On the journey of cargo transportation, the truck dashboard is not just a display of operating information but also a silent “friend,” providing early warnings of potential vehicle issues. Especially for Chinese trucks, understanding the meaning of each Chinese truck warning light is crucial, helping drivers proactively handle situations, ensuring safety and work efficiency.
This article, compiled by experts from Xe Tải Mỹ Đình, will provide a comprehensive and easy-to-understand overview of the warning light system on Chinese trucks, helping you confidently master your vehicle on every road.
Dashboard warning light symbols on a Chinese truck
Chinese Truck Dashboard Warning Lights: The “Language” of Your Vehicle
Similar to other truck brands, Chinese trucks, especially popular brands like Chenglong and Howo, are also equipped with a variety of indicator lights on the dashboard. Each light symbol corresponds to a message, warning about the vehicle’s operating status, from minor reminders to serious incidents that require immediate attention. However, not every driver, especially those new to Chinese trucks, fully understands this “language.”
Understanding this, Xe Tải Mỹ Đình will help you decode the Chinese truck warning light system in detail, focusing on popular truck models, making it easy for you to recognize and develop appropriate solutions.
Color-Coded Warning Lights: Severity Levels of Issues
To easily differentiate and recognize the level of warning, the dashboard light system is usually divided into three main color groups: green (or blue), yellow, and red. Each color corresponds to a different level of issue severity:
Green (or Blue) Warning Lights: Normal Operation Information
Green lights usually convey information, indicating that a system or function on the vehicle is operating normally. These are often safety indicators, reminding the driver of the vehicle’s operating status.
Examples:
- Headlights on indicator: Indicates that the headlights are on.
- Turn signal indicator: Flashes when the turn signal is activated for left or right turns.
- Air conditioning system indicator: Indicates that the cooling or heating system is operating.
In general, green or blue lights do not require the driver to take urgent action but simply provide information about the vehicle’s status.
Yellow Warning Lights: Cautionary Alerts Requiring Attention
Yellow lights are the most common group of warning lights, usually indicating issues or problems that are not too serious but require driver attention and early inspection. These are early warnings, helping to prevent minor issues from developing into major damage.
Examples of common yellow Chinese truck warning lights:
- Engine malfunction indicator light (engine symbol): Warns that the engine may have problems, requiring inspection of the electrical, fuel, or exhaust systems. Commonly found on Euro 4 and higher emission standard trucks like Chenglong and Howo.
- Low brake fluid pressure indicator: Warns that the brake system may have problems, requiring inspection of the brake fluid level and brake system.
- Windshield defroster indicator: Indicates that the windshield defroster function is active.
- ABS indicator (Anti-lock Braking System): Warns that the ABS system may not be operating normally.
When a yellow light comes on, the driver should slow down, drive carefully, and find a reputable garage to check and fix the problem as soon as possible, avoiding prolonged conditions that affect vehicle performance and lifespan.
Yellow warning lights indicating potential issues on a truck dashboard
Red Warning Lights: Danger Signal, Stop Immediately
Red lights are the most dangerous group of warning lights, signaling serious incidents that can be dangerous to the driver and the vehicle. When a red Chinese truck warning light appears, especially flashing, the driver must stop the vehicle immediately and find a way to handle it.
Examples:
- Low engine oil pressure indicator (oil can symbol with a drop): Warns that the engine lubricating oil pressure is too low, which can cause serious engine damage if operation continues.
- High engine coolant temperature indicator (thermometer symbol): Warns that the engine is overheating, requiring stopping the vehicle to cool down the engine and inspect the cooling system.
- Weak battery indicator (battery symbol): Warns that the battery charging system is having problems or the battery is weak.
- Parking brake engaged indicator (letter P in a circle): Reminds the driver to release the parking brake before moving.
- Seat belt reminder light (person wearing a seat belt symbol): Warns that the seat belt is not fastened.
- Door ajar warning light: Warns that the vehicle door is not closed tightly, posing a safety risk.
When a red light comes on, stopping the vehicle immediately is crucial. The driver needs to identify the cause and find a solution before continuing the journey, ensuring absolute safety.
Red warning lights indicating serious errors on a truck dashboard
Specific Warning Lights on Chenglong Trucks: Notes for Drivers
For Chenglong trucks, some Chinese truck warning lights may be more specific, related to the brand’s unique systems and technologies. For example, a common error on Chenglong M3 2-leg trucks and other Chenglong truck models is related to the urea exhaust fluid (AdBlue).
- Urea fault indicator (container symbol with U or AdBlue): Warns that the urea fluid level is too low (below 20%) or the exhaust treatment system is having problems. When this light comes on, engine power may be reduced to protect the environment. Drivers need to add standard urea fluid and check the exhaust treatment system if the light does not turn off.
Another warning to note is the STOP light combined with the air pressure gauge at the 0 mark:
- STOP light and air gauge at 0 mark: Warns that the air brake system is malfunctioning, possibly due to leaks in the air lines. Drivers need to check the air lines, restart the vehicle, and wait for the air pressure to reach the standard level. If the light still does not turn off, the air brake system needs to be thoroughly checked for safety.
Dashboard warning lights specific to Chenglong Chinese trucks
Mastering the “Language” of Warning Lights: Safety on Every Journey
Understanding the meaning of each Chinese truck warning light not only helps you operate your vehicle more efficiently but also ensures safety on every journey. Take the time to carefully study the vehicle’s user manual, familiarize yourself with the light symbols on the dashboard, and equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to handle any situation.
If you encounter any warning lights that you do not understand the meaning of or do not know how to handle, do not hesitate to contact reputable garages or Xe Tải Mỹ Đình’s technical team for timely advice and support. Your safety and your vehicle are always the top priority!
