Warning Lights

Dashboard warning lights are how your Toyota communicates that something is wrong. These are the most common dashboard warning lights and what they mean. Drivers in Burleson can use this guide to determine whether the issue is minor or critical.

In the end, though, it’s always better to play it safe and get your car checked by a service professional at Family Toyota of Burleson. Even minor issues can turn into big repair bills if left ignored!

Coolant temperature warning

Your car is running too hot. This can be caused by low coolant levels, a leaking coolant hose, damage to the radiator, or a broken water pump. This is a serious issue and should be resolved quickly, as driving an overheating 4Runner or RAV4 is unsafe.

Oil pressure warning

This could mean that engine oil levels are too low. If adding oil does not turn the light off, then the warning may be caused by a leak in the engine, broken oil pump, or damaged parts. Visit our automotive service department in Burleson as soon as possible.

Transmission temperature

The internal parts of the transmission are overheating. Hopefully, this is only an issue of low transmission fluid. It can also be caused by excessive strain when towing with your 4Runner or Highlander. However, it may also be caused by severe wear to the transmission parts.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Modern Toyota cars feature a Tire Pressure Monitoring System that warns you when the internal pressure of a tire is too far from the recommended amount. Driving on under- or overinflated tires can be unsafe and will lead to undesired handling characteristics.

Brake system

The brake system light may come on for various reasons: the brake pads are too worn, the brake fluid levels are low, the anti-locking brake system has a problem, or the parking brake is still engaged. Your braking system is important to your family’s safety, so don’t wait to address this issue.

Battery

There is an issue with the battery or with electrical related components like the wiring or alternator. If your car struggles to start, that’s a clear indicator this may be the issue. If it doesn’t struggle to start but the battery light is still on, it’s time to schedule a service appointment so we can diagnose the cause.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light is the broadest of all the dashboard warning lights, as it can be triggered by a number of problems both minor and major. When the check engine light comes on, it means that your car’s engine computer has identified that something is wrong. But because vehicle powertrains are very complex, the problem can range from something as innocuous as a faulty gas cap to something as serious as a faulty catalytic converter.

The most common components that may cause a check engine light are the following:

Oxygen sensor
Catalytic converter
Ignition coils and spark plugs
Fuel cap
Fuel injectors
Thermostat
Airflow sensor
Evaporative emissions purge control valve
Evaporative emissions purge solenoid

When the check engine light appears, the computer provides a diagnostic code that you can decipher with a code reader. To identify what the problem is exactly, the code needs to be read with the proper equipment. Bring your car to Family Toyota of Burleson, and our technicians will be able to plug into the computer and determine what is causing your check engine light to illuminate.

If a dashboard warning light appears in your Toyota when you’re driving in Texas, don’t hesitate to call Family Toyota of Burleson to get the issue fixed!