You probably notice a triangular warning light on your dashboard now and then. This light is called the master warning light. But what is its function? What does it warn us about? How do we turn this light off?
The master warning light turns on whenever a technical or system issue arises. You can avoid most of the causes of warnings if you take proper care of your vehicle. Also, many of the issues concerning the master light can be fixed without any professional help.
The color of this light can be yellow, orange, or red, depending on the brand or trim of your vehicle.
All the queries you have right now about this warning light will be cleared by the end of this article.
What Is the Master Warning Light?
The master warning light has a triangular shape inside which there is an exclamation point. Although the design of the light can vary greatly by brand, the triangular part is more or less omnipresent.
The master warning light lights up whenever there is a problem within the car’s system. It can also have some sort of audible alarm sound associated with it. These problems that the light refers to can range from basic ones to absolutely atrocious issues requiring emergency attention.
Fortunately, along with the master light, one or two other dashboard indicator lights may turn on. Those indicators can help you pinpoint what exactly the issue is with your vehicle.
In many vehicles, the master light provides a detailed system message afterward. The message states the issue in detail. Master warning light Toyota is a fine example of that.
The master light also comes on when you perform an action incorrectly. In such cases, the message afterward will mention what action was carried out incorrectly and how to execute them properly.
Some Reasons Behind the Turning on of Master Warning Light
Many reasons can work behind the turning on of the master warning light. It can be a system malfunction, human error, or simply a wrong execution of a process.
Here I’ll mention some of the most important reasons that can light up the master warning light and also how to turn off the master warning light of your vehicle. Let’s take a look.
Ajar Door
Let us start with a simple one. The master light of your car can simply light up if a door is not properly shut. If the issue is an ajar door, the door indicator light will also come online alongside the master light.
Low Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure might not be a life-threatening issue, but it can cause severe damage to your tire. It can also significantly increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by increasing road friction.
When your tire pressure goes down below a safety threshold, the master light will turn on. Replenishing the tire with recommended air pressure will turn the warning light off.
Exterior Lights Malfunction or Misuse
If there is any problem with your vehicle’s exterior lights, the master warning light will turn on. Exterior lights are indispensable while driving, especially at night. Fixing the problematic light should turn the warning light off.
Another reason the warning light can come online is if you misuse them. For instance, the warning light will turn on if you keep the headlights on when you’re not driving.
Keeping exterior lights on without any reason will drain your battery, and a drained battery can put you in dire predicaments.
Low Fluid Level
Your vehicle contains different sorts of fluids like fuel, washer fluid, coolant, etc. Whenever these fluid levels go below a certain preset threshold, the warning light will turn on.
The light indicates that you should replenish the mentioned fluid. Which fluid requires a refill can be determined by the detailed message or the additional indicator lights.
Drained Battery
A drained battery can put you in an unexpectedly perilous situation. To avoid such a predicament, your car’s master warning light turns on whenever your battery voltage is dangerously low.
System Malfunction
Vehicles often contain various systems and sensors for particular tasks. These system technologies are often distinctive and depend on the brand and model of the car.
If a certain system, sensor, or radar malfunctions and stops working, the master warning light will immediately notify you.
Loose or Missing Fuel Cap
Suppose you have just filled your car up at the gas station, and as you enter the vehicle, you see the master warning light is on. Don’t worry because it’s most likely caused by a loose fuel cap.
A loose or missing fuel cap will turn the master light on, and the light won’t go off until you secure the cap firmly. So, make sure to tightly secure the cap whenever you fill-up the fuel tank.
Service Reminder
If your car hasn’t had proper servicing in a long time, the master light will turn on to prompt you. Scheduled servicing is essential as it forestalls various major issues.
Master Warning Lights in Some Renowned Models
Here we’ll discuss distinctions in master warning lights introduced by some renowned models. Let’s dive in.
Nissan Master Warning Light
The master warning light in Nissan cars indicates basic system issues. It also turns on due to various brake system-related problems alongside the usual ones.
Lexus Master Warning Light
The master warning light in Lexus has a usual appearance, a triangle with an exclamation mark inside. It has a buzzing sound to underscore serious situations. Its functionality is more or less the same as an ideal one.
Hyundai Master Warning Light
Alongside the basic operations, the master warning light of Hyundai cars also lights up for various reasons that are unique to Hyundai.
Malfunctions of the FCA (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist) system and radar, Smart Cruise Control system, and other basic malfunctions are some of the reasons behind the illuminating master light.
Infiniti Master Warning Light
This one has a bit of a different appearance, a red-colored triangle with an exclamation mark in the center. The Infiniti master light, alongside the usuals, indicates something wrong with the advanced systems of the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I run the car with the master light on?
It depends on the severity of the issue and the situation around you. For instance, if the warning is about washing liquid, then you might not have to worry about it right away. But if it’s about malfunction of any core system or low fuel, then you should address the issue first.
- How do I understand the severity of master light warnings?
Master warning lights typically use a few variations of lighting and sound effects to underscore the severity of a warning. Usually, when the light is flashing with an audible ring, it means something is crucially wrong and requires urgent attention.
Although many vehicles follow such a pattern, you should use the user manual to ascertain what your master warning light effects actually indicate.
Conclusion
Unlike other dashboard lights of your car, the master warning light doesn’t warn you of anything specific. Rather it works as an alarm system for any issue your vehicle’s core systems face.
Never ignore your master warning light, as it addresses very fundamental issues. Some of these issues might seem trivial at first but can cause major losses in the long run.
Leave a Reply