Toyota Tacoma Dashboard Light Guide

With impressive towing power and off-road capabilities, your Toyota Tacoma is a lot of fun to drive. You’ll definitely want to be prepared if you see an indicator light on your dashboard. Here at Waldorf Toyota, we created this dashboard light guide to help Tacoma owners in Waldorf, Saint Charles, and Bowie fully understand what their dashboard is trying to tell them.

Brake System Warning Light

When this light turns on it will appear as the word “BRAKE.” This warning light indicates that there is a malfunction in the brake system. If you see this light on your dashboard, immediately bring your vehicle to safety and contact a service center.

Rear Differential Lock Indicator

If the Rear Differential Lock is equipped, the indicator light may appear if a malfunction is detected in the system. This indicator appears as wheels on an axle with an X. It will flash rapidly when turned on.

Low-Speed Four-Wheel Drive Indicator

When you see “4LO” glowing on your dashboard, there may be a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

The malfunction indicator lamp signals a malfunction in the emission control system, electronic engine control system, electronic throttle control system, or electronic automatic transmission control system. This indicator light will present as an engine symbol with the word “CHECK.”

SRS Warning Light

If you see a passenger with an airbag deployed show up on your dashboard, this is the SRS warning light. The SRS warning light suggests there is a malfunction in the airbag system, front passenger occupant classification system, or seat belt pretensioner system.

ABS Warning Light

This warning light displays as “ABS” and warns you there is a malfunction in the automatic braking system or brake assist system.

Slip Indicator

The slip indicator illuminates when there is a malfunction in the Vehicle Stability Control system, Traction Control system, or Automatic Limited Slip Differential system. If the Trailer Sway Control, hill-start assist control, active traction control, and Crawl Control systems are equipped, then there may be a malfunction with them as well. The slip indicator will look like a vehicle with skid marks.

Tire Pressure Warning

The tire pressure warning monitors tire pressure and alerts you when it is low. Tire pressure can be low from natural causes such as time or temperature changes, or it may indicate a flat tire or slow leak.

If you see a glowing “(!)” then bring your vehicle to safety and inspect for cracks or holes in your tire. If you do not seem to have a flat tire, then adjust tire pressure to the appropriate level. If the light does not turn off shortly after pressure is adjusted, contact your nearest service center.

PCS Warning Light

This light presents as a rear end collision with the word “OFF.” If you see this on your dashboard then your Pre-Collision System may have a malfunction or may be temporarily unavailable due to extreme hot or cold conditions or dirt around the sensor. When you see this light, follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display.

LDA Indicator

If you see an icon of a car leaving the road illuminated in yellow, this is the LDA indicator. It presents when there is a malfunction in the Lane Departure Alert, or when it is temporarily unavailable.

Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

Your engine monitors the oil level, and when it is low, your Tacoma will display an oil can on your dashboard. It is time for an oil change when you see this warning light.

Master Warning Light

The master warning light displays a flashing caution sign along with a warning buzzer. When you hear or see this, consult your multi-information display, as it will tell you exactly what the system has detected, from low brake fluid to abnormal engine oil pressure.

Visit Our Service Center

It is important that when you see a warning light on your dashboard you consult your Toyota Tacoma owner’s manual. Most of these warning lights require immediate action. At Waldorf Toyota, our service center and experienced technicians are here to help Waldorf, Saint Charles, and Bowie drivers. If an indicator light has turned on in your vehicle, schedule a maintenance appointment with us today!