Dashboard warning lights are critical indicators in your GMC vehicle that alert you to potential issues and hazards. Understanding the meaning behind each symbol can help you take necessary precautions to ensure your vehicle’s safe and efficient functioning. This article will explore the various GMC dashboard warning lights, their symbols, and their meanings to help you stay informed and prepared while driving. From the check engine light to the battery warning light, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you recognize and respond to these important signals. The guide covers the GMC dashboard warning lights, symbols, and meaning.
 Anti-Lock Brake System Fault Indicator This light means that the anti-lock brake system (ABS) has a problem and has been disabled.What this means is that vehicle brakes may lock upunder hard braking conditions. Use acompatible GMC OBD-IIABS scanner to read the codes from the ABS module. Some of the most common problems that trigger the ABS light on a GMC vehicle:
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 Service Engine Soon / Check Engine Light The most common cause of this light is a failure of the onboard emission control system. If this light is on while the engine stays running, it will require an OBD-II scan and diagnostic from a trained GMC technician. Do NOT drive the vehicle if the light is flashing; take the vehicle to be serviced promptly. Pullthe vehicle over if the check engine light is flashing and have it towed to a shop. A flashing indicator is commonly caused byan engine misfire or clogged catalytic converter.Common causes of the service engine soon malfunction indicator lamp on a GMC vehicle:
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 Engine Temperature / Overheating This light means the engine has overheated. Pull over and shut off the engine. Wait at least 30 minutes for the engine to cool down. Do not drive with this light on. Continuing to drive if the engine is overheating can lead to serious engine damage, such as a blown head gasket or seized engine.Common causes of the engine temperatureindicator light on a GMC vehicle:
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 Air Bag Warning Light This light means that the airbag system has detected a problem. If this light stays on, the airbags may not deploy if you get into an accident. To troubleshoot this light, you need to read the fault codes from the airbag module using an Airbag OBD-II Scanner.Common problems that trigger the airbag light on a GMC vehicle:
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 Tire Pressure Monitor Indicator When this light comes on with the engine running, one or more of the tires are significantly underinflated. If the light flashes before it stays on, it indicates that one or more of the tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) sensors may be faulty. Check tire pressures to see if any tire is low on air pressure. If applicable, check the information display for a message indicating which tire is low or faulty. Inflate tires to recommended pressure or take the vehicle to a trained GMC technician to have the TPMS serviced.Common tire pressure monitor system problems on a GMC vehicle:
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 Power Steering Light This light means there is a problem with the power steering. This warning may display as red or yellow. If the steering wheel with the exclamation mark next to it comes on, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Turn the wheel to the end of its travel to see if it binds or takes greater effort to steer. Check the power steering fluid reservoir to see if it is low, and listen while turning the wheel for any whining sounds coming from the power steering pump. Take the vehicle to a trained GMC technician to be serviced. Common power steering system problems on a GMC vehicle:
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 Low Fuel Level This light means that vehicle is low on fuel. Find a gas station and add fuel. Check the information display for an estimate on how many miles until the vehicle completely runs out of fuel. It is always a good idea to keep a vehicle from getting low on fuel as this causes the fuel pump to work harder and leads to excess and premature wear. Common low fuel indicator causes on a GMC vehicle:
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 Turn Signal The turn signal indicator should flash when the stalk is switched on in either direction. If the light blinks fast, it is an indicator of a bad turn signal bulb. If the lightstays on steady when the turn signal stalk is switched on, it is an indication of a bad stalk/switch. Have a GMC technician replace the bad bulbs or faulty switch. Common turn signal indicator problems on a GMC vehicle:
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 4 Wheel Drive This light means that the four-wheel drive has been disabled. The 4WD light will also flash when a problem is detected. A common problem is the 4WD actuator can get rusty and stuck. |
 Adaptive Cruise Control This light means that adaptive cruise control (ACC)has been activated. The vehicle will keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. If the vehicle in front slows down, your vehicle will slow down as well. If a possible collision is detected, then moderate to heavy braking will be applied, an audible alert will chime, and a visible warning will show on the information display. |
