional. Consider this guide your personal translator for those dashboard symbols, helping you understand what they mean and what action to take when you see them during your daily commute or Central Oregon adventures.
Critical Red Warning Lights: Stop Immediately
Red warning lights signal immediate danger or serious vehicle problems requiring you to stop as soon as safely possible. Ignoring these alerts can lead to severe vehicle damage, safety hazards, or complete breakdowns—especially inconvenient on remote Oregon highways.
Oil Pressure Warning Light
This red oil can symbol indicates critically low oil pressure, which could mean your engine is running dangerously low on oil or the oil pump has failed. Driving with this warning illuminated can cause catastrophic engine damage within minutes—engine replacement could cost more than your vehicle's value. Pull over safely, turn off the engine immediately, and check your oil level. If it's low, add the appropriate oil; if the level is normal, you'll need professional assistance and likely a tow to our Madras service center.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning
This thermometer symbol will briefly illuminate during startup then turn off. If it stays on while driving, your engine is overheating—a serious concern that can warp engine components and cause gasket failures. Driving with this light on may void certain warranty protections. If you see this light, particularly while climbing Central Oregon's elevations, pull over safely and turn off the engine immediately. Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap while hot. Plan for your vehicle to be towed to our service department for diagnosis and repair.
Brake System Warning Light
This exclamation mark inside a circle will flash during startup to confirm system functionality. If it remains illuminated while driving, there's a serious problem with your braking system—possibly low brake fluid, worn brake pads, or a hydraulic system failure. Your vehicle speed may be electronically limited, the brake pedal may feel harder to press, and stopping distance will increase. If this light comes on while driving through Madras or on Highway 26, pull over as soon as safely possible and stop carefully. Have the vehicle towed to our service center—driving with brake system warnings is extremely dangerous.
Important Yellow/Orange Warning Lights: Get Checked Soon
Yellow or orange lights indicate caution—conditions that need attention soon but aren't immediate emergencies. However, ignoring these warnings can lead to more serious problems, decreased fuel efficiency, and expensive repairs down the road.
Check Engine Light
The most common warning light, this engine-shaped symbol indicates your vehicle has detected a malfunction with the engine, emissions system, or propulsion system. A solid light means you should schedule service soon; a flashing light indicates a severe misfire that could damage the catalytic converter—stop driving immediately. In electric vehicles, this light may appear during charging problems. While you might not notice any driving issues initially, the vehicle's computer has detected something that could become problematic. Our Madras service center uses factory diagnostic tools to accurately identify and resolve check engine light issues.
Charging System Light
This battery-shaped symbol briefly appears during startup. If it remains illuminated while driving, your vehicle's electrical charging system is malfunctioning—likely an alternator failure, serpentine belt problem, or battery issue. Continuing to drive will drain your 12-volt battery, eventually leaving you stranded. If you must drive a short distance to safety, turn off all non-essential electrical components (radio, climate control, seat heaters). Schedule immediate service at our Madras dealership; our technicians can test your battery, alternator, and charging system to identify the root cause.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
This exclamation point inside a tire symbol will flash briefly during startup. If it remains solid, one or more tires are significantly underinflated (typically 25% below recommended pressure). A flashing light indicates a system malfunction. Proper tire inflation is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity—especially with Oregon's varying temperatures affecting tire pressure. Check all tires with a reliable gauge and inflate to the pressure listed on your driver's door jamb sticker (not the tire sidewall). If the light persists after inflation or keeps flashing, our service department can diagnose and repair your TPMS sensors.
Safety System Warning Lights
Airbag Readiness Light
This symbol of a seated passenger with an airbag deploying will flash during startup. If it remains illuminated, there's a fault in your airbag system, meaning airbags may not deploy properly in a collision. You may also see a dashboard message. Since your safety is paramount, schedule immediate service at our Madras dealership.
Traction Control System
This car with squiggly lines will flash during startup. If it flashes while driving, the TCS/ESC system is actively working to maintain traction (common on slippery surfaces). If it remains solid, there's a system fault, meaning these important safety features may not help you maintain control during slippery conditions.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
This "ABS" symbol flashes during startup. If illuminated while driving, there's an ABS fault. With only the ABS light on, your conventional brakes work normally but without anti-lock functionality. If both ABS and brake warning lights are on, there's a problem with both systems—a serious safety concern.
Seat Belt and Safety Reminder Lights
Seat Belt Reminder Lights
You'll see driver, front passenger, and rear passenger seat belt reminder lights if seat belts are unbuckled when starting. They flash during startup and remain lit if occupants don't buckle up. Most modern Chevrolets and GMCs have weight sensors, so even a heavy bag on the passenger seat can trigger the reminder.
