When you’re driving around Bountiful, Utah, in your Mazda vehicle, you expect everything to function properly and work together to deliver a smooth experience. However, if a light illuminates in the dashboard, it can be unnerving and worrisome. It’s helpful to note that red lights typically indicate serious issues that require immediate attention, while yellow warning lights indicate the presence of an issue that should be addressed but may not impact the safety of the vehicle right away. Learn more about what each of the lights means and how to respond if one does illuminate in your dashboard.
Brake Symbol
The brake symbol indicates that the emergency brake is engaged. The symbol looks like a circle with an exclamation point inside and may include the word “brake” beneath it. In order to make the light turn off, you need to take the emergency brake off by either pressing the switch that engages the electronic brake or pushing the pedal to disengage the brake.
Oil Symbol
The oil symbol looks like an outline of an oil can and indicates low engine oil pressure. This problem is very concerning and should be addressed right away. Without proper oil pressure or sufficient oil in the tank, your engine could overheat or malfunction.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is one of the most important indicators on your Mazda’s dashboard. Since the engine is the heart of the vehicle, it’s one of the most critical components. The symbol might look like the outline of the engine, or it might simply be the words “check engine.” It could also be a combination of the two. When the light illuminates, it can indicate an emission control malfunction, which can put dangerous gases into the environment. Other problems that can cause the light to turn on include a loose gas cap, engine misfiring, or a problem with the transmission.
Essentially, your vehicle’s sensors will illuminate the light when they detect an issue with the powertrain or engine. The system can store a code that indicates what problem occurred when the light turned on, and a testing tool can read the codes to determine what’s wrong with the vehicle. At Bountiful Mazda, we have the tools needed to find out why your Mazda has illuminated this light and then fix the problem.
Battery Symbol
The battery symbol looks like a rectangle with a minus sign on one side and a plus sign on the other. The outline may also include filled-in sections at the top that represent the connection points. When this light turns on, it can indicate an issue with your battery or vehicle’s charging system. Having the battery and charging system tested can help you determine whether anything needs to be repaired or replaced. A drain on the battery can also cause this light to illuminate, and a technician can determine which components or systems are causing the drain to occur.
ABS Symbol
ABS stands for anti-lock brakes, so the ABS light illuminating often indicates a problem with this important safety system. The last thing you want to worry about is your brakes locking up on you when you’re trying to slow down quickly. When the light is on, the brake system should still function normally but it may lock up if you hit the pedal hard, which can impact your vehicle’s safety. Have it checked out by an experienced brake technician as soon as possible.
Tire Symbol
Newer Mazda vehicles include a tire pressure monitoring system, which can be extremely useful in the event of a flat or leaking tire. Knowing that the tire pressure is low in one or more of your tires can help you take immediate action, rather than continuing to drive on a tire that’s not safe for use. The first thing to try if the tire symbol illuminates is checking your air pressure. Temperature fluctuations can impact the pressure in your tires, so if they’re low, add air until they reach the pressure level recommended by Mazda.
If adding air doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a slow leak. Bring your Mazda in for an inspection to determine if any of the tires are damaged and allowing air to escape through a small hole or crack. Our technicians at Bountiful Mazda may be able to repair a damaged tire, which is a cost-effective alternative to replacement.
Power Steering Symbol
The power steering system in your Mazda makes it easier to turn the wheel without having to manually crank it every time you turn. This system relies on power steering fluid to work properly, so the illumination of the power steering symbol might indicate that the fluid is low. It can also mean that a component within the system needs attention. Ignoring this light, which looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation point next to it, can make it extremely difficult to turn the wheel when you’re driving, so it’s best to get it checked out right away.
Seat Belt Indicator
The seatbelt indicator illuminates when someone in the vehicle isn’t buckled. It will appear in the dashboard when the driver doesn’t have their seatbelt fastened. Some of the newer Mazda vehicles available in Davis County, Utah, also feature seatbelt indicator lights for every seat in the vehicle, so the driver can quickly see whether people in the backseat have their belts buckled for safety.
Master Warning Symbol
The master warning symbol indicates a problem with one of the more advanced systems in your Mazda. It looks like a triangle with an exclamation point inside. When you see this light, check the information display in the vehicle’s dashboard. The affected system may provide a more detailed message about the issue in this location, helping you to know where it requires immediate attention.
If any of the lights in your Mazda’s dashboard are illuminated, visit the service center at Bountiful Mazda to find out what they mean and how to resolve the issue. We have experienced and certified service technicians who can diagnose and resolve the problems with any of the components within your vehicle. Contact us or use our convenient online scheduling tool to schedule an appointment for service.
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