Nissan Dashboard Warning Lights

If you've noticed a flashing light on your vehicle's dashboard, you might wonder what the Nissan warning lights mean. Your vehicle's owner's manual contains a comprehensive list of Nissan dashboard warning lights along with their explanations. However, in case you don't have immediate access to your Nissan manual, we've prepared a concise overview of the Nissan dashboard indicators. This overview will help you understand the Nissan dashboard alert lights and their meaning.

It's worth noting that not all dashboard lights indicate a malfunction. Certain indicator lights, such as those for high-beam headlights or turn signals, illuminate to signify the corresponding systems are working properly. If your vehicle needs a check engine light diagnosis or tire pressure warning light reset, please contact the Petro Nissan service department.

Determining What The Nissan Dash Lights Mean

If you see one or more of these Nissan indicator lights trying to get your attention, don't ignore them. Here's what your car is trying to tell you when any of the following Nissan dashboard warning lights appear. Once you know what your car's warning light means, you can schedule your next service at our service center.

check engine icon

Check Engine

If this crucial light begins to flash, you need to schedule a service appointment immediately. Once you're in one of our service bays, a team member will help you look at the Diagnostic Trouble Code and determine what's ailing your engine. From there, they'll explain everything behind your Check Engine notification, provide you with a detailed timeline, and outline the repair costs. This can be a serious notification and should be addressed once you see it turn on.

wrench icon

Service Soon

This is one of the Nissan dashboard warning lights that can signify a couple of different internal issues. See your dealer as soon as possible when these important Nissan lights draw your attention to avoid future issues just around the bend with your headlights, brake lights, and more.

ABS icon

Anti-Lock Brakes

If the anti-lock brakes sign lingers for over six seconds, there's a problem with your Nissan anti-lock brake system. Visit a service department near you, and this issue should be able to be fixed quickly by a knowledgeable member of our team.

car security icon

Security

This protective feature will light up if the ignition is locked. Unlocking the system will unlock the security feature.

sport gear icon

Overdrive/Sport

If you put your Nissan model to the test and throw it into performance mode for sport-styled driving, expect this signal to pop on.

exhaust filter

Exhaust Particulate Filter (For Diesel)

This light indicates that you need to change your exhaust filter. Bring your vehicle in as soon as possible to a nearby service center and replace your exhaust filter.

glow plug icon

Glow Plug (For Diesel)

Do not start your vehicle if your glow plugs are illuminating and/or feel hot to the touch. Waiting will help you here, as well as getting in touch with your local service department.

door ajar

Door Ajar

Simply close one or more open doors to take care of this notification. It's one of the Nissan dashboard warning lights that's easy to turn off.

triangle icon with exclamation point in center

ESP Fault

If this blinking triangular shape lights up as one of your Nissan dashboard warning lights, there's an issue with your vehicle's traction or stability. Take your vehicle in and make sure the technicians take stock of the electronic stability system inside your vehicle.

reduced power warning

Reduced Power Warning

Have a service technician at your local dealership inspect your vehicle's onboard diagnostics (OBD). This has to do with your car's ability to conserve energy out on the road.

battery icon

Battery

If there's an issue with your battery, it affects the entire car. You may need a jump-start or have to replace your battery if its voltage isn't up to the appropriate level.

coolant icon

Coolant Temperature

This thermometer-looking icon will light up when there is an issue with coolant in the car. If you encounter this while looking at your Nissan dashboard warning lights, replace the coolant yourself or visit a service center nearby. They'll not only be able to replace the coolant fluid but also repair any leaks if necessary.

brake fluid warning light

Parking Brake and Brake Fluid Warning Light

If the light stays illuminated, you're likely low on brake fluid. Drive your Nissan Rogue or other Nissan model over to your local auto repair shop or car-related store, and you'll be able to take care of this one without too much worry.

cruise control

Cruise Control

If this particular icon on the Nissan dashboard warning lights pops up, you have activated cruise control.

