GMC Warning Lights

GMC Dashboard Warning Lights

Imagine it’s a typical weekday and you’re taking your usual route to work. Out of the blue, a warning light pops up suddenly on your dashboard. It’s not the fasten seatbelt indicator or the low fuel light, both of which you would easily recognize. What does this unfamiliar light mean? Does it mean that your vehicle is damaged and in need of repair? Panic and uncertainty start to creep in, creating a stressful situation out of nowhere.

Crestmont Buick GMC understands the concern and worry that an unfamiliar warning light can cause. That’s exactly the reason why we’ve assembled this handy dashboard warning light guide that covers many of the most common warning lights. You’ll be prepared in the event that you find yourself in a similar situation. One handy tip that we’d like to share with you involves treating the color of each warning light just as you would a traffic light.

Green (or Blue)Icon
Drive as you normally would. There’s no reason to worry since these colors are typically informational messages that don’t indicate a problem or issue with your vehicle.

Yellow or Orange Icon
Use some caution as you drive. These types of alerts are potential warning signs of a possible problem that should be investigated at your earliest convenience. In most instances, these won’t require you to stop driving the vehicle immediately.

Red Icon
Stop driving the vehicle as quickly as possible to do so safely. Find a safe spot to pull over and shut off the engine. Red indicator lights are often signs of a serious problem or major issue that requires an authorized GMC service center for assistance.


What Do the Dashboard Warning Lights Mean on Your GMC?

Braking System Failure

Braking System Failure

There has been a major fault detected in your brake system. In the event that you’re driving while this light appears, we suggest pulling off the road as soon as it’s safe to do so. Next, contact roadside assistance and have your vehicle towed to the nearest authorized GMC service facility for inspection.

Emergency Brake Engaged

Emergency Brake Engaged

Notice some resistance as you pull away from a standstill? Check to see if your parking brake has been left on. This light usually indicates that your emergency brake has been engaged and it’s important to disengage it to prevent excess wear and tear.

Low Oil Pressure

Low Oil Pressure

Your engine requires a specific amount of oil at all times in order to stay protected from harmful friction and heat. If this warning light has appeared, it means that your oil level has dropped below the required minimum. Additionally, it could indicate that your oil pressure sensor is not working properly. Make sure to shut your engine off as quickly as it’s safe to do so and have your vehicle towed.

Charging System

Charging System

Your vehicle’s charging system has encountered an error or failure. A sudden loss of electrical power can create the potential for a dangerous situation on the road. Pull over safely, park the vehicle, and contact roadside assistance.

Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags)

Supplemental Restraint System (Airbags)

The SRS system is the technical term used to describe your airbags. This critical safety component needs to be in operational condition each time you hit the road. Don’t put your safety at risk! Have your vehicle inspected by a factory-trained technician as soon as possible.

High Coolant Temperature

High Coolant Temperature

Engine coolant is specially formulated to not exceed a certain maximum temperature in order to provide protection for your engine. If your vehicle is overheating, this warning light will appear. Shut off the engine and pull over as quickly as possible to do so safely.

Seat Belt Reminder

Seat Belt Reminder

Fasten your seat belt! This simple routine each time you start your engine will keep you and your loved ones safe in the event of a collision. Buckle up and this light will disappear.

Door Ajar

Door Ajar

Don’t drive with one of your vehicle’s doors open! Verify that all doors are closed before you hit the highway.

Trunk Open

Trunk Open

Keep all of your valuable cargo safe and secure by ensuring that your trunk lid has been closed. Otherwise, this light will remain on your dashboard.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control

Vehicles equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control offer plenty of benefits and convenience. Remember, it’s not a replacement for safe driving habits. You’ll find this warning light on your dash when the system is active and engaged.

All-Wheel Drive

All-Wheel Drive

Your vehicle is too cold.

Anti-Lock Brake System

Anti-Lock Brake System

The ABS component of your brake system helps mitigate wheel lock-up during an emergency or panic stop. If you see an ABS warning light, this is usually a sign that the system is not working properly. Have a professional GMC technician look at your brakes to have the issue corrected.

