How to Make Sure Your Vehicle’s Warning Lights Are Working

Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (without starting the engine) and confirm that all critical dashboard warning lights illuminate briefly as a self-test, then start the engine to ensure they go out. Use the relevant switches (e.g., hazard lights) to verify specific indicators, and consult your owner’s manual for any model-specific behavior.

Why This Check Matters

Dashboard warning lights are your first line of defense against mechanical or safety issues. A quick pre-drive bulb check confirms those alerts will appear if something goes wrong, helping you catch problems early—such as low oil pressure, charging faults, or airbag issues—before they become dangerous or costly.

Step-by-Step: Checking Warning Lights Properly

The following process replicates the built-in bulb check most vehicles perform and adds a few extra verifications for a thorough inspection.

1. Park safely on level ground, engage the parking brake, and ensure the vehicle is in Park or neutral.
2. Turn the ignition to ON (position II) without starting the engine. On push-button cars, press once or twice without your foot on the brake/clutch to enter ignition ON mode.
3. Watch the instrument cluster: critical warning lights should illuminate briefly. This confirms the bulbs/LEDs and circuits are working.
4. Start the engine. Most warning lights should extinguish within a few seconds. Any light that stays on steadily may indicate a fault that needs attention.
5. Operate system-specific switches to confirm their indicator lamps: press the hazard switch (both indicator arrows should flash), toggle high beams (blue indicator), and release/reapply the parking brake (red brake warning should respond).
6. Buckle the driver’s seat belt to confirm the seat-belt warning light and chime go off as expected.
7. For diesels, confirm the glow plug lamp comes on with ignition and goes out before starting; start only after it extinguishes.
8. If a warning stays on or flashes after start-up, consult the owner’s manual and address the issue promptly. Avoid driving if critical red warnings persist (e.g., oil pressure, overheating, brake system).

Completing these steps before setting off ensures the car’s self-diagnostic alerts can warn you when something needs immediate attention.

What You Should See: Common Lights and Normal Behavior

Different makes and models vary, but most modern cars show these key indicators during the bulb check. Here’s what normal looks like.

• Battery/charging (red battery): On with ignition; off after engine starts. Stays on = charging system fault.
• Oil pressure (red oil can): On with ignition; off immediately after start. Stays on = stop engine and investigate oil pressure/level.
• Engine/MIL (amber “check engine”): On with ignition; off after start. Flashing while driving = misfire; steady = fault stored.
• ABS (amber ABS): On with ignition; off a few seconds after start/initial movement. Stays on = ABS fault (base brakes still work, but no anti-lock).
• Airbag/SRS (amber figure/airbag): On with ignition; off after self-test. Stays on = airbag system fault.
• Brake system (red “BRAKE” or exclamation): On with ignition when parking brake is applied; off when released if fluid is adequate. Stays on = parking brake on or low fluid/fault.
• Seat belt (red/amber): On with ignition; off once belt is fastened.
• ESC/ESP/traction (amber car/skid): On briefly at ignition; off after start. Flashing during driving = system actively intervening; steady = fault.
• TPMS (amber tire with exclamation): Typically on briefly at ignition; off after start if pressures are OK. Stays on = low pressure or sensor fault.
• Coolant temperature/overheat (red/amber thermometer): Normally off; illuminates only if overheating or low coolant (varies by model).
• Diesel glow plug (amber coil, diesels only): On with ignition; start when it goes out.

If a lamp’s behavior differs from these norms, check your owner’s manual—manufacturers sometimes implement unique logic or icons.

When a Light Staying On May Be Normal

A few warning or indicator lights can remain lit for legitimate reasons until you take a specific action.

• Parking brake applied: The red brake warning stays on until you release it.
• Seat belt unfastened: The belt icon and chime remain until you buckle up.
• Low outside temperature or specific modes: Some cars display advisory icons that are not faults.
• Diesel glow plug: Stays on briefly in cold weather; start after it turns off.

Differentiate these from true faults: if a red light persists despite the correct action, stop and investigate.

Pro Tips for Reliable Checks

These quick practices make your warning-light verification more consistent and accurate.

• Know your ignition modes: Ensure you’re in the full ON position for a proper bulb check.
• Close doors and set the vehicle to “ready” state as required; some cars change cluster behavior if doors are open.
• Review the manual’s icon chart for model-specific lights and self-test timing.
• If a lamp never illuminates—even during the self-test—its bulb/LED or circuit may have failed.
• Use an OBD-II scanner for amber engine or emissions lights to identify stored fault codes.

With familiarity and a 20-second routine, you’ll catch issues early and avoid surprises on the road.

Summary

To ensure your vehicle’s warning lights work: switch the ignition to ON without starting, confirm critical lights illuminate, then start the engine and verify they go out. Operate relevant switches (hazards, high beams, parking brake) to check their indicators. If a critical light stays on, consult the manual and address the problem before driving.

How can you make sure that warning lights are working?

Explanation. The correct way to make sure that warning lights are working is by turning the ignition switch on.

What warning light indicates there is a problem with the electrical system of the vehicle?

The battery light indicates a problem with the vehicle’s electrical system, which could be caused by a faulty alternator, a broken alternator belt, or a bad battery.

When you start your vehicle make sure that the warning lights on your dashboard are off True or false?

The warning lights on your dashboard indicate the status of various vehicle systems. After starting your vehicle, it’s crucial to ensure that all warning lights turn off, as their continued illumination signals a potential issue that needs attention.

How can you check to see if the lights are working properly on your car?

To check your car’s lights, start by turning the ignition on and using a combination of a helper, a wall, or video recording for the rear lights, and a walk-around for a complete check. Cycle through your headlights (low and high beams), turn signals, hazard lights, tail lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and license plate lights to ensure each is functioning correctly.
 
Using a Helper:
This is the most effective way to check brake lights and reverse lights. 

1. Turn on the car: with the ignition, but the engine doesn’t necessarily need to be running. 
2. Test the front lights: Have a friend watch the front of the car while you check headlights, high beams, and fog lights. 
3. Test rear lights:
   • Brake lights: Have your helper stand behind the car and tell you if the brake lights illuminate when you press the brake pedal. 
   • Reverse lights: Put the car in reverse and have your helper confirm the white reverse lights are on. 
   • Turn signals: Have your helper watch the front and rear turn signals while you activate the left and right indicators. 
   • Tail lights: Check that the tail lights are on when the headlights are on. 

Using a Wall or Window:
This method is useful for checking headlights, tail lights, and brake lights without a helper. 

1. Drive up to a wall: at night or in a low-light area. 
2. Turn on the headlights: and check the reflections to see if they are working. 
3. Turn on the turn signals: and watch for the flashing reflections on the wall. 
4. Press the brake pedal: and observe the wall for the brighter reflection of the brake lights. 

Performing a Walk-Around:
This is a quick way to verify turn signals and other side and rear lights. 

1. Activate the hazard lights: to get all the turn signals blinking simultaneously. 
2. Walk around the vehicle: to visually check the front, rear, and side-mirror indicators. 
3. Verify the license plate: and tail lights are on when the parking lights or headlights are activated. 

Other Important Checks:

• Dashboard warning lights: Check for any illuminated warning lights, especially the bulb-out indicator. 
• Daytime running lights: These may need to be on when the vehicle is fully running or idling. 
• Regularity: Check all your lights at least once a month for safety and to avoid tickets.