Warning Lights Are On In My Hyundai What Do They Mean?

Hyundai vehicles come with a suite of dashboard warning lights designed to keep you and your vehicle safe. When one of your warning lights turns on, it’s important to take action to correct whatever the issue is, as leaving a dashboard light unattended can cause your vehicle to take on more damage over time.

The best steps to take are typically to check your vehicle’s handbook and then make a service appointment  as soon as you can, so a professional can fix whatever’s wrong with your car. Here are some of the most common warning lights on a Hyundai, along with what they mean. View our inventory of new vehicles or give us a call today at 817-367-4000.

Check Engine Light

On [46 of 52] by Chris Isherwood is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

The check engine light, or the malfunction indicator lamp, as it’s called on a Hyundai, appears as a yellow outline of an engine. This warning light is one of the more severe indicators, as it can signal a problem with your vehicle’s engine. Many reasons can cause the check engine light to turn on, such as a loose gas cap, faulty electrical sensors, or a malfunction in your engine. This light can also indicate a problem with your vehicle’s catalytic converter or emission control system, which are critical for safely running your vehicle.

When the check engine light comes on, it’s essential to get your vehicle serviced by a professional immediately. This is because this indicator can mean several serious issues that can further damage your vehicle if left unattended. You can likely still drive to the appointment, but be careful about taking long drives until you can get a service appointment.

Battery Warning Light

The battery warning light, or the charging system warning light, is a red outline of a battery, with a plus and minus sign on either side. When this warning light turns on during a drive, it usually means that the alternator is struggling to produce enough electricity. This means your car is running solely on battery power, which can be dangerous if left unchecked. There can be many reasons for the battery warning light turning on, such as a dying or corroded battery, a damaged alternator, or loose connectors and cables.

Since your car needs the charging system to run smoothly and power other features, such as the radio and air conditioning, you should take your vehicle in for maintenance immediately if you notice this indicator turn on. You’ll be able to run your car while it still has battery power, but try to get to a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent your battery from fully dying.

Oil Pressure Light

Another common warning light on a Hyundai is the oil pressure light, which is a yellow illustration of an oil can. This warning light can be especially important, as it indicates that your oil’s temperature and pressure may be too high or too low. Maintaining good oil lubrication in your engine is crucial, as the engine can experience severe issues and become a safety hazard if not lubricated correctly.

If you notice this warning light turn on, it’s best to check your oil levels as soon as you can. You can also inspect your vehicle for leaks or low oil pressure. Even if you suspect only a minor issue, bringing your vehicle in for professional inspection can still be a good idea, as a technician can identify the problem and often fix it themselves.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light

The TPMS is an essential part of a vehicle, as it continuously gauges the pressure of your tires to ensure it stays adequate. With low tire pressure, you may be subject to popping a tire or damaging your car’s wheels. When the TPMS light appears, you’ll see an icon showing a circle with a curvy bottom, signifying a flat tire, with an exclamation point inside.

If you notice this light, you can check your tire pressure yourself and check for damage on all your tires. If you can’t quite figure out what’s wrong, always bring your vehicle in for maintenance. A professional technician can complete an inspection and let you know what your tires need.

Brake System Warning Light

The brake system warning light is another crucial indicator to pay attention to. This signal will appear as the word “BRAKE,” typically in red. Issues that the brake system light can warn you about include faulty brakes and worn-down brake pads. Since you need functional brakes to drive safely, it’s best to take your vehicle in for maintenance as soon as you notice this indicator turn on.

ABS Light

The ABS warning light, which shows the letters “ABS” in a yellow circle, likely indicates a problem with the ABS. Since working brakes are essential for a safe drive, have your ABS system inspected to ensure you stay safe and brake effectively on the road. You’ll still be able to drive like normal when this light is on, but you should try to get it checked out immediately if you can.

Air Bag Warning Light

Paying attention to the air bag warning light can be essential to your safety and that of your passengers. This icon is a red illustration of a person wearing a seatbelt with an air bag deployed in front of them. When this warning light turns on, it typically signals that there’s something wrong with the air bag safety system. This could mean the system isn’t able to correctly gauge the weight or position of people in the front seats, which can be risky in the case of an accident.

Since it’s crucial to have working air bags, you should get your vehicle examined by a professional as soon as you notice this light. Schedule a service appointment with your dealership promptly.

Let Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth Check Your Warning Lights

This has been an overview of the warning lights you might notice on the dashboard of your Hyundai. Always take warning lights seriously and address any that illuminate as soon as possible. Since the best option is often to visit a certified Hyundai service center for a professional and accurate diagnosis, schedule a service appointment at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth if you see a warning light on.