Dashboard warning lights, explained from the manuals.

Looks like: Outline of an engine block seen from the side, sometimes with the words CHECK ENGINE or CHECK.

Usual colour: amber. Amber or yellow usually means something needs checking soon.

What it means

The engine or emission control system has detected a fault. It can also come on if the fuel filler cap is loose or missing.

If it flashes: Flashing usually means an engine misfire that can damage the emission control system. Reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration and steep climbs, reduce load, and have the car checked immediately.

What to do

• If you refuelled recently, check the fuel cap is tightened until it clicks. The light can take several drives to go out.
• If it stays on, have the car checked as soon as possible. A workshop can read the stored fault code with an OBD reader.
• If you have the code, look it up on kata.sg for the dictionary meaning.

Get the stored fault code read with an OBD reader, then look up the code or find a workshop owners recommend.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light, pp. 154-155) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Engine warning light) · What Car?: Car dashboard warning lights explained (Yellow or amber lights: check engine)

Looks like: An old-style oil can with a drop falling from the spout.

Usual colour: red. Red usually means take action now: stop safely as soon as you can.

What it means

With the engine running, it may mean the engine oil pressure is low and the lubrication system is not working properly.

What to do

• Stop the engine at the first safe opportunity. Do not keep driving with this light on; it can cause serious engine damage.
• Check the oil level on level ground and top up if low. If the light still shows, switch off and call a workshop or breakdown service.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Oil pressure warning light, p. 155) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Oil warning light)

Looks like: Usually an oil can symbol with a wavy level line (design varies by car; not every car has this light).

Colour varies by car.

What it means

The engine oil level has dropped to the lower limit.

What to do

• Check the oil level on level ground and top up with the oil grade in your owner's manual.
• If the light stays on after topping up, or comes on when the level is normal, have the car checked.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Engine Low Oil Level Warning Light, p. 156)

Looks like: A car battery: a rectangle with two terminals on top and + and - signs.

Usual colour: red. Red usually means take action now: stop safely as soon as you can.

What it means

With the engine running, the charging system may not be working properly, so the battery is not being charged.

What to do

• Stop the engine at the first safe opportunity and check whether the drive belt is loose or broken.
• If the belt is fine but the light stays on, contact a workshop or breakdown service. The AA advises not restarting the engine, as that could make the problem worse.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Charge warning light, p. 155) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Battery warning light)

Looks like: A thermometer standing in wavy water lines. Red means hot; on some cars a blue version means the engine is still cold.

Usual colour: red or blue. Red usually means take action now: stop safely as soon as you can.

What it means

Red: the engine is overheating or close to it. Blue (on cars that have it): the engine has not warmed up yet, which is normal after starting.

If it flashes: Blinking red means the engine is close to overheating: stop safely and follow the overheating steps. Red and blue blinking alternately can mean an electrical fault; have it inspected.

What to do

• Red: stop safely as soon as possible and switch off the air-conditioning.
• If steam comes from the engine bay, switch off and keep everyone away until it cools. Never open the radiator cap while hot; the coolant is under pressure and can scald.
• If there is no steam, the manual's emergency steps are: idle the engine with the bonnet open, check the cooling fan turns, switch off once the light goes out, and check the coolant level when fully cool. Then have the cooling system checked.
• Blue: no action; it goes out when the engine warms up.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2102A) (Coolant temperature low indicator light/Coolant temperature high warning light, p. 174; Trailer towing, p. 423; Engine overheating, p. 436) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Engine temperature warning light)

Looks like: The words AT OIL TEMP, or a gear wheel with a thermometer (varies by car).

Colour varies by car.

What it means

Steady: the automatic or CVT transmission fluid may be too hot. Flashing after starting: the transmission control system may have a fault.

If it flashes: Flashing after start-up can mean a transmission control fault: contact a workshop promptly.

What to do

• Stop in a safe place and let the engine idle until the light goes out.
• If it flashes after the engine starts, contact a workshop for service promptly.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (AT OIL TEMP Warning Light (CVT Models), p. 156)

Looks like: An exclamation mark inside a circle with curved brackets either side, or the word BRAKE.

Usual colour: red. Red usually means take action now: stop safely as soon as you can.

What it means

The parking brake is on, the brake fluid is low, or there is a brake system fault. With the parking brake released it can mean a fluid leak or worn brake pads.

What to do

• Check the parking brake is fully released.
• If the light stays on while driving, stop at the nearest safe place and check the brake fluid level. If it is below MIN, do not drive; have the car towed to a workshop.
• If you are in any doubt that the brakes work properly, do not drive.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Brake System Warning Light, pp. 158-159) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Brake warning light) · Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2102A) (Warning and indicator lights index: Brake system warning light (red), p. 178)

Looks like: The letters ABS inside a circle with curved brackets either side.

Usual colour: amber. Amber or yellow usually means something needs checking soon.

