Volvo Dashboard Lights Explained in Albany, NY

Volvo Dashboard Warning Lights: What Are They Telling You?

Your Volvo vehicle's dashboard warning lights are how your car communicates with you. While some of these warning lights can indicate that something is wrong and needs your attention, others are there to simply notify you when a system or feature is engaged. Through these dashboard warning lights, your vehicle tells you what is going on with it and when something requires a service appointment with our Volvo service center to resolve. Being familiar with your car's dashboard warning lights helps to ensure that you understand what your car is trying to say during your drives around Albany and Troy so that you can take action if needed.

The Meanings of Volvo Dashboard Warning Lights

Here is a quick look at Volvo dashboard warning lights and what they mean so that you can acquaint yourself with your car's language, so to speak. While not everything is a sign that something is wrong, it's still important to have an idea of what each one means so that you don't miss anything important. You can also consult your Volvo vehicle's owner's manual should a warning light illuminate while you're on the move and you are unsure of what it is telling you.

Warning Light Displayed1Meaning
Volvo active high beams off symbol

Volvo Active High Beams Off

The Volvo Active High Beam system uses camera sensors in your vehicle's windshield to detect the presence of headlights from approaching cars or the taillights of traffic ahead. If either is detected, your vehicle's headlights will automatically switch from high beams to low beams as a courtesy. This warning light tells you if the system is off.

Volvo active high beams on symbol

Volvo Active High Beams On

The Volvo Active High Beam system uses camera sensors in your vehicle's windshield to detect the presence of headlights from approaching cars or the taillights of cars ahead. If either set of lights is detected, your vehicle's headlights will automatically switch from high beams to low beams. This warning light tells you if the system is on.

Volvo auto-brake on symbol

Volvo Auto-Brake On

The automatic brake hold system can keep the car at a standstill if you need to take your foot off the brake pedal. This warning light lets you know that the Automatic Brake Hold is on. Press the brake pedal and the Brake Hold button on your vehicle's center console to turn this off.

Volvo Emission control system symbol

Volvo Emissions Control System

If the emission system control light is on, it typically means that the engine is misfiring, and there is an issue with the three-way catalytic converter. Keeping your engine tuned by following the factory maintenance schedule should prevent this light from coming on. If the light does come on, do not continue to operate your vehicle.

Volvo Fault in ABS system symbol

Volvo Fault in ABS System

If an ABS module fails, the ABS or traction control light may indicate a problem with the wheel speed sensors, ABS pump motor, or ABS Control Module. While you can still drive your vehicle with the ABS light on, please do not ignore it. The ABS keeps your car from skidding when you slam on the brakes. Schedule an ABS service appointment immediately if the ABS warning light turns on.

Volvo Fault in brake system symbol.png

Volvo Fault in Brake System

This warning light turns on when any fault has occurred in the brake system. Check the instrument panel for a diagnostic message, then contact our authorized Volvo workshop for brake service and repair.

Volvo Fault in headlight system symbol

Volvo Fault in Headlight System

If this amber symbol has appeared on your vehicle's dashboard, this could indicate a headlamp bulb has burned out or an electrical fault in the headlight system.

Volvo Front fog lights on symbol

Volvo Front Fog Lights On

Many lights on your vehicle's dashboard tell you a system is on and working correctly. This light tells you that the fog lights are on.

Volvo High beams on symbol

Volvo High Beams On

Many lights on your vehicle's dashboard tell you a system is on and working correctly. This light tells you that the high beam headlights are on.

Volvo Information symbol

Volvo Information

This warning light often appears in combination with other Volvo warning lights to inform you that a problem has occurred with one of the vehicle's systems. Check the instrument panel for an information message.

Volvo Lane Keeping Aid and rain sensor symbol

Volvo Lane Keeping Aid and Rain Sensor

This white symbol lets you know that the Lane Keeping Aid is active and the system detects lane marker lines on the road. The rain sensor warning lights tell you that the sensor is active and will adjust the speed of windshield wiper blades as needed.

