Dashboard warning lights: what do they mean? (2023)

The ABS warning light coming on means that your car may have a fault with the anti-lock braking system. the anti-blockbraking systemhelps you maintain control of your vehicle on slippery roads or in case ofsudden hard brakingprevent the brakes from locking up all at once. You can still drive the car normally and use the brakes, but without the safety-enhancing features of your anti-lock brake system.

It is normal for the ABS light on the dashboard to come on briefly and then go out when starting the vehicle. This simply means that the system is working properly. However, if the light stays on, it is best to have the system checked by an INFINITI dealer. In many cases, the warning light is triggered by a faulty wheel speed sensor or faulty ABS control unit.

The brake light on your dashboard works for bothhand brakeand foot brake. Illuminates when the ignition is on and the parking brake is applied. This serves more as a reminder to the driver than an indication that something is wrong with the brakes. If the light comes on, try setting and releasing the parking brake to see if the warning light goes off. If the light stays on, there may be a problem with the brake function and it could be dangerous to drive.

A brake warning light usually comes on when the brake fluid level is low, brake hydraulic pressure is low, brake parts are extremely worn, or there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system.

The first thing you can do is check that the brake fluid reservoir contains enough fluid. If the fluid level is low or the brake pedal feels soft, there may be a leak in the master cylinder or another part of the brake system. If the light stays on after adding more brake fluid, you will need to take it to a nearby garage or have it towedINFINITI dealerto have your brakes checked. Do not drive your vehicle as the brakes may fail.

If the battery warning light, also known as the charge warning light, comes on while driving, this could be an indication that your car battery is no longer charging properly. Stop as soon as it is safe to do so, as you may only have a few minutes before the battery is completely drained and the engine stalls.

The cause of the problem could be the battery itself, especially if the battery is very old or corroded. However, the battery warning light can also come on due to loose or damaged battery cables, a faulty alternator or broken alternator belt, or a number of possible electrical issues.

If the light comes on, stop the engine and check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken or missing, have the vehicle checked immediately.

The engine oil pressure warning light comes on when the engine oil is not pressurized properly and therefore is not circulating efficiently through the engine.

If the engine oil pressure light flashes or comes on while driving, stop as soon as possible and stop the engine immediately. Insufficient oil pressure is a serious problem that can cause serious engine damage or premature wear. Tow your vehicle to a nearby INFINITI dealer or authorized workshop.

Although the oil pressure gauge is not designed to measure the engine oil level, low oil levels are often the cause of low oil pressure. Use the dipstick to check the oil level regularly and follow the recommended oil drain intervals marked on youroperations manual. Other causes for the engine oil light to come on could be a faulty oil pump or other worn-out internal parts.

If your INFINITI has both a manual and an automatic transmission mode, this light will indicate when the shift lever is in the automatic transmission mode position. The AT light can flash and even buzz to let you know when something is wrong.

For example, on some INFINITI models such as the 2020 Q50, the AT light will flicker and buzz when a driver attempts to shift into an unsafe gear while in manual transmission mode. By default, a "gear protection" mechanism kicks in and prevents manual shifts at speeds that can produce unsafe RPMs.

In addition, your INFINITI's AT light may also flash to alert you to system problems such as: B. low or high transmission oil pressure, worn parts, or overheating.

Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that measures the pressure in all four tires. If the low tire pressure warning light comes on, it means that one or more tires are underinflated or the TPMS is not working properly.

Check the pressure of each tire and, if necessary, inflate to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated on the tire information label on the inside of the driver's door. Note that the TPMS does not register any pressure changes until the wheel speed exceeds 26 km/h.

If the tire pressure warning light comes on while driving, be careful and stop as soon as possible. Driving with underinflated tires can damage the wheels and impair the vehicle's handling. It also increases the risk of a flat tire. After inflating the tires and driving above 26 km/h, if the warning light stays on, it could be a sign that the TPMS is not working properly. Take your vehicle to the nearest authorized dealership or repair shop for inspection.

When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the power steering warning light comes on. After starting the engine, the power steering warning light should go out. This indicates that the electric steering is operational.

However, if the power steering warning light comes on while the engine is running, power steering assistance may be lost. You are still in control of the vehicle, but more steering effort is required to operate the steering wheel, especially in tight corners and at low speeds. Pull off the road and stop the vehicle, as maneuvering without power steering can be dangerous.

If the warning light comes on and your model has Electric Power Steering (EPS), it is recommended that the electrical components be checked and repaired by an authorized INFINITI dealer.

If your vehicle has power steering with a power pump, the warning light may indicate that the power steering fluid reservoir is low. Adding fluid to the reservoir may solve the problem, but if a leak is causing the problem, it's best to take the car in for repairs.

If the auxiliary air bag warning light stays on for seven seconds after starting the engine, blinks intermittently while driving, or does not come on when the vehicle is started, the air bag deployment system may need service. There may be a problem with the auxiliary air bags or seat belt pretensioners.

Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible, as this problem could prevent the front, side, or curtain airbags from deploying in a collision.

The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL), commonly known as the Check Engine Light, can indicate a possible malfunction of the emission control in your vehicle. The warning light comes on when the ignition is turned on, but it should go out after starting the engine. If the light stays on with the engine running, it will appear in one of two ways: steady or flashing.

A steadily lit malfunction indicator means that an emission control malfunction has been detected. This is usually caused by a loose gas cap. Tighten or replace the tank cap if necessary and see if the MIL goes away after a few rides. If the light persists, a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter could be to blame.

A flashing check engine light usually indicates a more serious problem such as B. Engine misfire, knocking or loss of compression. These problems can cause serious damage to engine parts while driving. Help reduce potential damage by trying the following:

The vehicle dynamic control warning light will flash when the VDC system or traction control system is operating to alert the driver that the vehicle is approaching its traction limits. This usually happens when the road surface is slippery.

If the light stays on, it could indicate that the VDC is in failsafe mode and is not working properly. As a result, certain traction control functions, such as active lane control, brake force distribution and hill start assist, may be blocked. We recommend that your vehicle's dynamic control system be checked by an authorized INFINITI dealer if the light remains on.