traction control icon

Traction Control/ESP

If the vehicle is going over wet terrain or slippery road conditions, you'll see this alert pop up to let you know that traction control has been enabled.

wiper fluid

Wiper Fluid

Replenish your wiper fluid if you see this warning light. Regarding fixes, it doesn't get much easier than this one.

exhaust fluid

Exhaust Fluid (For Diesel)

One of our certified Nissan service technicians will be able to help you with this one as soon as you show us what's wrong. They'll be able to properly refill your exhaust fluid to the appropriate level and get you back out on the road.

airbag warning

Airbag Warning

The airbag warning light may indicate a faulty airbag system. Take your car in shortly and have a certified technician diagnose exactly what's ailing your airbag system.

*Disclaimer: Some of the dashboard lights displayed may not apply to all Nissan models.

Still Wondering About Nissan Dashboard Warning Lights?

If you can't decipher the Nissan dashboard warning lights and need assistance, we're just a phone call or a quick visit away. We've all been out on the road and felt that momentary panic when our car tells us something is wrong. It may last until you can fix what the car is trying to tell you needs attention, but our team will do their best to quell your fears and get you back out on the road with confidence.

What Does The Nissan Check Engine Light Indicate?

The Nissan check engine light indicates various issues, ranging from minor concerns like a loose fuel cap to more critical problems, such as significant engine failures. Common triggers for this light include a faulty or loose gas cap that hampers proper fuel vapor containment, worn or malfunctioning spark plugs, a problematic catalytic converter, or a dirty mass airflow sensor. While driving with the check engine light on is possible, it's not recommended. Ignoring a faulty catalytic converter could lead to costly repairs, so it's advised to promptly seek assistance from an authorized Nissan parts department and service team.

Resetting Nissan Warning Lights

The best way to reset Nissan dashboard warning lights is to schedule a service appointment with our authorized Nissan service department for thorough diagnosis and repair. If you need to reset a tire pressure warning light, adding air to the underinflated tire(s) typically resolves the issue. Alternatively, if this proves ineffective, you can disconnect the negative battery terminal, wait 30 seconds, press the horn to discharge any residual electricity and reconnect the battery cable. If the warning light persists, bring your vehicle to our Nissan service department for proper repair.

When You Should Pull Over And Stop Driving

Nissan dashboard symbols and meanings vary in severity. Service for some dashboard indicators can be postponed, while other warning lights require immediately pulling over and stopping your vehicle; even then, the warning lights vary. If a door or trunk is not securely closed, you should stop the car and close the open door. It's a quick and easy fix. If a high-temperature warning light has come on, you should stop the vehicle to prevent engine damage due to overheating, then wait for the vehicle to cool down.

Similarly, an oil pressure warning light indicates unsafe oil pressure levels, and the engine should be immediately turned off. Another warning light that warrants an immediate stop for safety reasons is a brake warning light. You need to pull over and stop driving, whether due to a burnt-out brake light bulb, low brake fluid, or a complete loss of braking power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the master warning light on a Nissan?

The master warning light on a Nissan is a comprehensive warning indicator that typically appears on the vehicle's dashboard. It's designed to alert the driver to various potential issues or conditions that require attention. When this light is illuminated, it suggests that there might be a combination of problems or warnings that need to be addressed. The specific meaning of the master warning light can vary depending on the model.

How do you reset the airbag warning light on a Nissan?

If your Nissan vehicle requires an airbag warning light reset, you need to have your vehicle safely brought to our Nissan service department. If the airbag has been deployed and the vehicle is not safe to drive, a tow truck may be required to transport your vehicle to our service department. You should never attempt to reset a safety warning light on your own.

What are the warning lights on the Nissan Altima?

The warning lights on a Nissan Altima can vary depending on the model year and specific features of the vehicle, but a general overview of some common warning lights that you might find on a Nissan Altima's dashboard includes the following:

  • Check engine light
  • Oil pressure warning light
  • Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light
  • Brake system warning light
  • Battery warning light
  • Airbag warning light

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