Dashboard warning lights stay on but OBD2 scanner shows no errors
Car diagnostic scanners often fail to show fault codes for dashboard warning lights if the scanner only checks the basic engine module rather than specialized ABS or power steering systems. This leaves drivers unable to clear persistent lights like EPS or ESP, even when trying basic resets like disconnecting the battery. To locate the hidden fault, you need an advanced OBD2 tool capable of reading specific system codes beyond standard OBD2 engine trouble codes.
What the numbers show
Counted from the threads quoted below. How we count
- The most recent one is from October 2026.
- This comes up 10.3× more often in r/MechanicAdvice than across the site as a whole.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Turning on the engine to see if the lights turn offDid this help you?
- 2Checking if the lights go away once the motor is runningDid this help you?
- 3Unplugging the batteryDid this help you?
- 4Reconnecting bulbs and trying with old bulbsDid this help you?
- 5Scanning with generic OBD2 scannersDid this help you?
- 6Checking warranty extensions for specific partsDid this help you?
- 7Getting the vehicle checked out by a mechanicDid this help you?
- 8ignoring the warning messageDid this help you?
- 9Checking the physical or online owners manualDid this help you?
- 10Asking for interpretations in online automotive forumsDid this help you?
- 11wiggle the connector near the filter housingDid this help you?
- 12unplug the battery and clean the connector with contacts cleanerDid this help you?
- 13guessing the underlying cause or replacing common partsDid this help you?
- 14Checking the ABS or wheel speed sensorDid this help you?
- 15Testing the battery for voltage dipsDid this help you?
- 16Checking the wheel speed sensor connection or damaged wiringDid this help you?
- 17Re-checking the mechanical work performedDid this help you?
- 18checking the oil level manuallyDid this help you?
- 19adding a quart of oilDid this help you?
- 20getting a free diagnostic scan at an auto parts storeDid this help you?
- 21visiting a quick lube shopDid this help you?
- 22Just start the car, check mirrors, and drive gently while keeping RPMs low until the engine warms up.Did this help you?
- 23Using a code reader to scan diagnostic trouble codesDid this help you?
- 24Checking for exhaust leaks or sensor issuesDid this help you?
- 25trying to reset errors through dealership servicesDid this help you?
- 26getting the battery checkedDid this help you?
- 27scanning for diagnostic trouble codesDid this help you?
- 28taking the vehicle to a mechanicDid this help you?
- 29checking vehicle components for physical damage or moistureDid this help you?
- 30Searching online or asking on forumsDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“I have the same thing on mine. Pretty sure the sensor is broke or something because my horn doesn’t work either…”source ↗
“Ive noticed this red airbag symbol pop up on my dashboard while im driving my 2012 Chevrolet captiva, it only comes on when i start driving for a few mins, also i noticed it a day before the day i was angry and hit the logo on the steering wheel.”source ↗
“I had my oil light about a week ago and today noticed engine light came on as well. Is this normal? I want to avoid mechanical repair at any cost.”source ↗
“what’s the purpose of waiting till the airbag symbol turns off?”source ↗
“the whole dashbord is showing errors.”source ↗
“Volvo’s services couldn’t reset it.”source ↗
“the car shows a message at the start saying that the auto theft is on and there is a need to push twice.”source ↗
“I recently change all front bulb light and I realise my light are inverted between off and low beam, I unplug battery, reconnect all bulb, try with old bulb, on the OBD2 I Have 0 error”source ↗
“on my Dashboard I have EPS and ESP light constantly ON, but with the ODB2, I scan with 2 different scanner and both see 0 error”source ↗
“In my Aveo the airbag symbol appears after I change my cabin filter, located inside the glove compartment. It seems there is a connector near the filter housing and if it is touched or moved then the Airbag fault will be displayed in the dashboard.”source ↗
“What can be the issue?”source ↗
“Numerous faults came on while driving and wont clear - any ideas of where to look?”source ↗
“Immediately upon starting the vehicle though, I’m getting multiple warnings on the dash display.”source ↗
“The ABS and Traction Control lights are lit constantly, and things like parking assist, pedestrian alert, adaptive cruise control, and hill assist start are all deactivated.”source ↗
“Genuinely don’t know what to do. Very worried about what this might do to me.”source ↗
“I drive a 2014 Kia Soul and i have this light that stays on i believe its for my selt belt but no one is sitting in the passenger side and the light stays on”source ↗
“Stopped at a light and this warning came on. How bad is it? Are there any DIY things I can try or is this a job for a mechanic?”source ↗
“This just came up on my dash !! What does this mean i have to do ? Please help :>”source ↗
“Today my dash popped up with this not sure what it means can you guys help me out I would appreciate it !”source ↗
“I recently bought a Lexus RX350, and after three weeks of driving, I noticed that its engine light and VSC light started flashing.”source ↗
“I hope this repair isn’t too expensive.”source ↗
“So, recently got a hilux i believe 2018 and this light popped up, what is the purpose of it?”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 8Why do multiple dashboard warning lights come on together?
- 8What does a ticking engine noise and flashing check engine light mean?
- 21How to handle random car error codes and weird driving feelings
- 2Dashboard lights and ABS lights flashing when using turn signal
- 4Is it safe to drive with the ABS light on?
- 3Red coolant warning light turning on while idling