Auto Idle Stop

Auto Idle Stop

The auto stop-start system was created with the goal of reducing both emissions and fuel consumption by temporarily shutting off the engine when you’ve reached a complete stop. This light means that the feature is working correctly and your engine is briefly shut off.

Blind Spot Warning

Blind Spot Warning

Looking out for vehicles you may not notice, this safety feature has detected something in your blind spot and issued a visual alert. Be sure to use extra caution when merging or making a lane change.

Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light

The dreaded check engine light is one of the most familiar to drivers. It can point to several various problems with your vehicle like the exhaust, fuel, ignition, or emissions systems. Due to the uncertain nature of a check engine warning light, we recommend bringing it in for service to accurately diagnose and correct the issue.

Collision Mitigation Braking System

Collision Mitigation Braking System

After applying the brakes on your behalf in an attempt to avoid a possible collision, this warning light will appear to let you know that the system responded accordingly.

Daytime Running Lights

Daytime Running Lights

DRLs should be switched on automatically each time you start your vehicle. While they’re easy to forget, the DRL warning light could appear if one or both of your bulbs have burnt out or developed a fault that causes them not to illuminate properly.

Power Steering

Low Fuel

In addition to causing inconvenience, power steering problems can create the potential for danger. It’s best to have a qualified technician inspect your power steering system for leaks and other malfunctions.

Lane Keeping Assist System

Lane Keeping Assist System

LKAS works by gently guiding your vehicle back into its intended position in its lane should it begin to wander outside of the detected markings. An indicator light will illuminate once the system has responded.

Low Fuel

Low Fuel

Drivers both young and old are likely to recognize this common warning light. Don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road with an empty fuel tank! Stop and refuel as soon as possible.

Maintenance Reminder

Maintenance Reminder

This handy feature can help notify you when it’s time for routine maintenance items like a tire rotation or oil change. If you see this indicator light on your dash, this means it’s probably time to schedule a service visit with your GMC dealership.

Road Departure Mitigation

Road Departure Mitigation

If your vehicle has started to drift off the road, RDM can take control and provide corrective guidance to get you back on course. Use extra caution as this indicator light means that this technology worked as it should.

Smart Entry System

Smart Entry System

There’s no substitute for the convenience that comes from being able to enter your vehicle without the need for a physical key. If you see this notification on your dashboard, it’s likely a sign that your keyfob’s battery is low and needs to be replaced. The system could also need to be reprogrammed as well.

Vehicle Stability Assist System

Vehicle Stability Assist System

Wheel slippage from a traction loss is what will usually trigger a VSA light to appear. This feature will mitigate slippage to restore traction and let you continue on your way safely.

Washer Fluid Level Low

Washer Fluid Level Low

It’s critical that you have good visibility in all types of weather conditions. Windshield wiper fluid helps clean your windshield and helps you see when the conditions take a turn for the worse. This light means that you’re low on wiper fluid and it’s time to add some to the fluid reservoir under the hood.

Automatic High Beam Headlights

Automatic High Beam Headlights

Your high-beam headlights are switched on and working properly. Make sure to turn them off to prevent blinding other drivers in extremely dark conditions.

Cruise Control

Cruise Control

Cruise control is engaged and working to maintain its predetermined speed setting. Use the same caution as you normally would while driving.

Exterior Lights

Exterior Lights

Your exterior lights are turned on. Switch them off when not in use to prevent excessive strain on your battery.

Fog Lights On

Fog Lights On

If equipped, your vehicle’s fog lights are switched on.

Low Coolant Temperature

Low Coolant Temperature

It’s most likely for this warning light to appear first thing in the morning when you start your vehicle. It’s an indication that your engine coolant has not reached the recommended operating temperature just yet. You should reduce heavy acceleration until proper operating temps have been reached and you’ll notice this light disappear once it has.

Turn Signals

Turn Signals

One or both of your turn signals are switched on.

Crestmont Buick GMC – Your Trusted Destination for Expert Automotive Service

Before a minor warning light turns into a catastrophic problem, bring your vehicle to our team of service experts here at Crestmont Buick GMC. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to handle all of your automotive service needs from big to small. Let our factory-trained technicians diagnose and correct any problems related to a dashboard warning light so you can drive with complete confidence.