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Chevy Silverado 1500 Dashboard Light Guide

Dashboard lights serve as communication with your car, warning you of needed maintenance or that something’s gone wrong and needs to be checked. With so many lights for Manhattan, Junction City, and Wamego drivers to pay attention to, it can tough to keep up to date on all your vehicle’s diagnostics.

To help you, our team at Murdock Manhattan Chevrolet Cadillac has put together this convenient Chevy Silverado 1500 dashboard lights guide.
2020 Chevy Silverado 1500

Engine Warnings

If you see a picture of a car engine on your dashboard, what you’re seeing is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, also known as the “Check Engine” light. This can mean a variety of things, from the need for regular service to a major issue that requires immediate attention. One of our mechanics can diagnose the problem and repair it.

Also, if you see what looks like a thermometer—a line with dashes at the top and a round bottom—this indicates your engine is overheating. If possible, bring in your car for service right away or stop driving and call for roadside assistance.
Check Engine Light

    Tire Warnings

    A U-shaped symbol with an exclamation point in the middle resembling the cross-section of a tire is your Tire Pressure Light. Driving on underinflated tires adds undue wear to your tire, and it could even lead to a blowout.

    One light related to the tires is your Traction Control System Light. It looks like a car with two squiggly lines stretching out behind it. This light should come on at startup and then turn off. If the light fails to come on or comes on and stays on without flashing, you’ll need to take your car to the dealer, so they can address a malfunction in the Electronic Stability Control system.
    Tire Pressure Warning Light

      Other Important Lights

      A circle with the letters ABS in the middle is a warning sign for your Antilock Brake System. It might mean the brake pads are worn or that your vehicle’s low on brake fluid. It could also mean something more serious. A qualified service technician can diagnose the issue for you.

      A picture of a car battery with the symbols + (plus) and – (minus) on either end is a warning light for your charging system. You might have a drain on your car battery. This also needs to be checked soon, as it may lead to the car being unable to run.

      A picture of an oil can with a drop coming out of the top is an indicator that your engine oil may be at a low level. This is serious, as running your car with low engine oil levels can do serious damage to the engine parts.
        ABS Light
          Car Battery Warning Light
            Oil Change Dashboard Light
              Other important lights include:

              ● “Person with seatbelt” reminds you to put your seatbelt on.
              ● “Headlamp” comes on with headlights and a different color indicates high beams.
              ● “Arrow pointing at a speedometer” is the sign for cruise control.

                Drive Mode Indicators

                One of the most impressive things about the Chevy Silverado 1500 is its variety of available drive modes. You’ll have several modes to choose from and each offers its own light on your dashboard to let you know it’s operating properly.

                You’ll have multiple modes designed to provide you with extra traction with the Snow/Ice Mode that looks like three snowflakes. You’ll also have an Off-Road Mode that looks like two mountains with a road going toward them. Finally, there’s a Terrain Mode that looks like a vehicle crawling over bumpy terrain.

                There’s also a Sport Mode that provides tighter steering, so you’ll have a more responsive ride. When this feature is engaged, a light that looks like a checkered flag will show up on your dashboard.

                If you need to tow a trailer, you can also set the Tow/Haul Mode. The Tow/Haul Mode light looks like a small travel trailer.
                2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 Dashboard

                  Active Safety Indicator Lights

                  There are tons of active safety features aboard this vehicle as well and a whole set of dashboard lights to warn you when you’re getting close to a collision. One common light you might see is the Lane Keep Assist light that looks like a car between two lane markers. This light will appear amber when it’s applying corrective steering to get you back into your intended lane.

                  Another common light is the Vehicle Ahead Indicator. This light appears green when the sensors detect a car ahead of you—it looks like a front-facing car. The light will turn amber if your vehicle detects you’re following a car up ahead too closely to alert you to start braking.

                  Your collision sensors are also able to detect pedestrians (if properly equipped). If you have this feature, you’ll have a Pedestrian Ahead Indicator light. This light looks like the silhouette of a person and will light up amber to alert you to start braking for a pedestrian.
                  Dashboard Lights
                    Schedule Service

                    Towing Indicator Lights

                    If you’re towing cargo, there are some important lights you’ll want to pay attention to. They’ll ensure you’re towing as safely as possible. One light you might see is the Trailer Sway Control Light. If your vehicle detects your trailer is swaying, it will display a light that looks like a truck towing a trailer with squiggly lines on the side.

                    It’s also a good idea to make use of the Hill Descent Control feature while towing. When this feature is engaged, a light that looks like a vehicle moving downhill with a speedometer above it will display. This is to let you know your Hill Descent Control feature is working properly.

                      Where to Go When the Lights Come On

                      This Chevy Silverado 1500 dashboard lights guide should give you good insight into what your vehicle’s trying to tell you. If you see Chevy Silverado warning lights, bring your vehicle in to an experienced service provider, so they can tell you what the light means and what’s needed to repair your truck.

                      Drivers in the Manhattan, Junction City, or Wamego areas can count on the service department at Murdock Manhattan Chevrolet Cadillac to provide excellent diagnostic and repair service. Simply contact us online and we’ll take it from there.

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