The function of the car dashboard
The vehicle dashboard (also known as the instrument panel) is the central device located directly in front of the driver in the vehicle's cockpit. It integrates various gauges, indicator lights, and control display interfaces, serving as the "central nervous system" for the driver to obtain information about the vehicle's operation status and for human-vehicle interaction. Its main functions can be summarized as follows:
Real-time display of key operating data: The dashboard continuously shows the core operating parameters of the vehicle to the driver through analog or digital gauges, including vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel consumption, engine coolant temperature, and outside temperature, allowing the driver to keep track of the vehicle's condition at any time.
Multi-dimensional trip and fuel consumption information: Through the TRIP (mileage counter) function on the dashboard, the driver can manually reset and record the mileage, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, and range for a specific trip. This helps in accurately calculating actual fuel consumption, planning long-distance routes, or calculating commuting costs.
Color-coded warning system for risk alerts: The indicator lights on the dashboard use the internationally recognized four-color grading system to provide intuitive warnings for abnormal vehicle conditions:
Red: Represents the highest priority emergency, such as brake system failure, low oil pressure, or abnormal airbag, requiring immediate parking for inspection.
Yellow/amber: Indicate system abnormalities or function deactivation, such as ABS anti-lock system failure, engine emission abnormality, or tire pressure monitoring failure, suggesting immediate repair.
Blue/green: Mostly status indications, such as high beam on, cruise control activated, or water temperature not at normal level, usually requiring no action, and the indicator will automatically turn off after adjustment.
Integrated vehicle control systems and auxiliary functions: Modern dashboards also integrate display and control buttons for intelligent auxiliary functions such as drive anti-skid control (ASR), vehicle stability system, etc., allowing the driver to manually turn on or off these functions and confirm their working status on the dashboard.
As a physical interface for human-machine interaction: The dashboard not only contains information display but also integrates steering column, air conditioning control panel, and some function buttons, serving as the main control area for the driver to operate the vehicle other than driving and braking. Its layout follows ergonomic principles to ensure that key information is within the driver's natural field of vision.
Common dashboard failure symptoms typically include illuminated indicator lights, abnormal displays, or partial function failures. These are warnings of an abnormality in a vehicle's system. According to the latest publicly available information, the following are common failure types and their handling suggestions:
Common dashboard failure indicator lights and meanings
Red indicator light: Represents a serious fault, requiring immediate parking for inspection. Continuing to drive may endanger safety or cause significant damage.
Engine fault light (MIL): If it is flashing red, it indicates a severe lack of ignition in the engine, possibly damaging the catalytic converter, and should be turned off immediately and contact rescue services; if it is constantly red, it is usually related to emission system, ignition system, or sensor failure.
Brake system fault light (circle with exclamation mark): May be caused by insufficient brake fluid, brake fluid leakage, or hydraulic failure in the braking system, resulting in reduced braking performance, requiring immediate repair.
Oil pressure warning light (oil can shape): Indicates low engine oil pressure, possibly due to insufficient oil volume, oil pump failure, or sensor false alarm, and continued operation will cause severe damage to the engine.
High water temperature warning light (thermometer submerged in liquid): Abnormally high engine temperature, requiring immediate parking to cool down to avoid cylinder damage or thermal deformation.
Yellow/orange indicator light: Represents potential problems or system abnormalities. It is recommended to arrange for repair as soon as possible, but can proceed on a short trip to the repair point. Engine fault indicator (yellow constant on): The most common issue could be caused by problems with oxygen sensors, spark plugs, fuel system, or emission control systems (such as EGR valves). Use an OBD diagnostic tool to read the fault codes (e.g., P0420) to accurately locate the problem.
ABS fault indicator (with the letter "ABS"): The anti-lock braking system fails. Normal braking is still available, but emergency braking is prone to locking. Check the wheel speed sensors or control module.
Tire pressure monitoring warning indicator (with an exclamation mark): At least one tire has either too high or too low pressure. Stop immediately to check and adjust to the standard value.
Safety airbag fault indicator (with a human figure sitting in a circle): Indicates a fault in the airbag system, which may not deploy properly during a collision. Professional diagnosis is required.
Blue/Green indicator: Only indicates a normal working state of the system. No action is needed.
High beam indicator (blue beam)
ECO energy-saving mode indicator (green leaf icon)
Automatic start-stop indicator
Possible causes of faults
The root cause of the dashboard fault display may come from multiple aspects:
Sensor failure: Such as aging or damage to oxygen sensors, wheel speed sensors, oil pressure sensors, etc., which may send incorrect signals and trigger the warning light.
Circuit or wiring problems: Aging wiring, poor contact, short circuits, or loose plugs may cause the dashboard backlight to fail to light up, the display to flicker, or false alarms.
Battery or charging system abnormalities: Insufficient battery power or the generator not working can cause unstable power supply to the dashboard, resulting in black screen, garbled display, or all indicator lights coming on.
Dashboard assembly failure: Damage to the internal circuit board, display, or control module of the dashboard requires replacement of the assembly.
Software or ECU failure: Some vehicles may have control program settings that cause the dashboard to misreport or go black. Manufacturers may issue OTA upgrades or recalls.
Handling steps
Observe the color of the indicator light: Red light - Stop immediately; Yellow light - Seek medical attention promptly.
Preliminary inspection: Check the oil level, coolant level, brake fluid level, and tire pressure to ensure they are normal.
Avoid disassembling the instrument panel: The instrument system involves safety and electronic control, and non-professional operation may cause more severe faults.
Use an OBD diagnostic tool: Read the fault codes (DTC) through the vehicle's diagnostic interface, which is a key step for accurately locating the problem.
Contact professional repair service: Go to a 4S store or a regular repair shop, and use the original equipment diagnostic equipment for system testing.
Important reminder: On January 2026, several automakers (such as Dongfeng Honda, Guangzhou Honda, Porsche) issued recall notices due to incorrect illumination of the dashboard fault indicator and abnormal safety airbag warning indicator. If your vehicle is within the recall range, please contact the manufacturer for handling promptly.
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