Nissan Altima Dashboard Symbol Guide

As with in any car, Nissan Altima dashboard symbols are there to communicate the vehicle's inner workings to the driver in a simple manner. For most of us, we'll see these lights pop on at least every now and then, but it's not to worry-knowing exactly what the symbols are trying to tell you will ensure that you're prepared the next time one of your Nissan Altima dashboard symbols pops up.

While most dashboard lights indicate fairly easy fixes, that's unfortunately not always the case. If you need Nissan service or Nissan repair, we're here for you. If you're in the St. Charles, St. Louis, O'Fallon, and St. Peters areas, come see us at St. Charles Nissan for help. In the meantime, use our Nissan Altima symbol guide as a refresher course!

Does your Nissan Altima need service? Schedule an appointment today!

Warning Lights

As the name suggests, warning lights are intended to warn you about something in your vehicle, and are usually colored red or amber and may flash when activated. Some, such as the seat belt warning light, may have a chime as well. Learning what the symbols look like can help you feel more relaxed if warning lights do happen to activate.

Some of the most common Nissan Altima warning lights are:

Check engine light: The most common of the warning lights, this is a signal that your engine is malfunctioning. You may hear evidence before you see it: Your engine may knock, squeak, or make other odd noises. Bring your Nissan Altima into our dealership right away for help with diagnostics and repair.

Brake warning light: This light, which usually appears either as the letters BRAKE or ABS, indicates problems with your main braking system. You may need Nissan service regarding brake pads, brake repair or replacement, or brake bleeding. Do not drive with this warning light on.

Power steering warning light: Pictured as an uppercase PS inside a box, this light indicates that your power steering has malfunctioned. It is generally not safe to drive with this warning light on, as it could cause your Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to malfunction as well. Bring your car into a technician right away so as not to lose traction of your vehicle.

Seat belt warning light: One or more of your passengers is not wearing a seatbelt. If you see this warning and/or hear a chime, pull over until everyone is buckled up.

Charge warning light: This light resembles a small battery box. If it lights up, pull over and turn off nonessential electronics. Your car battery might be low or having trouble charging, or it may simply be time for a new car battery. Check your maintenance schedule to be sure, and call for roadside assistance if necessary.

Indicator Lights

Perceived as a bit friendlier than warning lights, but no less important, we come to indicator lights. These will usually be green or blue depending on the vehicle and manufacturer. They may indicate a problem, or they may merely indicate that a system is at work in your vehicle. If it is a problem, these issues are fairly easy to fix in most cases.

The most common indicator lights include:

Air bag indicator light: This indicator light lets you know that your air bags are enabled. You should see this light come on when you have a passenger in the cabin, letting you know that his or her air bag will work in the case of an accident. If not illuminated properly, seek assistance, as this may indicate a problem with your air bag system.

Security indicator light: If this light is on, your security system has been enabled and the car is secure. However, be vigilant if you see it on after leaving the car for a long period-it might mean that someone has tried to tamper with your vehicle.

VDC indicator light: If steadily illuminated, this light can indicate a malfunction with your Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, so see a technician if the problem persists. A blinking light means that the system is engaged and that conditions may be slippery.

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding Nissan service, Nissan repair, or your dashboard lights in general, please visit us at St. Charles Nissan today. Our service center is staffed with experienced technicians, and we look forward to serving all of your auto needs in the St. Charles, St. Louis, O'Fallon, and St. Peters areas!