idiot light

An indicator light or illuminated signal, usually colored red, yellow, or orange, on a vehicle dashboard intended to convey a condition of which the driver should be aware. Most frequently, it indicates a system malfunction or a potentially dangerous condition (e.g., low oil pressure, high coolant temperature). It may be a word or words ("Charge"; "Check Engine") or a symbol which may or may not be readily identifiable.

The derisive term comes from the fact that such lights typically take the place of a gauge, meter or other indicator that can provide more substantive and detailed information. The binary (on/off) nature of the light is considered inferior to an indicator which provides data on the condition, but which requires some interpretive thought by the operator.)

"Get the manual out of the glove box so I can look-up what that idiot light that just came on means."

by Wordsquire April 26, 2014

Idiot Light

Lights on the dashboard of a car indicating an action must be taken for continual operation of the vehicle; most commonly the low gas light.

Oh man, I need to get gas because the idiot light just came on.

by waitejo December 14, 2012

idiot light

a light used to announce a malfunction in a system, especially in a automobile

That idiot light goes on over the smallest things.

by The Return of Light Joker March 28, 2010

idiot light

The green coloured indicator on a motorcycle. Which informs the rider, they are in the "Neutral" gear, when lit.

"Dude...Why's my bike not moving?"

"Of COURSE it's not moving, STUPID! Your 'idiot light' is on!"

by D. Gould January 27, 2006

Idiot Light

When you have a stick shift car and the little light on the dash comes on. Idiot light

Jay is driving down the road and the idiot light comes on, Shift idiot!

by Mara Dream June 16, 2008

Idiot light

On a moving vehicle, an unused turn signal.

That guy's been driving with his idiot light on for 6 blocks.

by C. Michael June 16, 2008

Idiot light

A lighted indicator on your car's dashboard that appears when you are getting dangerously low on fuel. It is a little red dot that lights up next to the E on your gas gauge. Where it lights up on the dashboard, the amount of gas that is left in your gas tank, and how far you can drive before running out of gas is different for each car make/model. It is called an idiot light because you are an idiot if you don't get more gas, or you're an idiot for letting your gas go so low.

Oh no, my idiot light just came on. I have just enough gas to get to my destination, but I'll have to get gas on the way home.

by Kitkaunitiger June 7, 2018