Dashboard warning light

The “Immobilizer” light on the dashboard

Red lightDon’t put off the repair

A key or car-with-lock symbol on or flashing means the immobilizer doesn’t recognise the key and won’t let the engine start.

What you can do yourself

  1. Flashing with the ignition off is normal: the security is armed.
  2. On and the engine won’t start — try the spare key and replace the key battery.

The description comes from the AvtoElektrik PRO app.

Oleg’s tip: the colour of the symbol tells you how urgent it is

For example: a red oil pressure or overheating light — stop straight away and switch the engine off. A yellow Check Engine light with the engine running smoothly — drive on and get a diagnosis.

Need a mechanic’s help?

Couldn’t fix it yourself? Oleg, an auto electrician, does computer diagnostics and repairs: he comes out anywhere in Almaty or sees you at his workshop.

Want to figure it out yourself?

Oleg’s free course “Car electrics for drivers”: fuses, the battery, dashboard lights — understand it and check it yourself.

Car electrics for drivers course →

Error codes that come with this light

A scanner shows the exact cause. Tap a code to see its meaning, causes and what to check yourself.

Other lights of this colour

All dashboard warning lights →

Who keeps this reference

The reference is kept by Oleg Dmitriev, an auto electrician from Almaty with 26 years of experience: computer diagnostics of cars and trucks, repair of control units (ECUs). Can’t find the cause? Message him.