Get to Know Your Nissan Dashboard Warning Lights

August 18, 2023

Modern-day hieroglyphs: Do you know what your dashboard warning lights mean? There's no real code to crack. But it can be confusing.

You don't want to break down on the highway because you let your check engine light stay on just a little too long. Here's a quick guide to your Nissan dashboard warning lights so you can stop by your local service center before it becomes a problem. And don't forget, your owner's manual will have more in-depth, detailed information for your specific model.

Common Nissan Dashboard Warning Lights

Your Nissan's electrical system is designed to detect any changes and provide feedback through your dashboard warning lights. Remember, a warning light is a warning sign and should be taken seriously to help prevent any major problems.

Here is a list of some of the most common dashboard symbols with their meanings so you are better prepared every time you drive.

Check Engine

The Check Engine light is pretty straightforward. It indicates there could be an issue with your engine systems and shouldn't be ignored. Whether your check engine light is solid or flashing, book a service appointment right away at your local Nissan dealership to get your vehicle diagnosed.

ABS

Spelled out in bright, shiny lights for you, ABS stands for anti-lock brakes. If your Nissan ABS light stays on longer than a few seconds, it can indicate a problem with any components related to your anti-lock brakes (which can also impair your vehicle traction control system).

Service Soon

Similar to your check engine light, you'll want to respond to this dashboard warning sign immediately for any internal diagnostic issues.

Brake Warning Light

Short and sweet, this light typically means you need to add brake fluid. It might also turn on due to problems with the brake switch. If you add brake fluid and the light doesn't turn off, take your car in for a brake system inspection.

Coolant Temperature

A coolant temperature light can mean your car is overheating. If your antifreeze (coolant) is running low, this light will come on. This can be a do-it-yourself fix, or you can schedule a service appointment.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

This light will come on if any of your tires have a pressure above or below the recommended psi. Driving on an under-inflated tire increases friction, which adds to the normal wear and tear of your tires and can result in a full tire blowout.

Engine Oil Pressure

When engine oil pressure is low, this will be your sign to pull over and assess your vehicle. A drop in oil pressure could mean your oil levels are too low, there is an oil leak, or you have a blockage in the oil system. Any of these issues should be addressed immediately.

Battery

The battery light (shaped like a common battery) can come on for a few reasons, including a weak battery, bad alternator, or loose cables. If this dashboard light stays on after you start your Nissan, it's best to seek help from your local service center before you break down.

When Your Nissan Dashboard Lights Shouldn't Cause Panic

Sooner or later, you are bound to have a dashboard light illuminate. But not every light calls for a trip to the mechanic. In fact, some dashboard lights aren't warning lights at all.

Wiper Fluid

This light lets you know you need to top off your wiper fluid. It's not a dire situation, but you don't want to struggle with poor visibility because you forgot to fill up your fluids.

Traction Control

On a rainy or icy day, this alert (ESP) will let you know your car has gone into traction control for your driving safety.

Cruise Control

Much like the O/D light, this symbol will pop up when cruise control is enabled.

Dashboard Warning Light On? Visit a Nissan Service Center

The warning lights on your dashboard can help you know when somethings wrong with your Nissan. With modern vehicle technology, many of these systems work together and depend on each other. An issue in one system may cause multiple lights to illuminate, but there's no need to panic. If any of your lights turn on, stop by your local service center for help diagnosing the problem and order any replacement parts you need online from Nissan Parts & Accessories.