Understanding Your Mazda’s Dashboard Lights

Illuminating Clarity: Understanding Your Mazda’s Dashboard Lights

While the sight of a dashboard warning light may startle you, in general, these lights warn you that one of your vehicle’s systems isn’t working properly. Dashboard lights are how a car communicates vital information to the driver, such as the fuel level, the engine’s temperature, and whether a person in the vehicle needs to buckle their seat belt. To help you navigate the mystery of some of these dashboard warning lights, our team at Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth, Texas, has compiled this list of common dashboard warning lights, their meanings, and the actions needed to remedy them. View our new inventory today, or If you have any questions give us a call at (817) 663-7404.

Common Dashboard Lights and Their Meanings

Fuel gauge on dashboard in contemporary automobile by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License

Your Mazda dashboard has many lights that provide you with information. Some dashboard lights let you know that a feature or function is active, such as when your high beams are on or when a certain driving mode is activated. It’s important to familiarize yourself with how your dashboard normally looks so that if an unfamiliar light comes on, you can take action or schedule an appointment to have the vehicle looked at by one of our Mazda service technicians. Some warning lights need immediate action, while others can wait a short while until it’s convenient to bring your Mazda to our dealership. In the event that a dashboard light comes on, contact us to find out how long it’s safe to keep driving until we can inspect it. We review common dashboard warning lights and what they signify below.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light looks like an illuminated engine. If this light comes on, there’s an issue with the engine, fuel system, or emissions system. Sometimes, the check engine light will come on if the gas cap is loose. You can try tightening it, but if the light remains on, have our team inspect it with a code reader.

Battery Warning Light

If you see an illuminated battery light come on,  your battery is not charging properly. This could mean an issue with the battery, the cables, the alternator, or another aspect of the charging system. You’ll need to have the battery inspected to diagnose and fix the issue.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

Stop your Mazda immediately when you notice a bright oil can light come on. This warning indicates that the oil pressure is low, and if not remedied quickly, your engine can experience serious problems. If this light comes on, you can check the oil level yourself, and if you know how, put some oil in. However, your Mazda may use a specialized oil, and you don’t necessarily want to mix oil types up. It’s better to call for Mazda roadside assistance and bring your vehicle to our service center.

Brake System Warning Light

The brake system warning light indicates a problem with your brakes. If you’ve engaged the parking brake, this light will come on automatically, and it should go off as soon as you take the parking brake off. If the brake light doesn’t go off, there’s a serious problem with the brake system. You don’t want to drive your vehicle with a faulty braking system.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light

If one or more of your tires have low pressure, you’ll see a light come on that looks somewhat like a horseshoe with an exclamation mark. If this light appears on your dashboard, stop the car and look at each tire to see whether one is visually low or flat. Generally, the tire pressure warning light comes on before the pressure is so low it causes damage to the wheel rim. If you can’t see obvious signs of a low tire, bring your Mazda to a tire shop so they can check the tire with a tire gauge and add air to it.

ABS Warning Light

Your Mazda has an antilock braking system (ABS) that helps prevent your brakes from locking up when applied. If the ABS light comes on, there’s an issue with this braking system. While you’ll still have use of your brakes, you won’t have the extra protection the ABS provides. Schedule an appointment with our service department promptly if this light comes on so we can make the necessary repairs.

Air Bag Warning Light

If you see a dashboard light that shows a person sitting with a seat belt on and a circle by the head, this is an air bag warning light. It indicates that there’s a problem with the air bag system. Your vehicle’s air bags help keep you and your family safe in the event of a collision or accident. It’s not safe to drive your vehicle if this light is on.

Actionable Responses

Dashboard warning lights tell you when a system in your  Mazda is not working properly. Some warning lights, such as the low tire pressure light, often don’t require immediate attention — though they should still be addressed as soon as possible. However, four warning lights need immediate response.

Immediate Attention Lights

• Check engine light: While this light might only be signaling a loose gas cap, it usually comes on when there’s an issue with the engine’s systems. Having your Mazda checked immediately can help prevent serious engine failure with expensive repairs.
• Brake system warning light: You need properly functioning brakes to stop your vehicle. This warning light requires immediate attention without driving the vehicle any further.
• Oil pressure warning light: If your engine oil gets too low, you risk engine failure. Engine parts that require lubrication will seize up, and your vehicle will no longer run. Have your Mazda checked immediately if this light comes on.
• Air bag warning light: Air bags help save lives, and it’s vital to have the air bag system checked as soon as possible if the air bag warning light comes on. Don’t drive without a functioning air bag system.

Has One of Your Dashboard Warning Lights Come On?

If you’ve noticed that a dashboard warning light has come on in your Mazda, and you’re unsure what it means, call our Hiley Mazda of Fort Worth service department at 847-242-4383. With any dashboard warning light, you’ll need to schedule an appointment to bring your Mazda to our service center so we can inspect the vehicle. We’ll quickly diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs.