Toyota dashboard warning lights – What they mean

You do not need to be a car owner to begin to know the Toyota dashboard warning lights and what they mean. At one point in time, you may find yourself in a Toyota vehicle as a driver, passenger or even a car owner. This post will throw more light on these lights.

Toyota dashboard warning lights -Colours and Their Meaning

• Green: When you see the GREEN Toyota dashboard warning light, it means the system is working correctly or is it currently in use
• Yellow: If you see a YELLOW Toyota dashboard warning light, it shows that something is not working correctly. There is therefore the need to take extra care and check it out as soon as possible to find the problem and resolve it.
• Red: The RED Toyota dashboard warning light is an indication that there is a serious, and potentially dangerous problem – When this happens, there is the need to stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.

Toyota dashboard warning lights

READ: Driving Automatic Cars Safely & Mistakes to avoid in 2023 to 2025

• Explanation: This light indicates there’s an issue with your brake system.
• Advice: It’s crucial to check your brake fluid level immediately and visit a Toyota service center for a thorough inspection; driving with compromised brakes is dangerous.

 

• Explanation: This light suggests that your Toyota’s engine might be malfunctioning.
• Advice: Treat this warning seriously as the engine is vital to your vehicle’s operation. Head to a mechanic or a Toyota specialist for a diagnostic check to prevent further damage.

• Explanation: This light signals a problem with the Toyota Electric Power Steering system, affecting your steering control.
• Advice: Given the complexity of electrical systems, it’s best to consult a qualified car electrician or Toyota technician. Avoid attempting repairs yourself to prevent further issues or risks.

• Explanation: This light indicates that the fuel filter is clogged or needs replacement. It’s not common in all Toyota models but appears in vehicles with diesel engines or particular setups.

• Advice: If this light illuminates, promptly visit a Toyota service center for a fuel filter replacement to avoid engine performance issues.

• Explanation: Illuminates when engine oil pressure is too low, which can damage the engine if not addressed.

• Advice: Stop the vehicle immediately, check oil levels, and if low, add oil. If the light persists, seek professional help to diagnose possible pump or sensor issues.

• Explanation: This light comes on to remind you that it’s time for an oil change based on mileage or time.

• Advice: Schedule an oil change service at your Toyota dealer. Regular oil changes are crucial for engine longevity.

• Explanation: Indicates routine maintenance is due, like oil changes, tire rotations, or inspections.

• Advice: Check your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and book a service appointment to keep your Toyota in optimal condition.

• Explanation: Signals that one or more tires have low pressure, potentially affecting handling and fuel efficiency.

• Advice: Check and adjust tire pressure to the recommended levels, ideally when tires are cold. Persistent light may indicate a leak; inspect tires or visit a service center.

• Explanation: Indicates a problem with the charging system or battery, which could lead to the vehicle stopping.

• Advice: Have the charging system inspected immediately at a Toyota service center; it could be anything from a loose belt to a failing alternator.

• Explanation: Lights up if there’s a problem with the ABS, which could compromise braking safety.

• Advice: Have the ABS system checked by a Toyota technician. Drive with caution until resolved, but remember, normal brakes should still function.

  

• Explanation: Indicates the system that prioritizes braking over acceleration might not be working correctly.

• Advice: Visit a Toyota dealer for diagnosis since this is critical for safety. Do not ignore this warning.

• Explanation: Shows when the vehicle is at risk of slipping, with systems like VSC or TRC engaged to stabilize.

• Advice: Drive cautiously, especially in wet or icy conditions. If the light stays on, get a system check.

• Explanation: Indicates that the Traction Control (TRC) system is off, potentially increasing wheel spin.

• Advice: Ensure TRC is on for normal driving conditions. If off unintentionally, turn it back on via the switch.

• Explanation: Signals that the rear differential is locked, useful for off-road driving for better traction.

• Advice: Use this feature only in suitable conditions (mud, sand). Disengage on normal roads to avoid damage.

• Explanation: Indicates the vehicle is in low-range four-wheel drive, ideal for tough terrains.

• Advice: Use appropriately for off-road conditions. Ensure to switch back to high range for road driving to prevent wear.

• Explanation: Alerts you when AdBlue levels are low or there’s a system issue, necessary for diesel engines.

• Advice: Refill AdBlue or have the system checked. Failure to act can lead to engine shutdown.

• Explanation: Indicates a problem with the airbag system, compromising safety.

• Advice: Have the system inspected immediately as airbags are crucial in an accident.

• Explanation: Alerts when the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.

• Advice: Ensure the camera lens is clean and properly adjust the system settings. If persistent, seek professional diagnosis.

• Explanation: Signals issues with the pre-collision system, which helps avoid or mitigate crashes.

• Advice: Check for obstructions around sensors or camera. Persistent issues require a visit to Toyota for recalibration or repair.

• Explanation: This light illuminates when the DPF is clogged, indicating it needs regeneration or cleaning.
• Advice: Drive at a constant speed on a highway for about 10-15 minutes to allow the DPF to regenerate. If the light doesn’t go off, visit a Toyota service center to have it professionally cleaned or replaced.

• Explanation: Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high, risking engine overheating.
• Advice: Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool. Check coolant levels once cooled, but if low, do not open the radiator cap until the engine is completely cool. Seek professional help if the problem persists.

• Explanation: This light comes on when there’s insufficient oil pressure, which could severely damage the engine.
• Advice: Immediately stop driving, check your oil level, and if it’s low, add oil. If the light remains on after adding oil, do not drive further and consult a Toyota technician for a thorough inspection.

In our next set of publications, we shall provide more details about each of the above Toyota dashboard warning lights.