Chevy Warning Lights and Meanings

Complete guide to Chevy dashboard warning lights and symbols. Learn what each indicator means and what action you should take when they illuminate.

Understanding Chevy Dashboard Warning Lights

Chevy vehicles are equipped with an advanced diagnostic system that monitors various components and systems. When an issue is detected, a corresponding warning light will illuminate on your dashboard.

These warning lights are color-coded to indicate the severity of the issue:

Red: Indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention. You should stop driving as soon as it's safe to do so.
Amber/Yellow: Suggests a less urgent problem that should be checked soon, but doesn't require immediate action.
Green: Usually informational, indicating that a system is active or functioning normally.
Blue: Usually informational, indicating features like high beam headlights or coolant temperature.
White: Usually informational, indicating that certain systems or features are currently active.

Below you'll find a comprehensive list of warning lights that may appear on your Chevy vehicle's dashboard.

Chevy Warning Light Categories

Critical Warning Lights

These red warning lights indicate serious issues that require immediate attention.

Service Warning Lights

These amber/yellow lights suggest issues that need attention soon but aren't immediately critical.

Information Indicators (Green)

These green lights simply inform you that certain systems are active.

Information Indicators (Blue)

These blue lights indicate that certain features or systems are enabled.

Information Indicators (White)

These white lights provide status information about various vehicle systems.

Critical Warning Lights

Airbag Readiness Light

This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. It is located in the instrument cluster. The system check includes the airbag sensor(s), the passenger sensing system, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic module. The airbag readiness light comes on for several seconds when the vehicle is started. If the light does not come on then, have it fixed immediately.

Brake System Warning Light

This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light comes on and stays on at start up, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system inspected right away. If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. The brake pedal might be harder to push, or the brake pedal may go closer to the floor. It could take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.

Brake System Warning Light

Charging System Light

The charging system light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show the light is working. It should go out when the engine is started. If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Have it checked by your dealer. Driving while this light is on could drain the battery. When this light comes on, or is flashing, the Driver Information Center (DIC) also displays a message. If a short distance must be driven with the light on, be sure to turn off all accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner. Find a safe place to stop the vehicle.

Door Ajar Light

This light comes on when a door is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that all doors are properly closed.

Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light

There is a driver seat belt reminder light on the instrument cluster. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their seat belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle may continue several times if the driver remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the driver seat belt is buckled, neither the light nor the chime comes on.

Electric Parking Brake Light

This light comes on when the parking brake is applied. If the light continues flashing after the parking brake is released, or while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake system. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC). If the light does not come on or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Electric Parking Brake Light

Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light

This light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally the indicator light goes off. The engine coolant temperature warning light comes on when the engine has overheated. If this happens, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.

Engine Oil Pressure Light

This light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is not flowing through the engine properly. The vehicle could be low on oil and might have some other system problem. See your dealer.

Front Passenger Seat Belt Reminder Light

The vehicle may have a front passenger seat belt reminder light near the passenger airbag status indicator. When the vehicle is started, this light flashes and a chime may come on to remind passengers to fasten their seat belts. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled. This cycle continues several times if the front passenger remains or becomes unbuckled while the vehicle is moving. If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, neither the chime nor the light comes on. The front passenger seat belt reminder light and chime may come on if an object is put on the seat such as a briefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic devices. To turn off the reminder light and/or chime, remove the object from the seat or buckle the seat belt.

Hood Ajar Light

This light comes on when the hood is open or not securely latched. Before driving, check that the hood is properly closed.

Reduced Engine Power Light

The reduced engine power light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. This light, along with the malfunction indicator lamp, displays when a noticeable reduction in the vehicle’s performance occurs. The vehicle can be driven at a reduced speed when the reduced engine power light is on but acceleration and speed might be reduced. If this light stays on, see your dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis and repair.

Service Warning Lights

Antilock Brake System Warning Light

This warning light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn if there is a problem. If the light comes on while driving, safely stop as soon as it is possible and turn off the vehicle. Then turn on the vehicle again to reset the system. If the ABS warning light stays on, or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service. A chime may also sound when the light stays on. If the ABS warning light is the only light on, the vehicle has regular brakes, but ABS is not functioning. If both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on, ABS is not functioning and there is a problem with the regular brakes. See your dealer for service.

Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled

Comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to ON, then goes off. Comes on when you deactivate the AEB. A driver information interface message appears for five seconds. Comes on if there is a problem with the AEB: ● The area around the camera is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you cleaned the camera. ● Indicator may come on temporarily when passing through an enclosed space, such as a tunnel. ● The area around the radar sensor is blocked by dirt, mud, etc. Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Indicator may take some time to go off after the radar sensor is cleaned. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator does not go off even after you clean the sensor cover. ● The temperature inside the camera is too high. Use the climate control system to cool down the camera. The system activates when the temperature inside the camera cools down. ● Indicator may come on temporarily when the Maximum Load Limit is exceeded. Make sure the total load is within the Maximum Load Limit.

