Toyota RAV4 Dashboard Lights

Have you ever been cruising down the highway, singing along to your favorite song during a long road trip, when suddenly one of your car’s dashboard lights comes on? If so, it probably caught you a little off-guard, especially if you didn’t know what it meant.

The team at Florence Toyota put together this Toyota RAV4 guide so that drivers near Florence, Myrtle Beach, and Sumter, South Carolina, never have to panic about an unexpected dashboard light again.

Understand Your Car’s Language


Toyota RAV4 Dashboard Lights

When an illuminated symbol pops up on your dashboard, your car is trying to tell you something is wrong with one of its systems. Knowing what the different lights mean is important, as you’ll want to assess the issue and take the necessary steps to get your car running smoothly again.

On this page, we’ll describe a few of the most common dashboard lights so that you can start to speak your car’s language. However, be sure to look at your owner’s manual for a complete list of dashboard lights and their meanings.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp


Toyota RAV4 Dashboard Lights

When you see a light that looks like an engine with the word “CHECK” under it, your car is experiencing issues with one of the following:

  • the electronic engine control system
  • the electronic throttle control system
  • the emission control system (if equipped)

Driving with this light on can damage your vehicle, so you’ll need to schedule an appointment at our service center right away if you see this dashboard light. We’ll assess your vehicle, fix the issue, and get your car back on the road in no time.

Brake System Warning Light

Toyota RAV4 Dashboard Lights

Whether you’re sailing down an empty street or maneuvering through busy traffic, you always need to have fully functioning brakes to ensure you can stop at a moment’s notice. If there’s an issue with your car’s brakes, one of two symbols will appear on your dashboard.

If the word “BRAKE” appears along with a warning buzzer, your brake fluid may be low, or the brake system could be malfunctioning. When this happens, stop your car, and call your local service center for assistance.

When a yellow exclamation point in a circle appears on your dashboard, there’s an issue with your parking brake system. This is not as serious, but you’ll want to have a technician inspect your car as soon as possible.

Brake System Warning Light

Toyota RAV4 Dashboard Lights

Whether you’re sailing down an empty street or maneuvering through busy traffic, you always need to have fully functioning brakes to ensure you can stop at a moment’s notice. If there’s an issue with your car’s brakes, one of two symbols will appear on your dashboard.

If the word “BRAKE” appears along with a warning buzzer, your brake fluid may be low, or the brake system could be malfunctioning. When this happens, stop your car, and call your local service center for assistance.

When a yellow exclamation point in a circle appears on your dashboard, there’s an issue with your parking brake system. This is not as serious, but you’ll want to have a technician inspect your car as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure Warning Light

  1. Tire pressure warning system malfunction: If the light flashes for a minute and then stays illuminated, there’s an issue with the tire pressure warning system. Schedule a service appointment to have this system assessed and repaired.
  2. Low tire inflation pressure: When the light simply comes on, it means your tires aren’t inflated properly. Stop by your local gas station to add air to your tires. If the warning light stays illuminated, give us a call. You may need a tire repair or replacement due to a flat tire.

Low tire inflation pressure: When the light simply comes on, it means your tires aren’t inflated properly. Stop by your local gas station to add air to your tires. If the warning light stays illuminated, give us a call. You may need a tire repair or replacement due to a flat tire.

Make sure you address issues with your tires quickly to avoid any problems in the future.

Slip Indicator Light

When you’re driving down the highway, the last thing you want to see is an image of a car swerving on your dashboard. If this light flashes, it could mean your vehicle is trying to regain traction.

However, if it stays illuminated, there could be a malfunction in one of the following:

  • The VSC/Trailer Sway Control system
  • The TRAC system
  • The hill-start assist control system
  • Multi-terrain Select brake control (if equipped)
  • The downhill assist control system (if equipped)

When you see this light, give the service center a call and have them inspect these systems to ensure you’re as safe as possible on the road.