Door Ajar Light
This car silhouette with open doors illuminates when any door, liftgate, or hood isn't fully closed. Before driving, ensure all closures are secure—not just for safety but to prevent interior dome lights from draining your battery and to maintain proper aerodynamics for fuel efficiency.
Security Light
This car with a key symbol flashes when your theft-deterrent system is active and operational. If it doesn't flash during startup, the system may be disabled. If it remains solid and the engine won't start, there's a problem with the security system—possibly a key fob recognition issue or module malfunction.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This gas pump symbol flashes during startup and illuminates solidly when fuel is low (typically 1-2 gallons remaining). Refuel promptly—running on empty can cause sediment from the tank bottom to clog your fuel filter and strain the fuel pump, potentially leading to premature failure.
Driver Assistance Feature Warning Lights
Lane Keep Assist & Lane Departure Warning
These systems help maintain lane position. White means inactive, green means active and assisting, orange/amber means the system detected unintentional lane departure. The amber warning disappears once you're centered again. These features are particularly helpful on long stretches of Highway 97.
Forward Collision Alert
Green indicates Forward Collision Alert detects a vehicle ahead. Orange/amber means you're following too closely (tailgating). If amber appears, increase your following distance—the light will return to green. These systems use radar/camera technology that may need occasional cleaning.
Automatic Emergency Braking
If you've set Forward Collision Alert to "Alert Only" or "Off," this icon appears indicating automatic braking is disabled. For maximum safety—particularly in busy areas like Madras or Bend—change settings to "Alert and Brake." If this icon appears despite being set to automatic braking, there may be a sensor obstruction.
Adaptive Cruise Control
White means ACC is on but no following gap is set. Green means ACC is active and maintaining your preset following distance. Some systems include curve speed control that automatically reduces speed through curves (helpful on winding Central Oregon roads). These systems make highway driving more comfortable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if multiple dashboard warning lights come on at once?
Multiple warning lights illuminating simultaneously usually indicates an electrical issue, charging system failure, or major system problem. Safely pull over and have your vehicle towed to our Madras service center. This could indicate problems with your vehicle's computer system, a failing alternator, or serious mechanical issues requiring immediate professional diagnosis.
Can I drive with my check engine light on?
If it's solid yellow, you can typically drive to our service center, but schedule service promptly. If it's flashing red, stop driving immediately—this indicates a severe engine misfire that could cause catalytic converter damage (repairs can exceed $2,000). Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light can lead to expensive repairs and potentially leave you stranded.
How do I reset warning lights after repairs?
Some lights (like TPMS) may reset after correcting the issue and driving briefly. Many warning lights require professional diagnostic tools to properly reset. At Chevrolet GMC of Madras, our technicians use factory scan tools to reset lights after repairs and ensure all systems are functioning correctly. Attempting to reset lights without fixing the underlying problem is unsafe.
Are Chevrolet and GMC dashboard warning lights the same?
Most symbols are standardized across GM vehicles, but some GMC-specific models may have additional alerts for features like MultiPro Tailgates or professional-grade systems. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific information, or visit our Madras dealership for clarification. Both brands share the same underlying technology and diagnostic systems.
What's the difference between red and yellow warning lights?
Red warning lights indicate immediate danger or serious problems requiring stopping the vehicle as soon as safely possible. Yellow or orange lights mean caution—schedule service soon, but it's not an immediate emergency. Think of red lights as "stop now" and yellow lights as "schedule service soon." Ignoring either can lead to expensive repairs and safety compromises.
Why do all lights illuminate when I start my car?
This is completely normal! When you start your vehicle, all warning lights briefly illuminate as part of a bulb and system check to ensure they're working properly. They should turn off within 2-5 seconds once the system completes its self-diagnosis. If any light remains on, it indicates an issue needing attention from our service department.
Additional Dashboard Warning Light Resources
Official Chevrolet Resources
For the most accurate, vehicle-specific information:
Official Chevrolet Warning Lights Guide ?Complete information straight from Chevrolet
Third-Party Reference Guide
Comprehensive visual guide to dashboard symbols:
Dashboard Warning Lights Explained ?Helpful visual reference with explanations
Expert Warning Light Diagnosis in Madras, OR
At Chevrolet GMC of Madras, our factory-certified technicians use the latest diagnostic equipment to accurately identify and resolve dashboard warning light issues. Whether it's a check engine light, TPMS alert, or any other warning, we provide honest assessments and quality repairs to get you back on Central Oregon roads with confidence.