While features like voice recognition might make it seem like you’re talking directly to your vehicle, you’re generally talking to the operating system of your smartphone or similar device. The only real line of communication that exists between you and your vehicle is the series of warning lights that illuminate on the dashboard to let you know when things need attention.
Some of these indicators might just be for minor things you can take care of on the go, but others are triggered by advanced sensors designed to catch issues before they become costly repairs. We at Jim Glover CDJRF are here to ensure that you feel confident behind the wheel, and understanding what these different indicators mean is a great step towards that end. So today we’re going to give you the rundown on what some of the common warning lights you’ll find in your Jeep mean.
Color Code: Red vs. Yellow
The first thing we want to make apparent is the difference in colors. You’re likely to see four different color lights when looking at these indicators, and it’s important to know the severity level of these different colors.
- Green & Blue: These two colors aren’t really warning lights, but rather simple indicators denoting that certain systems are active. You’ll likely see a blue light when you turn on your high beams, or a green one when cruise control is activated.
- It’s important to also note the color White here, as certain available options may come with white indicator lights that denote a system is enabled but not actually activated. LaneSense, for example.
- Yellow: This is when things take a turn towards warnings, as the color yellow in this case is akin to caution. While a yellow light doesn’t mean an emergency is at hand, it does mean whatever system it’s highlighting needs to be checked relatively soon. It’s usually fine to keep driving, but you’ll want to schedule a service appointment to have the issue addressed as soon as possible.
- Red: Here’s where things get serious. A red warning light indicates either a serious safety issue or a potential for immediate damage to your engine and other integral systems. If you notice a red warning light turn on, it’s best practice to safely pull over as soon as you can and turn the vehicle off.
Critical Red Warning Lights
We’re going to start with the red lights, as these are the critical ones that require immediate attention. We’ll first include a list of many potential red warning lights found in Jeep vehicles, then highlight a few of the most common.
- Air Bag
- Brake
- Battery Charge
- Door Open
- Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
- Engine Coolant Temperature
- Hood Open
- Oil Pressure
- Oil Temperature
- Seat Belt Reminder
- Trailer Brake Disconnected
- Transmission Temperature
- Vehicle Security
Oil Pressure Warning Light
The Oil Pressure Warning Light resembles an oil can symbol, and it is perhaps the most critical light in your Jeep. It indicates that the engine has lost oil pressure, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure within minutes. If you notice this light you should immediately pull over as soon as it’s safe and shut off the engine. You should not continue driving until the issue is diagnosed, so you may need to call a tow truck to bring it to the nearest service center or to our expert technicians here at Jim Glover.
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
The Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light resembles a thermometer sitting in liquid, and it means that your engine is currently overheating. This could be due to many different reasons, from low coolant to a failed water pump or even a radiator issue. You should once again stop driving as soon as possible and let the engine cool down before attempting to continue on. Trying to drive home with an overheated engine can warp cylinder heads or even blow a head gasket.
Battery Charge Warning Light
The Battery Charge Warning Light resembles a car battery, and it means that your 12V charging system has failed. This usually translates to your alternator no longer charging your battery, which means your vehicle will eventually lose power entirely. Since there’s no way to tell when you’ll lose power, you should again pull over as soon as it’s possible to do so safely and get your vehicle taken care of.
Cautionary Yellow Warning Lights
These lights are still important to note and address as soon as possible, but they’re not nearly as pressing. We’ll list them here, but if you have any questions about one feel free to give us a call right here at Jim Glover CDJRF. We’d be happy to help!
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Fault
- Air Suspension Fault
- Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Active
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) OFF
- LaneSense
- Low Washer Fluid
- Low Fuel
- Low Coolant Level
- Loose Fuel Filler Cap
- Engine Check/Malfunction Indicator (MIL)
- Rear Axle Locker Fault
- Service Forward Collision (FCW) or Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB)
- Service LaneSense
- Service 4WD
- Cruise Control Fault
- Sway Bar Fault
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Air Suspension Alternate Trailer Height
- Air Suspension Bed Lowering Mode
- Air Suspension Payload Protection
- Air Suspension Ride Height Raising
- Air Suspension Ride Height Lowering
- Cargo
- Cold Ambient Derate Mode
- Diesel Exhaust Brake
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW) or Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) Off
- Front And Rear Axle Lock
- Low Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
- NEUTRAL
- Rear Axle Lock
- 4WD Lock
- 4WD Low
- 4WD High
- Snowplow Mode
- Sway Bar
- TOW/HAUL
- Trailer Merge Assist
- Water In Fuel
- Wait To Start