May 25, 2023 by Anne Kelley

What the Most Common Nissan Indicators and Warning Lights Mean

When a warning sign appears on your car’s dash, panic can set in. Some icons are not an instant danger, but some icons are immediate warnings.

In this article, we will discuss the most common warning and indicator lights, but we won’t be able to touch on all of them. If you don’t find the warning light you are looking for, make sure to check your model’s official manual: https://www.nissanusa.com/owners/ownership/manuals-guides.html

If you need any help, please schedule a service appointment with us!

Important Indicator and Warning Lights

Brake Warning Light

If the icon turns on, there’s an immediate issue with your vehicle’s brakes. Stop driving immediately and call a tow truck to take you to your closest Nissan Dealer.

Charge Warning Light

If this light turns on, there’s an issue with the battery in your car. You should pull over quickly and call a tow truck to take you to an authorized dealer.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

If you see this indicator turn on, it means the oil pressure in your engine is low. To avoid damaging your engine, pull over and check the oil level. If it’s low, add oil and see if the light turns off. If it stays on, take your car to an authorized mechanic.

This icon appears on your dashboard when the oil pressure in your engine is low. Check the oil levels as soon as possible to avoid damage to your engine. If the oil level is low, add oil and make sure the light turns off. If the light stays on, make sure to go to an authorized mechanic.

Check Engine Light Indicator Light

If the check engine light turns on, there’s possible damage to the car’s catalytic converter, emission control system, or the engine itself. If this light turns on, take your car to a certified mechanic, but if the light flashes, DON’T drive it.

Master Warning Light

This icon typically shows up with other warning lights and/or text describing the issue, so make sure to look at what else shows up on the dash. The master warning light appears can show up for an opened door but it can also appear for serious issues like low oil pressure. Make sure you understand why this icon appears before driving your car.

Seat Belt Warning

The Seat Belt Warning Light turns on when the car senses a passenger is not wearing their seat belt. If the warning goes off when everyone is buckled in, there might be an issue with the sensor.

Security Indicator Light

If your engine doesn’t start when this light appears, there may be an issue with the theft-deterrent system. Take your car to a certified mechanic if it continues to go off.

Anti-lock Braking System

The Anti-lock Braking System, or ABS, will light up when driving in slippery conditions. If the ABS shows up during bad weather, the car is functioning as it should. If the icon appears during normal driving conditions, take your car to an authorized dealership.

Passenger Airbag Status Light

When this icon appears, there is an issue with one or more of the airbags in your vehicle. Take your car to an authorized dealership as soon as possible to stay safe.

Temperature Warning Indicators

This light will turn on if the temperature of your engine has gotten too hot or too cold, If the light is red, your engine is getting too hot, so pull over immediately before it overheats.

Transmission Warning Light

If this warning light starts flashing, there’s probably an issue with the transmission system. It’s unsafe to drive your car when this light is flashing, so take it to an authorized dealership straight away.

If this warning light stays on but doesn’t flash, the transmission oil temperature is too hot. If you are driving, slow down and don’t drive at high speeds until the icon turns off. If this light comes on regularly, take your car to a certified mechanic.

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light

This icon will appear if the pressure in one or more tires has low air pressure. Try to fill up your tire as soon as you can to not damage your wheels. If the light stays on, take the vehicle to your Nissan Dealership to have a mechanic check your tires.

Low Windshield-washer Fluid Warning Light

This icon will appear on the dashboard when the car is low on windshield wiper fluid. Check the fluid and fill it up as needed. If the light stays on after replenishing the fluid, there could be something wrong with the sensor.

Power Steering Trouble Warning Light

When this light turns on, there is an issue with the vehicle’s power steering system. The car is still drivable after the icon appears, but it will be harder to steer. Take your car to an authorized dealership as quickly as possible.

Shift P (Park) Warning Light

This icon will appear when you attempt to turn off the car when it’s not in Park. Put the car in park and try to turn off the car again.

Engine Start Operation Indicator Light

When this icon appears on your dashboard when starting the engine, you will need to press the clutch or brake before starting the car. If the engine still doesn’t start, tow your car to an authorized dealership.

Keyless Ignition Detection Indicator Symbol

This icon appears when your car can’t detect the electronic key. If the key is in the car, then the battery inside the key is probably drained and needs to be replaced.

Door Open Warning Light

This light will appear if one or more of the car doors is left open. If this light is still on after closing all the doors, there might be a malfunction so you should take your car to an authorized dealership.

Electric Shift Control System Warning Light

When this icon turns on, there is a malfunction with the electrical shift control system. The car should start if you apply the brake while starting the ignition, but take your vehicle to an authorized dealership.

Water In Fuel Indicator Light

This light will turn on if water is detected in the car’s fuel filter. Don’t start the car until you’ve drained all the water from the fuel filter, and go to your Nissan dealership as soon as possible.

What to Do When an Indicator Light Turns On?

While not all warning lights mean your instant peril, but it’s best practice to take your car to your local Nissan dealer as soon as possible. But if the warning light indicates your car is unsafe, DO NOT drive it! Calling for a tow truck is worth keeping you safe!

Schedule your service with us today!

Posted in: How to Guides

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