Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
When the ABS warning light appears, it means your car may have a malfunction in the anti-lock braking system. The anti-lock brake system helps you maintain control of your vehicle on slippery roads or in the event of sudden hard braking by preventing the brakes from locking up all at once. You will still be able to drive the car normally and use your brakes, but without the security-enhancing capabilities of your anti-lock brake system.
It is normal for the ABS light on your dashboard to illuminate briefly when the car is turned on and then disappear. This simply means the system is functioning properly. However, if the light remains illuminated, it is best to have the system checked by an INFINITI dealer. In many cases, the warning light is triggered by a faulty wheel speed sensor or a malfunctioning ABS controller.
Brake Warning Light
The brake light on your dashboard functions for both the parking brake and foot brake. It will illuminate when the ignition is on, and the parking brake is engaged. This serves as a reminder to the driver rather than an indication that something is wrong with the brakes. If the light appears, try engaging and releasing the parking brake to see if the warning light disappears. If the light does not go away, there may be an issue with the functionality of your brakes, and it may be unsafe to drive.
Typically, a brake warning light appears when brake fluid levels are low, hydraulic brake pressure is low, brake parts are extremely worn down, or there is a problem with the anti-lock brake system.
The first thing you can do is check the brake fluid reservoir for sufficient fluid levels. If the level is low or the brake pedal feels squishy, you may have a leak in the master cylinder or somewhere else in your brake system. If, after adding more brake fluid, the light does not disappear, you will need to be towed to a nearby auto shop or INFINITI dealer to have your brakes inspected. Do not drive your vehicle, as the brakes may malfunction.
Battery Warning Light
If the battery warning light — also called the charge warning light — comes on while driving, it may be an indication that your car's battery is no longer charging correctly. Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so, as you may only have a few minutes before the battery is completely depleted and the engine stalls.
The cause of the problem may be the battery itself, especially if the battery is particularly old or corroded. However, the battery warning light could also appear due to loose or damaged battery cables, a faulty alternator or broken alternator belt, or any number of potential electrical issues.
If the light appears, turn the engine off and check the alternator belt. If the belt is loose, broken, missing, have your vehicle serviced immediately.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
The engine oil pressure warning light appears when the engine's motor oil is no longer properly pressurized and therefore not circulating efficiently throughout the engine.
If the engine oil pressure light flickers or appears while driving, pull over as soon as possible and immediately shut off the engine. Insufficient oil pressure is a serious issue that may cause severe engine damage or premature wear. Have your vehicle towed to a nearby INFINITI dealer or authorized repair shop.
While the oil pressure meter is not designed to measure motor oil levels, low oil levels are often a cause of low oil pressure. Use the dipstick to check the fluid level of your oil regularly, and stick to the recommended oil change intervals found in your owner's manual. Other causes for the engine oil light to appear may be a failing oil pump or other worn internal parts.
Automatic Transmission (AT) Indicator Light
If your INFINITI has a manual and automatic transmission mode, this light indicates when your shift lever is in the automatic transmission mode position. The AT light may flash and even make a buzzing sound to alert you if something is wrong.
For instance, in some INFINITI models, like the 2020 Q50, the AT light will flash and produce a buzzing noise when a driver attempts to shift to an unsafe gear in manual transmission mode. By default, a “transmission protection” mechanism will kick in and prevent manual shifting into gears that may result in unsafe RPMs.
Additionally, the AT light in your INFINITI may also blink to alert you to problems within the system, such as low or high transmission fluid pressure, worn parts, or overheating.
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
Your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that measures the pressure in all four tires. If the low tire pressure warning light appears, it means one or more tires are underinflated or that the TPMS is not functioning properly.
Check each tire's pressure and, if necessary, inflate to the recommended cold tire pressure as specified on the tire information label located on the inside of the driver's door. Note that the TPMS will not register a change in pressure until the wheel speed exceeds 16 mph.
