What The Dash Lights Stay On After Key Is Removed Mean?

Many car owners are facing a strange issue these days. When they turn off the ignition of the car and remove the key, somehow the dashboard lights are still on. It has left many car owners wondering about what could cause this issue. 

Why do dash lights stay on after key is removed? Don’t panic! While a dashboard light shows after you’ve turned off the key can be unsettling, it’s often a sign of a minor issue that can be easily diagnosed and fixed. Read the article to find out: 

Why The Car Dash Lights Stay On After Key Is Removed?

Before understanding why the car dashboard lights remain on even after the driver removes the key, we need to understand what dashboard lights contain.

The dashboard lights inside your car have different colors, and there are three further classes of dashboard lights as one color. The three colors of lights include red, yellow, and green, which are similar to traffic signal lights in both meaning and color.

When the red light comes on, it is an indicator of a safety concern, signaling the driver to stop the vehicle immediately.

The yellow light points out that a specific car part needs service, and one needs to operate it with caution. Lastly, the green light indicates a system, which is presently in use or operating. We recommend you browse online to get the best maintenance tips for your car.

What do different dashboard lights indicate when they come on?

It is vital you know that the reason why car dash lights stay on after key is removed is a sign of urgency in regards to a particular part or system inside the car. We recommend that you visit a car expert to understand what each light on the dashboard means or read the vehicle owner’s manual. It would help you in preparing for any emergency at the wrong time.

We will now explain to you why some dashboard lights stay on when car is off in detail.

Engine oil pressure warning

You might notice the engine oil pressure warning light coming on. It indicates low oil pressure in the oil pressure sensor. It indicates low engine oil level, a loss of engine oil pressure, or a fault in the engine oil pressure sensor. You must check the engine oil level immediately. Any negligence would lead to severe damage to other parts of the car engine.

Anti-lock brake system

The anti-lock brake system light indicates an issue with the vehicle’s ABS. It would not fail the braking system. However, it would lead to switching off any additional ABS safety features inside the car.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice dashboard lights staying on after you’ve turned off your car, here are some steps you can take:

• Check the obvious: Make sure all doors, the trunk, and the hood are securely closed.
• Inspect the battery terminals: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and tightly connected.
• Consult your owner’s manual: Your owner’s manual will provide specific information about the warning lights in your car and their meanings.
• Use an OBD-II scanner: An OBD-II scanner can read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in your car’s computer, providing clues about the underlying problem.
• Seek professional help: If you’re unable to identify the cause of the problem, it’s best to take your car to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.

Summing Up

In the end, those lingering dashboard lights after you’ve turned off your car aren’t just a spooky spectacle; they’re your vehicle’s way of trying to tell you something. While some instances might be as simple as a forgotten door ajar, others could signal a deeper issue requiring attention.

We hope that this blog gave you the knowledge why the car dash lights stay on after key is removed. These lights are the guiding stars, which help you know about any issue present in the car.