Dodge caravan warning lights: Why Warning Lights on the Car dashboard?

Dodge caravan warning lights!! You’ve probably noticed those warning lights on your Dodge Caravan dashboard from time to time. No matter what they are – Dodge caravan warning lights flashing, a mysterious Dodge caravan warning lights, a lightning bolt, a confusing symbol – they can be scary. It’s just your car trying to tell you something.

Your engine, brakes, airbags, and more can cause warning lights. So, whether you have a 2017 Dodge Caravan warning lights issue or are concerned about your 2007 Dodge Caravan warning lights, it’s vital to understand these warnings. You don’t want to ignore those illuminated symbols.

In this blog, we’ll break down common Dodge dashboard symbols and meanings, focusing on Dodge Caravan models – including those pesky 2016/2013/2012 Dodge Caravan warning lights. Get ready to become a Dodge Caravan warning light expert!

Dodge dashboard symbols and meanings

It’s important to note that Dodge dashboard symbols vary slightly between model years, so check your owner’s manual for the most accurate information.

Types of warning lights

A red light means there’s something serious or potentially dangerous going on.

Those yellow/amber lights mean there’s a problem.

Green/blue: These are informational lights.

Dodge caravan warning lights: Common Symbols

• Engine Temperature Warning: A thermometer is partially submerged in water. 
• Indicates engine overheating: Stop and turn off the engine right away.
• Oil Pressure Warning: An oil can symbol. 
• Signals low engine oil pressure. Check your oil level as soon as you can.
• Battery Symbol: Indicates a problem with the charging system. It may cause the battery to die.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): An exclamation point in a horseshoe. One or more tires have low pressure.
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): The letters ABS in a circle. This means there’s a problem with the ABS.
• Stability Control (ESC): A car with swerving lines underneath. The OFF light indicates that the system is off.
• Airbag Warning: An image of a person seated with a large circle in front of them. Signals a airbag problem.
• Check Engine Light: A Dodge Check Engine Light engine-shaped symbol. This could indicate a wide range of engine or emissions system problems. Can it be diagnosed soon?
• Security indicator: A car with a lock or key symbol. When the security system is on, it might flash.
• Traction Control Light: This one features a car with swerving lines underneath. The traction control system is on.

Less Common Symbols (May Vary by Model)

Temperature warning: It looks like a thermometer in a gear. Overheating transmission.

Lightning Bolt (Electronic Throttle Control): A lightning bolt with parentheses around it. The electronic throttle control system isn’t working.

Blind Spot Monitoring: Cars with smaller cars on either side, usually on the side mirrors. The blind spot monitoring system tells you if there’s something in your blind spot.

What does a red lightning bolt mean on a Dodge Grand Caravan?

The red lightning bolt on a Dodge Grand Caravan means the ETC system isn’t working. You need to know this:

Faulty sensors: The ETC system relies on sensors to monitor throttle position and regulate airflow. If the sensors fail, the ETC light will come on.

It’s a valve that controls air intake. Carbon buildup or a malfunctioning throttle body can cause the ETC alert.

ETC system wiring problems: Damaged or corroded wiring can cause this.

What This Means for You: Dodge caravan warning lights

Your car’s computer may put it in “limp mode” to protect the engine – you’ll have limited acceleration and speed. It’s possible for the engine to stall unexpectedly.

Check engine light, rough idling, or poor fuel economy are other symptoms you might see.

What to do:

Pull over and turn off your Dodge Grand Caravan if it’s safe.

The problem might go away temporarily if you restart the car, but it may return later.

Visit a Dodge dealership or mechanic who can diagnose the problem using an OBD-II scanner and determine what needs to be done.

Don’t ignore it! You might drive with a red lightning bolt at first, but ongoing ETC issues can damage your engine.

How do you reset the warning light on a Dodge caravan?

There are a few ways to reset a Dodge Caravan warning light, but resetting it won’t fix the underlying problem. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Disconnect the battery (Temporary Solution).

Open the hood and look for the battery. Keep your hands and eyes safe with gloves.

Find the negative battery terminal (usually has a black cover or minus “-” sign) and loosen the nut with a wrench. Disconnect the negative cable. Wait 30-60 seconds after disconnecting the cable. Connect the negative cable and tighten the nut.

Sometimes it works: This can clear minor or temporary error codes. If the problem persists, the warning light will come back on.

2. OBD-II Scanner (Diagnostic Tool)

Purchase an OBD-II scanner. They’re available at auto parts stores or online. Find the OBD-II port on your dashboard. Connect the scanner.

Follow the scanner’s instructions to read and clear the error codes causing the warning light.

Why OBD-II scanner is better?

You can’t clear the light with a scanner if there’s a persistent problem, but this method helps identify it.

3. Address the root cause of the problem

It’s only possible to fix a warning light by addressing the problem that caused it.

• Replacement of sensors: Faulty sensors can trigger warnings.
• Repairs to your engine, brakes, or emissions system are mechanical repairs.
• Fixes for electrical issues: Loose wiring or component malfunctions are also possible.

When to visit a mechanic?

When your Dodge Caravan’s warning light keeps on after a battery reset, or you see red warning lights (red indicators), take it to a mechanic.

Do you know how to reset a Dodge caravan’s TPMS?

There are two ways to reset your Dodge Caravan’s TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System):

Driving fast.

Inflate all tires to their recommended pressure (found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door). Drive your caravan above 15 mph (24 km/h) for 10 minutes. The TPMS may reset automatically.

(Model-Specific) Manual Reset

You can reset the TPMS on some Dodge Caravans. Check your owner’s manual.

Read Also: How To Reset Ram Check Engine Light On A Ram 2500, And 3500

What does the exclamation point mean on a Dodge Caravan dash?

Dodge Caravan’s dash exclamation point usually signals a brake problem. Here’s what it usually means:

• Brake Fluid Low: This usually means you have a leak or the brake pads are too worn out.
• Make sure your parking brake is fully released. It’s a simple but easy-to-overlook possibility.
• ABS (Antilock Brake System) Malfunction: If there’s a problem with ABS, this light might come on.

Read Also: Can Remote Start Cause Check Engine Light: What Every Car Owner Should Know?

What to do with an exclamation point:

1. Open the hood, locate the brake fluid reservoir, and check the level. If low, add the recommended brake fluid type (check your owner’s manual). Caution: If the fluid is shallow, there might be a leak – get a mechanic.
2. Make sure the parking brake is disengaged.
3. Turn off your car, wait a minute, and restart it. Minor glitches can trigger warning lights.
4. Look for other brake warnings: Take it to a mechanic if the exclamation point comes on with other brake lights.

Read Also: Engine Light With Down Arrow: What Are The Possible Causes 

What does the yellow triangle with an exclamation point mean on my dashboard?

This yellow triangle with an exclamation point on your dashboard is a general caution or warning light. Here’s what causes it:

• Tire pressure low? Check it out right away.
• The trunk or door may not be closed all the way.
• You’re probably out of gas or fuel.
• You might get a warning about traction control, stability control, or something else.

Your owner’s manual will tell you more about your car’s make and model.+

Read Also: Our Guide For You To Understand Dodge Ram Tail Light Circuit Board Issues

In conclusion, keep your Dodge Caravan warning lights on for safety. Don’t ignore them! If you diagnose red warning lights right away, you’ll save money and avoid dangerous situations. Yellow lights often mean something needs to be fixed immediately. The light doesn’t fix if you clear it, so you can try some resets yourself.

To keep your Caravan running smoothly, always refer to your owner’s manual and get a professional diagnosis whenever in doubt.

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