Volvo Lane keeping aid symbol

Volvo Lane Keeping Aid

If the light is gray, the Lane Keeping Aid system is active, but no lane marker lines are detected.

Volvo Left turn signal symbol

Volvo Left Turn Signal

This light will flash with an audible click when you indicate a left turn. If the light/sound flashes/clicks more rapidly than usual, a turn signal bulb is burned out and needs to be replaced.

Volvo Parking lights symbol

Volvo Parking Lights

The parking lights are on and working correctly.

Volvo preconditioning on symbol

Volvo Preconditioning On

These three white wavy lines tell you that the heater or air conditioning will precondition the passenger compartment to your desired temperature.

Volvo Rain Sensor on symbol

Volvo Rain Sensor On

The rain sensor warning lights tell you that the sensor is active and will adjust the speed of windshield wiper blades as needed.

Volvo Rear fog light on symbol

Volvo Rear Fog Light On

This amber warning light means the vehicle's rear fog lights are on and working correctly.

Volvo Right turn signal symbol

Volvo Right Turn Signal

This light will flash with an audible click when you indicate a right turn. If the light/sound flashes/clicks more rapidly than usual, a turn signal bulb is burned out and needs to be replaced.

Volvo Stability system symbol

Volvo Stability System

When this amber light is flashing, the system is working properly. If the light is steady on, there is a fault in the system and needs Volvo auto repair.

Volvo Stability system, Sport mode symbol

Volvo Stability System, Sport Mode

This light tells you that the stability system is off and Sport mode is on.

Volvo Tire pressure system symbol

Volvo Tire Pressure System

One or more vehicle tires have dropped below the recommended psi level. Adding air to the low tire(s) should reset the tire pressure warning light. If adding air to the tires does not reset the TPMS, check the spare tire if the vehicle is equipped. Otherwise, you can bring your vehicle to our service center for a tire pressure light reset.

Volvo Dashboard Warning Light FAQs

What does the check engine light on my Volvo mean?

The check engine light can come on for a variety of reasons. Some are simple and easy to resolve yourself, such as a loose gas cap. Some are more serious and require immediate attention. If your check engine light illuminates, please don't wait to bring your car to our Volvo service center near Clifton Park, NY. We can run diagnostics and get to the bottom of the issue, which could be anything from bad spark plugs to a failing catalytic converter. We'll go over our findings with you and help you take the next steps toward repairs here at our Volvo service center near Schenectady.

How do I reset a Volvo dashboard warning light?

If a dashboard warning light remains illuminated even after addressing an issue, we can take a look here at our service center. We can run troubleshooting and determine if it's an electrical issue or a deeper problem that needs attention. Either way, we can make repairs so that you can get back on the road with confidence. You can also try disconnecting the negative terminal from your vehicle's battery and let it sit for a few moments before reconnecting it. If that doesn't fix it, our team will get to the bottom of it.

Should I pull over if a dashboard warning light comes on?

Some warning lights demand immediate attention. Some of these include the brake warning light, oil pressure warning light, and high-temperature warning light, as these can indicate major problems with your vehicle that could cause damage to your car or create a safety hazard. We recommend pulling over if any of these lights come on in order to prevent damage to your car and avoid potential safety issues.

Schedule Volvo Service Today

Our Volvo service center in Albany is available to answer warning light questions and perform repairs, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you want to know more. We are committed to ensuring that our customers have the knowledge and resources they need to enjoy a safer, smoother driving experience on the roads of Saratoga Springs and Amsterdam, and we look forward to serving you.

If your car needs attention, you can schedule service online or give us a call at our service center. Our Albany area Volvo service center is equipped to address all warning lights, and we are ready to help you get your car back up and running at full power.

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  1. McGovern Volvo Cars Albany

    350 New Karner Rd
    Albany, NY 12205

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