Every light here is labeled in plain text, because a symbol without a name helps nobody standing in a parking lot. A light points at a system — it does not name the failed part.
This tool provides general educational guidance and does not replace an in-person inspection or professional diagnosis. Vehicle conditions can change quickly. If the vehicle feels unsafe, is overheating, has low oil pressure, has reduced braking ability, is leaking fuel, or is producing smoke, stop driving when safely possible.
Showing 13 of 13 lights.
Check Engine Light
The engine or emissions control system has stored a fault code. It covers hundreds of possible conditions, from a loose fuel cap to a failing sensor to a lean-running engine.
Can you still drive it?
Often yes for short distances if the vehicle drives normally — but the fault should be tested rather than assumed.
Can we inspect or diagnose it?
Diagnostics is not a service we offer. Tell us what the light is doing and we will point you to a shop that can test it.
More urgent when
The light begins to flash
The engine loses power, stumbles or idles rough
Fuel economy drops noticeably
The temperature gauge is also climbing
Possible causes
Evaporative-emissions leak
Oxygen or air-fuel sensor
Ignition misfire
Vacuum leak
Mass airflow or intake sensor
What you can check
Fuel cap tight and sealing
Any change in how the vehicle drives
Whether other lights came on at the same time
What not to do
Do not buy parts based on a free code read
Do not clear the code before it is diagnosed — that erases the evidence
Recommended next step: Note when the light came on and how the vehicle is driving, then talk to a qualified shop for testing.
The engine may not be receiving adequate oil pressure. This is a lubrication warning, not a reminder that an oil change is due.
Can you still drive it?
No. Shut the engine off as soon as you can stop safely.
Can we inspect or diagnose it?
Not something we perform. Our mobile work is limited to pre-purchase inspections, oil service and fleet service — stop the engine and have the level and pressure checked by a qualified shop right away.
More urgent when
The light is on steadily rather than flickering
There is ticking, knocking or rattling
The oil level is low or empty on the dipstick
Possible causes
Low oil level
Oil pump or pickup problem
Pressure sensor or wiring fault
Internal engine wear
What you can check
Oil level on the dipstick
Fresh oil under the vehicle
What not to do
Do not keep driving
Do not rev the engine to see if the light clears
Recommended next step: Stop the engine, check the level, and call or text before restarting.
Depending on the vehicle, this indicates an engaged parking brake, a low brake-fluid level, or a hydraulic pressure imbalance.
Can you still drive it?
Only if the cause is a parking brake left engaged. Otherwise treat it as stop-driving-when-safe.
Can we inspect or diagnose it?
Brake repair is not something we perform. Our mobile work is limited to pre-purchase inspections, oil service and fleet service — have the brakes inspected by a qualified shop.
More urgent when
The pedal feels soft, low or sinking
The ABS light is on at the same time
There is visible fluid at a wheel
Possible causes
Parking brake engaged
Low brake fluid from worn pads
Hydraulic leak
Master cylinder fault
Pressure-differential switch
What you can check
Parking brake fully released
Brake fluid level in the reservoir
What not to do
Do not keep topping off fluid and driving
Do not assume it is a sensor
Recommended next step: Release the parking brake. If the light stays on, stop driving when safely possible and have the brakes inspected by a qualified shop.
The tire-pressure monitoring system is reporting low pressure on at least one tire, or a fault in the system itself.
Can you still drive it?
Usually yes at reduced speed after checking pressures, unless a tire is visibly low or damaged.
Can we inspect or diagnose it?
Not something we perform. TPMS sensor and tire work go to Redneck Roadside or a tire shop — we do not perform tire or sensor service.
More urgent when
A tire is visibly low or the vehicle pulls
The light flashes then stays on — that usually indicates a system fault
You feel a vibration or thumping
Possible causes
Cold weather dropping pressure
A slow leak or puncture
A failed TPMS sensor battery
A sensor not relearned after tire work
What you can check
Actual pressures with a gauge
The door-jamb sticker for correct pressure
Nails or damage in the tread
What not to do
Do not drive on a visibly flat tire
Do not just reset the light without checking pressures
Recommended next step: Check and correct the pressures first. If the light stays on, request a scan.
Power-steering warning
The power-steering system — hydraulic or electric — has reduced or lost assist. Steering still works, but it takes much more effort.
Can you still drive it?
Short distances at low speed. Heavy steering at parking speeds is a real hazard in tight situations.
Can we inspect or diagnose it?
Power-steering repair is not something we perform. Our mobile work is limited to pre-purchase inspections, oil service and fleet service — have it inspected by a qualified shop.
More urgent when
Assist cuts in and out while turning
There is a whine or groan when turning
The belt is squealing or the battery light is on too
Possible causes
Low fluid or a leak
Belt or pulley
Electric steering module or motor
Charging-system voltage problem
What you can check
Power-steering fluid level, if the vehicle has a reservoir
Belt condition
What not to do
Do not drive in heavy traffic with intermittent assist
Recommended next step: Request an inspection and tell us whether the assist is heavy all the time or comes and goes.
Tell us which light is on, whether it is steady or flashing, and what the vehicle is doing. That is usually enough for us to tell you whether it needs us today.