Check Engine Light

If the light is flashing: A malfunction has been detected that could damage the emission control system and increase vehicle emissions. Diagnosis and service may be required. To help prevent damage, reduce vehicle speed and avoid hard accelerations and uphill grades. If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as possible. If the light continues to flash, find a safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off and wait at least 10 seconds before restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous guidelines and see your dealer for service as soon as possible. If the light is on steady: A malfunction has been detected. Diagnosis and service may be required. Check the following: ● If fuel has been added to the vehicle using the capless fuel funnel adapter, make sure that it has been removed. See “Filling the Tank with a Portable Gas Can” under Filling the Tank 0 218. The diagnostic system can detect if the adapter has been left installed in the vehicle, allowing fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the adapter removed may turn off the light. ● Poor fuel quality can cause inefficient engine operation and poor driveability, which may go away once the engine is warmed up. If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. If the light remains on, see your dealer.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid Warning Light

This light, a Driver Information Center (DIC) Message, and a chime come on when there is an issue with the DEF. If the DEF issue has not been corrected, the light will continue to flash. The vehicle’s speed may also be limited.

FCA/ACC Following Gap Light

If equipped, this light indicates the following gap setting (near, medium, or far) for FCA, and, if equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Hill Descent Control Light

If equipped, the Hill Descent Control light comes on when the system is ready for use. When the light flashes, the system is active.

Lane Departure Warning Light

This light changes to amber and flashes to indicate that the lane marking has been crossed without using a turn signal in that direction.

Lane Keep Assist Light

The light is amber when the LKA system is turned on and is assisting by gently turning the steering wheel if the vehicle approaches a detected lane marking. This light flashes amber as a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) alert, to indicate that the lane marking has been unintentionally crossed. If the system detects that the vehicle has been steered intentionally across a lane marker, the LDW may not be given. Do not expect the LDW to occur when intentionally crossing the lane marker. LKA will not assist or alert if the turn signal is active in the direction of lane departure, or if LKA detects that you are accelerating, braking, or actively steering.

Low Fuel Warning Light

A Low Fuel Warning Light near the fuel gauge comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. It also comes on when the fuel gauge indicator nears empty. The light turns off when fuel is added. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced.

Operate Pedal Light

This light comes on when the clutch or brake pedal needs to be applied to start the vehicle.

Owner Manual Indicator

This symbol is shown when you need to see the owner’s manual for additional instructions or information.

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator

When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbols for on and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then, after several seconds, the status indicator will light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol, to let you know the status of the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag. If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag are allowed to inflate. If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger sensing system has turned off the front outboard passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag. If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system. See your dealer for service.

Pedestrian Ahead Indicator

If equipped, this indicator will display amber when a nearby pedestrian is detected in front of the vehicle.

Power Steering Warning Light

This light comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on as a check to show it is working. If it does not come on have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If this light stays on, or comes on while driving, the system may not be working. If this happens, see your dealer for service.

Security Light

The security light should come on briefly as the engine is started. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light stays on and the engine does not start, there could be a problem with the theft-deterrent system.

Service Electric Parking Brake Light

This light should come on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If this light stays on or comes on while driving, there is a problem with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). Take the vehicle to a dealer as soon as possible. In addition to the parking brake, other safety functions that utilize the EPB may also be degraded. A message may also display in the Driver Information Center (DIC).

Service Vehicle Soon Light

For vehicles with this light, it comes on if a condition exists that may require the vehicle to be taken in for service. If the light comes on, take the vehicle to your dealer for service as soon as possible.

StabiliTrak OFF Light

This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off. The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been turned off. If StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is turned off, TCS is also turned off. If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited unless necessary to help protect the driveline from damage. Adjust driving accordingly.

Tire Pressure Light

For vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), this light comes on briefly when the vehicle is started. It provides information about tire pressures and the TPMS. When the Light Is On Steady. This indicates that one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire pressure message may also display. Stop as soon as possible, and inflate the tires to the pressure value shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. When the Light Flashes First and Then Is On Steady. If the light flashes for about a minute and then stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. If the problem is not corrected, the light will come on at every ignition cycle.

Tow/Haul Mode Light

For vehicles with the Tow/Haul Mode feature, this light comes on when the Tow/Haul Mode has been activated.

Traction Control System Light

This light comes on briefly when the vehicle is turned on. If the light does not come on, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If the system is working normally, the indicator light turns off. If the light is on and not flashing, the TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/ESC system are not fully operational and may not assist in maintaining control. Adjust driving accordingly. If the condition persists, see your dealer as soon as possible. A Driver Information Center (DIC) message may display. The light flashes when the TCS and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively working.

Traction Off Light

Trailer Sway Control Light

This light will flash when Trailer Sway Control is active.

Ultrasonic Parking Sensor Light

If equipped, this light comes on briefly while starting the vehicle. If it does not come on, have the vehicle serviced. This light indicates a malfunction in the system. See your dealer for service.

Vehicle Ahead Indicator

If equipped, this indicator will display amber when you are following a vehicle ahead much too closely.

Wait-to-Start Light

For diesel engines, the wait-to-start light shows that the engine is functioning properly and indicates when the engine can be started. The fast warm-up glow plug system makes the wait-to-start light stay on for a shorter amount of time than most diesel engines.

Information Indicators (Green)

Adaptive Cruise Control Light

This light comes on when Adaptive Cruise Control (if equipped) is active.

Cruise Control Light

The cruise control light is white when the cruise control is on and ready, and turns green when the cruise control is set and active.

Four-Wheel-Drive Light

If equipped, the four-wheel-drive light displays what mode the vehicle is in. The light will show each mode: 2WD, 4HI, AUTO (all transfer cases); 4LOW and N (two-speed transfer case only). The light will flash when a shift is in progress. Once the shift is complete the light will be steady.