An unfamiliar light came on in your car's dashboard? Today there are apps that help you quickly understand the meaning of the symbols and alerts displayed by your vehicle. Some even allow you to point your phone's camera at the dashboard and automatically identify the light.
What do the dashboard lights mean?
The dashboard lights are one of the main ways a vehicle uses to alert the driver about the operation of its systems. Depending on the symbol and color, they can indicate anything from an activated function to a malfunction that requires immediate attention.
In general:
- 🟢 Green or blue: It usually indicates an activated function, such as headlights.
- 🟡 Yellow or orange: It indicates something that deserves attention or maintenance.
- 🔴 Red: This could represent a significant malfunction or situation that requires the driver to stop the vehicle safely.
The exact interpretation, however, depends on the car's model and manufacturer.
Identify the light using your cell phone.
An interesting option for Android is... AI DashScan: OBD Light Reader. The app uses image recognition to identify symbols on the dashboard.
The way it works is simple: you photograph the dashboard and the app analyzes the image to try to recognize which light is on and explain its meaning. According to the official description, it recognizes alerts such as Check engine, ABS, battery, and oil pressure., in addition to other symbols.
One advantage is that, for this visual identification, it is not necessary to connect an OBD2 scanner to the vehicle.
How to use the app
After installing the app, open the identification tool and take a clear photo of the dashboard, making sure the symbol is clearly visible. The system analyzes the image and provides information about the possible meaning of the alert.
This can be especially helpful when a symbol appears that you've never seen before and you don't have the vehicle's manual nearby.
AI DashScan: OBD Light Reader
Do you want a more complete diagnosis?
Identifying the pattern of light is different from discovering exactly how it works. What fault triggered the alert?.
For example, the electronic injection light can come on for several reasons. To investigate the cause, a more comprehensive alternative is... Car Scanner ELM OBD2.
It works when connected to a compatible OBD2 adapter and can read fault codes (DTCs), sensor information, and other data from the vehicle's electronic control unit. The app has versions for Android and iPhone.
Lights that deserve special attention.
Some warnings should not be ignored, especially the oil pressure light, high engine temperature, brake system warnings, or other red lights.
The app serves as an informational tool, but it does not replace the vehicle's specific manual or a mechanical inspection. If a red light appears accompanied by loss of power, overheating, smoke, unusual smell, or loud noises, the safest course of action is to stop in an appropriate location and have the vehicle checked.
