Feb 9, 2024
A car's speedometer next to it's dashboard

Understanding the meaning of the indicator lights can assist you in caring for your Chevy. Below, your Chevy dealer tells you everything you need to know about these lights to avoid vehicle damage and ensure your car, SUV, or truck never leaves you stranded. 


The Check Engine Light

Among the dashboard alerts in your car, the check engine light is one of the most important warning lights. Despite its depiction of an engine outline, this light deals with far more advanced technology under the hood. Always pay attention to the check engine light’s “CHECK ENGINE” message.

It could signal a malfunction in your Chevy’s ignition, emissions, ignition, exhaust, or fuel or systems. When the check engine light is illuminated, scheduling an engine diagnostic as soon as possible is highly recommended to avoid severe engine damage. 



The Battery Warning Light

You can easily spot the battery warning light: it looks like a car battery. If this light turns on while you’re driving, it signals an issue with your Chevy’s charging system and electrical components. It could be anything from wiring issues and alternator problems to a weak battery.

It’s important to take notice when this light goes on to prevent getting stuck with a dead battery. Have your Chevrolet mechanic check your vehicle’s charging system and conduct a battery test to see if a replacement is necessary.



Low Fuel Level Warning Light

Every driver gets a sinking feeling when the gas pump symbol on the dashboard goes on. The distance you can drive after the low fuel level warning light activates depends on various factors, such as your model, engine, tank size, driving speed, and how fuel-efficient your Chevy is. So, there isn’t a set distance you can travel before running out of fuel.

Typically, the low fuel level warning light will activate when your gas tank is below 15%. If you drive a smaller car, you’ll probably have about 30 miles before you run out of gas. You’ll have around 50 miles to find a gas station if you drive a bigger vehicle.



The Engine Temperature Warning Light

The engine temperature warning light is represented by a thermometer with lines. When this light comes on, it means things are heating up under the hood, and your engine is overheating. Overheating could cause severe damage to your engine if not dealt with immediately.

Pull over, turn off the engine, and wait around 15 minutes for the engine to cool down before opening the hood. Inspect the levels of the water and the coolant and top them up if needed. If your Chevy keeps overheating repeatedly, it could be an issue with the cooling system. 


If you notice the dashboard warning lights staying on after starting your Chevy, it indicates a malfunction that needs urgent attention. Call Olson Automotive in Redwood Falls, MN, right away to book an appointment, and our certified technicians will diagnose and fix the issue expertly.

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