 Automatic High Beam This light means that the high beams will turn on automatically when there is no incoming traffic. The automatic high beam switch needs to be on and the high beams turned on for the automatic high beams to work. |
 Brake Trouble This light means that there is a problem with the brake system. Pull over immediately and check the brake fluid level. Determine whether the brakes are working and if the brake pedal is functioning properly. Driving with brake system failure is dangerous. Have the vehicle towed to a shop and serviced by a GMC technician. Common causes of the brake indicator light on a GMC vehicle:
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 Charge System / Battery Light If this light comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the electrical charging system. Turn off the engine and check the generator (alternator) belt is in working condition. Do not continue driving if the belt is loose, broken, or missing. Take the vehicle to a mechanic and have the charging system tested. Common causes of the charging systemlight on a GMC vehicle:
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 Cruise Control This light means that cruise control has been enabled and is functioning properly. Once a switch or lever sets the cruise control speed, the vehicle will keep constant speed until the brake pedal is pressed. Once the brake pedal is pressed, the cruise control will cancel. The cruise control can be deactivated by the switch/lever, and the indicator will no longer show. |
 Diesel Exhaust Fluid Warning This light means that the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) level is low, or there is a problem with the diesel particulate filter (DPF). If the DEF is left unfilled, the vehicle will go into limp mode reducing the vehicle’s speed to five miles per hour to prevent any harmful emissions or damage to the DEF system. This light may also come on due to contaminated fluid. It is always important to remain vigilant and check that the DEF is always clean and at an acceptablelevel when performing routine maintenance. Common causes of the diesel exhaust fluid warning indicator on a GMC vehicle:
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 Door Ajar / Door Open The door-ajar indicator stays illuminated when anydoors or trunks arenot closed properly. If this indicator does not go off even after closing the door properly, it may be caused by worn-out latches in the door or a faulty door ajar sensor. Common causes of the door ajar indicator light on a GMC vehicle:
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 Electronic Park Brake Trouble This lightindicatesthe parking brake is on. It can illuminate either red or yellow. If the parking brake is off, this light indicates the system needs to be serviced. Common causes of the electronic park brake indicator light on a GMC vehicle:
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 Fog Lamp This light means that the fog lights are turned on. Some vehicles are also equipped with rear fog lights, and an illuminated symbol that is red or amber and pointing to the right will usually indicate the rear fog lights are on. |
 Forward Alert The forward alert indicator warns the driver to let them know a vehicle ahead is approaching too fast or is too close within an acceptable following distance. This warning, both visible and audible, is to help prevent collisions. |
 Glow Plug The glow plug indicator lamp is only equipped on diesel vehicles. A glow plug is meant to warm up an engine block in lower temperatures to ensure proper detonation of diesel fuel since they are internal combustion engines acting without a spark for the detonation of the fuel mixture. In especially cold climates, block heaters are combined with glow plugs to keep a diesel engine from damage and aid in an easier startup. |
 High Beam The high beam indicator turns on when the high beam headlights are activated. Pull the turn signal stalk back to switch between high and low beams. |
 Hill Descent and Terrain Mode The hill descent and terrain mode indicators mean that a set of electronic systems has been activated that modifies the vehicle’s driving experience. It is an automatic system that changes the functionality of different systems based on the terrain encountered, such as steep hills and snowy, slippery surfaces. It includes towing, sport, and even Baja and rock crawl modes. Systems that may be affected by these modes on a GMC vehicle:
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 Lane Keeping The lane-keeping indicator appears when the vehicle is drifting outside of the clearly visible driving lane; it is in. It will gently correct the vehicle back into the center of the lane on equipped models. If the driver engages the steering wheel, the correction will be overridden, and the driverhas full control of the vehicle. Lane indicators (solid and dotted lines) must be clearly visible for this system to engage. |
 Low Washer Fluid This light means that thefluid in the windshield washer reservoir is low. Refer to the owner’s manual for the location of the reservoir. Alternatively, you can look under the hood for a blue cap with the same symbol. Check its level and fill it appropriately. |
