DashRead · Car Copilot
What's that light on your dash?
Point your phone camera at the dashboard and get a plain-English read on the warning light — which one it is, how urgent it is, and whether it's safe to keep driving. Free, no app, no scanner needed.
Car dashboard
Check engine light on (solid)
The check engine light is glowing steady, not flashing
Engine
Check engine light flashing
The check engine light is blinking on and off
Engine
Check engine light on and car shaking
The check engine light is on and the car is shaking or running rough
Engine
Oil pressure light on while driving
The red oil-can warning light came on while the car is moving
Cooling system
Temperature warning light on
The red engine temperature light is on and the gauge is climbing
Cooling system
Coolant warning light on
The low-coolant warning light is on
Charging system
Battery light on while driving
The red battery warning light is on while the engine is running
Brake system
Brake warning light on (red)
The red BRAKE warning light is on
Brake system
ABS light on
The amber ABS warning light is on
Tires
Tire pressure (TPMS) light on
The tire pressure warning light is on
Tires
TPMS light stays on after filling tires
The tire pressure light is still on even after inflating the tires
Airbag system
Airbag (SRS) warning light on
The airbag / SRS warning light stays on
Stability control system
Traction control light on
The traction control / stability control light is on
Diesel exhaust system
DPF light on (diesel)
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light is on
Diesel engine
Glow plug light flashing (diesel)
The coil-shaped glow plug light is flashing
Transmission
Transmission temperature warning light
The transmission-too-hot / AT temp warning is on
Steering system
Power steering warning light on
The power steering (EPS) warning light is on and the wheel may feel heavy
Car dashboard
Oil change reminder light on
The 'oil change due' or 'maintenance required' reminder is on
Fuel system
Low fuel light on
The low fuel warning light is on
Cooling system
Steam from under the hood
Steam or vapor is coming out from under the hood
Wheels and tires
Car shakes at highway speed
The car vibrates or shakes when driving at highway speeds
Brake system
Squealing when braking
The brakes squeal or squeak when you press the pedal
Starting system
Car won't start, just clicks
Turning the key or pressing start makes a click but the engine won't crank
Engine bay
Burning rubber smell while driving
There's a burning-rubber smell while driving
Steering and suspension
Car pulling to one side
The car drifts or pulls to one side when driving straight
Engine management
EPC light on (VW/Audi)
The yellow EPC warning light is on in a VW or Audi
Throttle system
Red lightning bolt light (electronic throttle)
A lightning bolt between two brackets is lit on the dash
Powertrain
Wrench light on (Ford)
The wrench-shaped warning light is on in a Ford
Engine management
Engine Power Reduced (Chevy/GM)
The dash shows an 'Engine Power Reduced' message and the car feels sluggish
Car dashboard
Triangle with exclamation point light
A triangle with an exclamation point is lit on the dashboard
Anti-theft system
Security light on, car won't start
The security / key warning light is on and the engine won't start
Diesel exhaust system
DEF light on (diesel)
The DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) warning light is on
Hybrid system
Prius red triangle warning
The red triangle warning light is on in a Toyota Prius
Stability control
Service StabiliTrak message (Chevy/GM)
The dash shows a 'Service StabiliTrak' message in a Chevy or GM vehicle
Stability control
VSC light on (Toyota/Lexus)
The VSC light or 'Check VSC System' message is on in a Toyota or Lexus
Powertrain
Drivetrain Malfunction (BMW)
A BMW shows 'Drivetrain malfunction — drive moderately' on the iDrive screen
Scheduled maintenance
Wrench light on (Honda)
The wrench-shaped warning light is on in a Honda
Transmission
AT OIL TEMP light (Subaru)
The AT OIL TEMP light is on or flashing in a Subaru
Fuel system
Check Fuel Cap message
The dash shows a 'Check Fuel Cap' message or fuel-cap warning light
DashRead reads the light with you and tells you straight when it's a stop-now situation — but it has no scanner and never guesses a trouble code. When in doubt, don't drive; see a mechanic.