If the low tire pressure light comes on while driving, use caution and pull over as soon as possible. Driving with underinflated tires may damage wheels and lead to poor vehicle handling. It also increases the risk of a flat tire. If, after inflating the tires and driving over 16 mph, the warning light does not disappear, it may be a sign that the TPMS itself is malfunctioning. Bring your vehicle into the nearest authorized dealer or repair shop for inspection.
Low Fuel Warning Light
The low fuel light illuminates when your vehicle is nearly out of fuel. To turn off the light, simply refuel your car. It is best to refuel before the fuel gauge reaches empty, though a small reserve of fuel is available after this point. Note that if your gas cap is loose, the check engine light and/or the Master warning light will illuminate, not the low fuel light.
Master Warning Light
The master warning light illuminates to alert the driver of potential issues listed on the vehicle information display. You may see the master warning light turn on if the information display shows any of the following warnings:
- No key warning
- Low fuel warning
- Low washer fluid warning
- Parking brake release warning
- Door open warning
- Loose fuel cap warning
- Check tire pressure warning
Power Steering Warning Light
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the power steering warning light illuminates. After starting the engine, the power steering warning light should turn off. This indicates the electric power steering is operational.
However, if the power steering warning light illuminates while the engine is running, you may lose power assist for steering. You will still have control of the vehicle, but a greater steering effort will be required to operate the steering wheel, especially in sharp turns and at low speeds. Pull off the road and stop the vehicle, as maneuvering without power steering can be dangerous.
If the warning light comes on and your model has electric power steering (EPS), it is recommended that the electrical components be checked and serviced at an authorized INFINITI retailer.
If your vehicle has hydraulic pump power steering, the warning light may indicate that the power steering fluid reservoir is low. Adding fluid to the reservoir may solve the problem, but if a leak is causing the issue, it is best to bring your car in for servicing.
Supplemental Airbag Warning Light
If the supplemental airbag warning light is still on seven seconds after starting the engine, flashes intermittently while driving, or doesn't appear at all when starting your car, your airbag deployment system may need servicing. There may be a problem with the supplemental airbags themselves or with the pretensioners.
Bring your vehicle into an authorized retailer as soon as possible as this issue may cause the front, side, or curtain airbags to fail to deploy in the event of a collision.
Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Light
The malfunction indicator light (MIL) — commonly referred to as the check engine light — may indicate a potential emission control malfunction with your vehicle. The warning light will illuminate when the ignition is set to on, but should disappear after starting the engine. If the light remains while the engine is running, it will appear in one of two ways: as a steady light or blinking.
A steady malfunction indicator light means an emission control malfunction has been detected. This is commonly triggered by a loose fuel cap. Tighten or replace the gas cap if necessary and see if the MIL disappears after a few trips. If the light persists, a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter may be the culprit.
A blinking check engine light typically indicates a more serious problem, such as an engine misfire, knocking, or lost compression. These problems can cause serious damage to engine parts while driving. Help reduce possible damage by trying the following:
- Do not drive over 45 mph
- Avoid hard acceleration or deceleration
- Avoid steep uphill grades
- Reduce the amount of cargo being towed (if applicable)
Oftentimes, you do not need to have your vehicle towed if the malfunction indicator light turns on, but it is recommended to get it serviced as soon as possible. Since the MIL is triggered by a wide variety of possible issues, most auto parts stores and service centers have an electronic reader to analyze the trouble code and pinpoint the reason for the light's appearance.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) Warning Light
The Vehicle Dynamic Control warning light will blink when the VDC system or the traction control system is operating to alert the driver that the vehicle is nearing its traction limits. This usually occurs when the road surface is slippery.
If the light remains illuminated, it may indicate that the VDC is in fail-safe mode and is not functioning properly. This may inhibit certain traction control functions such as active trace control, Brake Force Distribution, and the hill start assist system. We recommend having an authorized INFINITI dealer inspect your vehicle dynamic control system if the light remains on.
Service Dashboard Warning Lights with Genuine INFINITI Parts
Have you suddenly found yourself face to face with a dashboard warning light? Don't ignore it. Fix it with the right replacement parts! Find the right parts for your INFINITI's model and year to help get rid of that pesky warning light.