 Oil Warning Light This light means the oil pressure is outside of acceptable limits. Immediately check the pressure gauge on the dash to see the oil pressure level. Pull the vehicle over and turn the engine off when it is safe to do so. Check the oil level to see if it is low. If the oil level is acceptable and the pressure is still low, this indicates a greater mechanical failure within the engine, such as a failed oil pump, worn piston rings, or blocked oil passages. Have the vehicle towed to a GMC technician to have it diagnosed and serviced Do NOTdrivethe vehicle with low oil pressure as it will cause almost immediate and serious damage to the engine. Common causes of the low oil pressure indicator on a GMC vehicle:
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 Park Brake Light Stays On If the brakelight is on, the brake system may need to be serviced. We do not recommend driving the vehicle with the brake light on. Use your best judgment to determine if the vehicle is safe to drive. If in need of repairs, have the vehicle towed to the shop; driving in this condition could be dangerous. Common causes of the brake indicator light on a GMC vehicle:
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 Park Lamps ON The park lamps indicator shows that the parking lamps are running. Parking lamps were originally intended as a dim light to beleft on while the vehicle was parked in situations where there wasn’t much street light. However, that doesn’t apply in modern situations, and no oneusesit in that way anymore. The best use of these lamps, and probably the only way they are used today, is in situations where it is not quite dark enough for the headlamps to be on and where the parking lamps would help give visibility to the vehicle without being too bright and distracting like the headlights. |
 Pedestrian Warning The pedestrian warning indicator comes on when the front-facing camera system detects a possible collision with a pedestrian ahead of the forward-moving vehicle. This visible indicator appears, and an audible chime can be heard. The vehicle automatically brakes when it detects a sudden pedestrian collision to avoid injury. The system is only active between 5-55 miles per hour, and nighttime vision is limited. |
 Seat Belt Reminder This is a reminder to fasten the front driver or passenger’s seatbelt. An audible chime can usually be heard, indicating this. |
 Security If the security indicator lamp is still on when the engine is running, there is a problem with the theft-deterrent system on the GMC vehicle. This light comes on when the ignition is off as part of the anti-theft system. This light will flash rapidly while arming if an entry point is not closed properly. This light stays solid as part of the anti-theft system when all the vehicle entry points are closed and locked. |
 Stability Control On or Flashes The stability control indicator is part of the StabiliTrak system equipped with GMC vehicles. It is an electronic stability control system that can apply brakes, control engine power, and even steer a vehicle. This indicator only comes on when the system has engaged in a hazardous situation, such as a snowy or wet road where the driver has lost traction and the vehicle begins to slide or spin out of control. It is advised to have traction control in working conditions as it helps to avoid collisions and save lives. |
 Stability Control OFF The stability control off indicator means that the StabiliTrak system on a GMC vehicle has been turned off. Turn the system back on by pressing the traction control switch on the dash. If the light does not go off when the traction control is turned on, the StabiliTrak system is not functioning properly and has been disengaged. In most cases, a message will also appear on the display information in the dash for the StabiliTrak system to be serviced. All systems that the StabiliTrak system uses must be functioning properly for it to work. Common causes of the stability control (StabiliTrak) failing on a GMC vehicle:
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 Tow Mode and Control The tow mode and control indicator changes the shift points in the transmission of a GMC vehicle. It helps to protect the transmission by putting it in lower gears that can handle more torque and give the driver the ability to haul heavier loads. When the vehicle is using these lower gears, it also increases engine RPM closer to peak power. This improves engine performance allowing the vehicle to haul big loads easier. It also helps save the brakes when descending hills by shifting the transmission back down at lower points utilizingthe transmission as a brake. |
 Traction Control Refer to the stability control indicator above. This system works in exactly the same way but may not include steering correction like the StabiliTrak system. |
 UpShift Light The upshift light indicator comes on at a higher RPM band, indicating that the vehicle needs to be shifted into the next gear. If this light stops working without any other error messages, it is likely a case of simply replacing the bulb in the shifter console. |
FAQs
What do the warning lights on my dashboard mean? ›
Green or blue lights simply let you know that a system is on or operating. Orange/yellow warning lights generally signify that your vehicle needs to be serviced or repaired soon. These warnings are less urgent than if you have a red and/or flashing light. A red light means that you should take action immediately!
