Mitsubishi Dashboard Lights: What do they mean?

It’s common for drivers to panic when they notice a dashboard light come on, especially while driving. However, not all dashboard indicators signal a problem, so it’s helpful to learn what all the Mitsubishi dashboard lights mean. When you know what action to take upon seeing each indicator, you can remain calm and ensure your car gets the care it needs in the case of an emergency. Here’s a list of some of the most common dashboard lights on Mitsubishi vehicles and what they mean.

What Makes Mitsubishi Dashboard Symbols Different?

One of the most helpful perks of driving a Mitsubishi is that they use color-coding on the dashboard so you can immediately determine how serious a potential issue might be. For example, if a green light appears, this typically only means that you’re using a specific feature of the car, such as high beam lights or ECO mode. There are also yellow lights that indicate a problem is arising but may not require immediate attention. If you notice any red lights on your Mitsubishi dashboard, there may be an emergency, and you likely need a service appointment  right away.

Emergency or Serious Issue Indicators

Here’s a list of emergency dashboard lights that may indicate a serious issue with your vehicle:

• Brake trouble: This light appears as the word “BRAKE” in red and indicates a possible error with the braking system, meaning you should stop driving as soon as possible and book a service appointment.
• Engine temperature: Appearing as a red thermometer, this light shows that the vehicle’s temperature is too high and that you should stop driving and turn off the engine immediately.
• Oil and oil level: These indicators appear as a red oil lamp or an oil lamp with a squiggle underneath it, meaning there may be an issue with the oil that requires immediate attention from a mechanic.
• Air bag warning: This red light shows a person and an air bag, and it means that one or more air bags have the potential to malfunction, which requires quick attention.
• Electronic power steering: If a red steering wheel with an exclamation point appears, there may be an issue with your steering system, meaning you should take it in to a dealership or mechanic right away.
• Charge system trouble: Shown as a red battery, this light indicates an issue with the charging system, which means you should stop the vehicle and may need to call roadside assistance.

Routine Indicators

Here are some routine indicators that you should pay attention to but that may not require immediate attention:

• Low fuel: If a yellow gas pump appears, it likely means your fuel is running low, so you should fill up on gas as soon as possible.
• Door, hood, lid ajar: A red light showing a car with open doors may indicate that a door on your car is open, so you should pull over if you’re driving to ensure you close all doors, including the hood.
• Seat belt reminder: A red icon of a person wearing a seat belt typically indicates that your seat belt is not on while the car is in motion, meaning you should buckle up.
• Security: If you see a red light with a car and a lock, it means your ignition is locked and requires a transponder-equipped key to allow the car to restart.
• Low washer fluid: A yellow or orange light showing a windshield and spray typically means your washer fluid is running low and you need to refill it.
• Low outside temperature: If you see a yellow light showing a road and a snowflake, the outside temperature may be cold enough to allow icy roads, meaning you should drive with caution.
• Step on brake: This light shows up as a yellow foot on a brake pedal, and it indicates that you need to step on the brake to unlock the ignition.
• Service: If you see a yellow car with a wrench or the word “service,” it typically means you need to bring your car in for routine maintenance.

Fault Indicators

Here’s a list of fault indicators, which typically signal that you need to bring your vehicle in for a service appointment:

• Check engine: When a yellow icon of an engine appears, there may be something wrong with your engine, meaning you should take your vehicle in for a service appointment right away.
• Master warning: A red triangle with an exclamation point in it usually indicates that another warning light is on, and while it looks intimidating, it typically acts as a reminder for general maintenance.
• Tire pressure: This light shows up as a yellow exclamation point with an incomplete circle around it, and it notes that your tire pressure may be low, meaning you should take your vehicle in to get its tires checked as soon as you can.
• Transmission temperature: If a red light that says “A/T TEMP” appears, your transmission may be too hot, which puts it at risk of failure, meaning you should schedule a service appointment immediately.
• Stability control: A yellow light showing a car with curved lines behind its tires means the vehicle’s stability control system is active, and you don’t need to take any action other than driving carefully. If this signal appears with the word “OFF” under it, then the stability control has turned off.
• Antilock braking system (ABS): This light appears as the letters “ABS” in yellow, and it means the ABS system that keeps your car in control during slippery conditions is activated.

Are Your Dashboard Lights On?

If any of your dashboard lights are on, it may mean it’s time to schedule an appointment with our service team. Doing so can prevent further damage to your vehicle, especially in cases where there’s a serious issue. The team at Performance Mitsubishi Delray is ready to get your vehicle back in great shape. Do you have a question about your Mitsubishi or about purchasing a new one? Contact us so we can help you with whatever you need.

On [46 of 52] by Chris Isherwood is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0