What it means

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) has a fault and has shut down. Normal braking still works, but without ABS; take extra care, especially in the wet, as stopping distances may increase.

What to do

• Drive carefully, allow extra stopping distance, and have the ABS checked at the first opportunity.
• If the brake system warning light is on at the same time, there may be a major brake fault: stop and get help.
• After a jump start, low battery voltage can turn this light on; it should go out once the battery has charged.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (ABS Warning Light, p. 158) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (ABS warning light; ABS and brake light together) · What Car?: Car dashboard warning lights explained (Yellow or amber lights: ABS)

Looks like: A letter P inside a circle with curved brackets either side.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

Steady: the electronic parking brake is applied. Flashing: the electronic parking brake system has a fault (or the switch was used too often or when the brake could not apply).

If it flashes: Flashing means a fault in the electronic parking brake system: park safely and contact a workshop.

What to do

• Steady: release the parking brake before driving.
• If it keeps flashing, park in a safe place as soon as possible and contact a workshop.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Electronic parking brake indicator light, pp. 160-161)

Looks like: A seated person with a seatbelt and a large circle (the airbag) in front of them, or the letters SRS or AIRBAG.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

The airbag or seatbelt pretensioner system has a fault. In a crash, the airbags and pretensioners may not work properly.

What to do

• If it flashes, stays on, or comes on while driving, stop in a safe place and have the system checked by a workshop as soon as possible.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (SRS Airbag System Warning Light, p. 154) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Airbag warning light)

Looks like: A seated person with a seatbelt drawn diagonally across the chest.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

A driver or passenger seatbelt is not fastened. Heavy items or pets on a seat can also set it off.

What to do

• Fasten the seatbelt. The light and chime stop once it is fastened.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Seatbelt Warning Light and Chime, pp. 151-153)

Looks like: A tyre cross-section shaped like a horseshoe with a flat bottom edge and an exclamation mark inside.

Usual colour: amber. Amber or yellow usually means something needs checking soon.

What it means

One or more tyres is significantly under-inflated. If it flashes for about a minute and then stays on, the tyre pressure monitoring system itself has a problem.

If it flashes: Flashing for about a minute then staying on means the monitoring system cannot check all tyres (for example after a wheel change). Have the system checked.

What to do

• Do not brake suddenly. Keep straight, slow down gradually and pull off somewhere safe.
• Check all four tyres and inflate them to the cold pressures on the label on the driver's door pillar.
• If it stays on after inflating, a tyre may have a fast leak or damage.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Low Tire Pressure Warning Light, pp. 156-158) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Low tyre pressure warning light) · What Car?: Car dashboard warning lights explained (Yellow or amber lights: TPMS)

Looks like: A steering wheel with an exclamation mark beside it.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

The electric power steering has a fault. Steering may feel heavier.

What to do

• Drive carefully to the nearest workshop and have it inspected straight away.
• Heavy steering after lots of full-lock turning at parking speed can be temporary protection against overheating; it recovers after a rest.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Power Steering Warning Light, pp. 162-163) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Power steering warning light)

Looks like: A car seen from behind (or above) with two S-shaped skid lines underneath.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

Flashing while driving: the system is working to stop wheelspin or a skid. Staying on: the stability or traction control system has a fault and may be switched off.

If it flashes: Flashing briefly means traction or stability control is working on a slippery surface.

What to do

• Flashing briefly on a slippery road is normal: the system is working. Drive to suit the conditions.
• Staying on in normal conditions: normal brakes still work, but have the system checked soon.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/operation indicator light, pp. 163-164) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Electronic stability programme (ESP) light)

Looks like: The skidding-car symbol with the word OFF underneath or beside it.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

Stability and/or traction control has been switched off.

What to do

• If you did not mean to switch it off, turn it back on with the same switch. See your owner's manual for when switching it off is appropriate.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF Indicator Light, p. 164)

Looks like: A fuel pump with a hose.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

The fuel tank is nearly empty.

What to do

• Refuel promptly. Running the tank empty can cause misfires that damage the engine.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Low Fuel Warning Light, pp. 161-162)

Looks like: A car outline seen from above with one or more doors, the boot or the bonnet drawn open.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

A door, the boot or the bonnet is not fully closed. The open part is usually highlighted.

What to do

• Stop and close it properly before driving on.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Door Open Indicator, p. 162) · What Car?: Car dashboard warning lights explained (Door/boot/bonnet open)

Looks like: A windscreen outline with a dotted spray rising from below.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

The washer fluid tank is nearly empty.

What to do

• Top up the washer fluid tank.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (Windshield Washer Fluid Warning Light, p. 162)

Looks like: A coiled spring or wire shape, like a pig's tail (diesel cars only).

Usual colour: amber. Amber or yellow usually means something needs checking soon.

What it means

On briefly after switching on: the glow plugs are pre-heating, which is normal. Staying on or flashing while the engine runs: an engine management fault.

If it flashes: On or flashing while the engine is running means an engine management fault: drive gently to a workshop.