What are the 3 main warning lights warning gauges in your car? ›- Oil Pressure Warning Light.
- Temperature Warning Light.
- Battery Low Warning Light.
The check engine light is usually the most serious and feared warning because of the kind of damage it can signal. This warning often indicates the potential for serious engine damage. When ignored, your vehicle could suffer from a blown head gasket or a seized engine.
What are 5 lights that might light up on your dashboard to tell you something needs attention or repair in your car? ›- Engine Temperature Warning Light. ...
- Oil Pressure Warning Light. ...
- Battery Charging Warning Light. ...
- Brake Warning Light. ...
- Check Engine Light.
Some cars may warn of a transmission fault by flashing the overdrive light or displaying a string of text in the driver's information center. Others will display a symbol depicting a gear with an exclamation mark or a thermometer (for transmission over temperature) inside.
What is yellow exclamation on dashboard? ›It's an alert that one of your tires has dropped below 75% of its recommended pressure. It's an easy fix: You need to inflate the tire. You may see a yellow exclamation mark on a dashboard instead, which also indicates an issue with your tires. Some cars have an orange exclamation mark, while others have a yellow one.
What is a yellow triangle with an exclamation mark in it in a car? ›This indicator lets you know that there's a Critical Warning Message that you need to read as soon as possible, but it doesn't actually indicate a specific problem. Really, the triangle with an exclamation point is a catch-all warning light, designed to alert you to issues that your other lights won't catch!
What is the orange warning light on dashboard? ›Orange or yellow dashboard lights remind you that something needs to be serviced soon, like an oil change, or that something is wrong with your emissions system. While not an emergency, you should have a repair person look at the problem as soon as possible.
What dash light looks like a fish? ›The tire pressure light looks like a fish bowl with an exclamation point in the center. This light commonly comes on during the winter months when the temperature drops and the air pressure decreases.
Can I drive my car with all the warning lights on? ›If all of your lights have come on then that may be an indicator of some sort of serious malfunction with the vehicle. The fact that it appears to be running fine is a good sign. However, I would refrain from driving it until you can figure out what the issue is.
Can I drive with a warning light on? ›
If these lights come on, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can. Some cars may have a red check engine light to alert you to stop right away, while a yellow light stands for investigation. Take it easy!
What is the most important car warning light? ›Perhaps the most famous and recognizable dashboard warning light is the check engine light. As the name suggests, your check engine means a sensor detects an issue with your engine. The most common (and easy to fix) cause of a check engine light is a loose gas cap.
How do I reset my dashboard warning lights? ›The first thing you can try, to turn off the car, then restart the engine. The second step is to disconnect your battery, wait for a few minutes then reconnect the battery. Another option is to continue to drive your car, and hope the light will reset itself.
How do I clear my dash warning lights? ›The first thing you can try, to turn off the car, then restart the engine. The second step is to disconnect your battery, wait for a few minutes then reconnect the battery. Another option is to continue to drive your car, and hope the light will reset itself.
Can you drive car with warning light on? ›If these lights come on, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can. Some cars may have a red check engine light to alert you to stop right away, while a yellow light stands for investigation. Take it easy!