What to do

• Wait for it to go out before starting the engine.
• If it stays on or flashes while driving, drive gently to a workshop and have the engine checked without delay.

Sources: Volkswagen UK: Glow plug / diesel engine management light (Glow plug light) · The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Diesel car dashboard symbols: glow plug indicator) · What Car?: Car dashboard warning lights explained (Glow plugs warning light appearance)

Looks like: A box (the filter) with dots inside, often with exhaust pipes either side and sometimes a cloud of small circles (diesel cars only).

Usual colour: amber. Amber or yellow usually means something needs checking soon.

What it means

The diesel particulate filter is filling with soot and needs to clean itself (regenerate). Lots of short, stop-start trips cause this.

What to do

• When it is safe and legal, drive at a steady higher speed for around 10 minutes (the AA suggests over 40 mph, about 65 km/h) so the filter can regenerate. Check your owner's manual for your car's procedure.
• If the light stays on after that, the car loses power, or the check engine light also comes on, have it checked; a workshop may need to do a forced regeneration.

Sources: The AA: Dashboard warning lights and what they mean (Diesel particulate filter light) · The AA: Diesel particulate filters (Don't ignore a warning light) · What Car?: Car dashboard warning lights explained (Yellow or amber lights: DPF; DPF light appearance)

Looks like: The letters AWD.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

Flashing: the car is being driven on tyres of different diameters, or one tyre's pressure is very low. This can damage the drivetrain.

What to do

• Park safely and check all four tyres are the same size and none is punctured or low.
• A temporary spare tyre can make it flash; fit a normal tyre as soon as possible.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2605A) (All-Wheel Drive Warning Light (CVT Models), p. 162)

Looks like: A yellow EyeSight indicator on the meter display, usually with a message such as "EyeSight Off / Check Manual". The Pre-Collision Braking OFF and Lane Departure Warning OFF lights come on with it.

Usual colour: amber. Amber or yellow usually means something needs checking soon.

What it means

The EyeSight driver-assist system has a fault (or the stereo camera is misaligned). No EyeSight functions work, including Adaptive Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Braking. Normal driving is still possible.

What to do

• Stop in a safe place, switch off the engine and restart it.
• If it is still on after restarting, have EyeSight inspected by a Subaru workshop.
• If the check engine light is also on, have the car checked as soon as possible; EyeSight cannot be used while there is an engine fault.

Sources: Subaru EyeSight Owner's Manual supplement (doc MSA5M2126A) (EyeSight malfunction and temporary stop, pp. 126-127)

Looks like: A white EyeSight indicator on the meter display, with a message such as "EyeSight Disabled" and "No Camera View", "Temp Range" or "Check Manual".

Usual colour: white. White is usually information or a temporary status.

What it means

EyeSight has paused, often because the camera cannot see clearly (rain, fog, dirt, glare, a fogged or dirty windscreen) or the temperature is out of range. Only conventional cruise control works meanwhile.

What to do

• Clear the cause if you can, for example clean or demist the windscreen in front of the camera.
• EyeSight restarts by itself when the cause is gone. If it does not, have it checked.

Sources: Subaru EyeSight Owner's Manual supplement (doc MSA5M2126A) (About EyeSight, indicator list, p. 17; EyeSight malfunction and temporary stop, p. 128)

Looks like: A symbol with the word OFF that sits with the EyeSight indicators (design varies by model; check your manual).

Colour varies by car.

What it means

Pre-Collision Braking and Pre-Collision Throttle Management are switched off, by holding the switch for about 2 seconds. It also lights with an EyeSight fault or temporary stop, and briefly at start-up.

What to do

• If you did not switch it off, hold the Pre-Collision Braking OFF switch for about 2 seconds to turn it back on.
• If the yellow EyeSight warning is also on, follow the EyeSight warning advice.

Sources: Subaru EyeSight Owner's Manual supplement (doc MSA5M2126A) (Pre-Collision Braking System OFF indicator light and switch, pp. 18-19; pp. 126-128)

Looks like: The word X-MODE, sometimes with SNOW/DIRT or D.SNOW/MUD mode markings.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

X-MODE (Subaru's mode for slippery or rough surfaces) is switched on. Not a fault.

What to do

• No action needed. Press the X-MODE switch again to turn it off. Adaptive Cruise Control cannot be used while X-MODE is on.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2102A) (X-MODE indicator light, p. 192) · Subaru EyeSight Owner's Manual supplement (doc MSA5M2126A) (X-MODE indicator, p. 18)

Looks like: A letter I, S or S# on the meter display.

Colour varies by car.

What it means

Shows the current SI-DRIVE engine mode: Intelligent (I), Sport (S) or Sport Sharp (S#). Not a fault.

What to do

• No action needed.

Sources: Subaru Owner's Manual (Subaru Corporation, doc MSA5M2102A) (SI-DRIVE indicator light, p. 189)