Subaru Crosstrek Dashboard Warning Lights Guide in Springfield, VA
Every day at our Service Department here at Sheehy Subaru of Springfield, we see Crosstrek owners walk through our doors with the same concern: a warning light came on, and they're not sure whether to pull over immediately or finish running errands first. The answer depends entirely on which light is lit. Here's our practical guide to the most common dashboard indicators we encounter and what you should do about each one.
Oil Pressure Warning (Red Oil Can)
This is one light you should never ignore. If the red oil pressure symbol illuminates while driving, pull over safely as soon as possible and turn off the engine. Low oil pressure can cause catastrophic engine damage on a drive around Springfield within minutes. Check your oil level with the dipstick, and if it's fine but the light remains on, call us as the issue may be a failing oil pump or a sensor malfunction that still requires immediate attention.
Engine Temperature Warning (Red Thermometer)
A red temperature light means your engine is overheating. Turn off the A/C, pull over, and let the engine cool before opening the hood. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot. This can stem from a coolant leak, a failing thermostat, or a damaged water pump. Drive-in service isn't appropriate here, so you should have the vehicle towed if the light won't go off after cooling down. Make sure to use our online Ask a Tech form if you have additional questions.
Battery Warning (Red Battery)
When this light appears while driving, your charging system isn't functioning properly. Your vehicle is running on battery power alone, which gives you a limited window — sometimes as little as 30 minutes — before it stalls. Avoid using accessories and head directly to our Service Department rather than continuing on to Springfield Forest Park. The culprit is typically an alternator, serpentine belt, or battery issue.
Check Engine Light (Amber Engine Outline)
This is the most misunderstood light we see. It doesn't necessarily mean your engine is failing and it means the onboard diagnostics have detected something outside normal parameters. Causes can range from a loose gas cap to a misfiring cylinder. If the light is steady, schedule a service visit within the week. If it's flashing, reduce speed and come in the same day, as a flashing light typically indicates an active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter.
AWD Warning Light (Amber)
The Crosstrek's Symmetrical AWD system is one of its signature strengths. If the AWD light comes on, the system may have temporarily disabled rear-wheel engagement. This often happens when tires are significantly mismatched in size or wear, which is a common oversight. Having all four tires replaced at the same time is something we always recommend for this reason. The light can also indicate a sensor or differential issue worth having diagnosed.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
An amber horseshoe-with-exclamation symbol means one or more tires is underinflated. Check all four tires with a gauge and inflate to the recommended PSI found on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb. Quick temperature swings between seasons can trigger this light as air pressure drops with the cold. If the light persists after inflating, one tire may have a slow leak and it is worth a quick stop.
Maintenance Required Light
This steady amber indicator is your Crosstrek's way of reminding you that scheduled service is due, and this is typically an oil change or multi-point inspection. It's based on mileage intervals, not an active problem.
Our Recommendation
When in doubt, call our service advisors. Many warning lights can be quickly diagnosed with a scan tool, often at no charge during a brief visit. We'd always rather help you understand a light early than repair the damage that comes from waiting to continue driving down I-95. Drive safe and don't hesitate to stop by for a service appointment!
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Dealership Information
Testimonials
Quick and easy purchase.
Quick and easy purchase.
“ Chris Laporte was a great salesman! Quick and easy purchase. Test drive, and paperwork only took an hour. AJ/finance guy made it easy. Detail crew did a great job for delivery. Recommend to others ”
Very professional and helpful!
“ Very professional and helpful! Always leave with peace of mind. ”
Great and experienced service staff.
“ Great and experienced service staff. Trevor is the best! I love how they make appts and basically run on time. I have never been happier with my service team! Glad I found them! ”
Excellent
“ Shabir was by far the best sales person I’ve worked with. He made certain everything was perfect from the initial sales, to financing (AJ was great as well) and for the first service of the vehicle. Service Dept did an excellent job as well. Overall, the best car buying experience! Thank you Shabir! ”
Great staff, prices, and facility… will definitely be back.
this is your place
“ Quick drama-free sale and fair trade in. If you’re in the neighborhood in need of a new Subaru, this is your place. ”
Fast, efficient, and overall very professional
“ Fast, efficient, and overall very professional. Having access to a loaner car made life easier that day because it was a major service milestone. Phi Truong, service manager, was great. ”
Very Professional
“ Very professional! I was particularly impressed by the professional service provided by Ramon Machuca. He is the best sales person I have ever dealt with. Keep it up, Ramon. ”
Good and fast service
Great Experience
“ I had a great experience at Sheehy Subaru. My salesperson, Tony, was nothing short of amazing. He was so helpful and helped me get a good deal on my car and get in and out as quickly as possible. Definitely recommend! ”
Absolute great experience
“ Absolute great experience buying a new car from Chris LaPorte of Sheehy Subaru. He respected my time and wasn't pushy. Internet car dealers might be nice for shopping from home, but nothing beats having someone you can reach out to with a text message and getting a live person to respond. Chris was there with answers and helped me choose the right options for me. When it came time to take delivery, Chris came and picked me up at my house! Who else will do that for you? If you are looking for outstanding value in a new car and exceptional service, call my boy Chris LaPorte and check out the new Subarus. It's worth it! ”
5 Stars!
“ Friendly and good service ”
Extremely Helpful
“ Mark and the rest of the team were extremely helpful and explained everything I needed for my service and why. Will definitely be scheduling my next service with Sheehy. ”
Extremely Helpful
“ Mark and the rest of the team were extremely helpful and explained everything I needed for my service and why. Will definitely be scheduling my next service with Sheehy. ”
Great Customer Service
“ Great customer service! Great car buying experience. Very knowledgeable staff and no hard sell. ”
Positive Experience
“ Sheehy Subaru of Springfield is the only place we would ever purchase a Subaru. And we have purchased or leased six different Subarus from Sheehy. Every experience with this dealership, from sales to service, has been positive. Our most recent purchase occurred at the beginning of December. We purchased a 2023 Outback, Wilderness Edition. Our sales associate, Shabir Baba, assisted us in ordering our car, kept us updated on its status, and guided us through the final delivery and purchase. If you are considering purchasing a Subaru call Sheehy and ask for Shabir, you will not regret it. ”
Liked my experience
“ I liked my experience buying my new Impreza at this location with Jay. Not sure if it was because I didn’t go by myself and came with someone, but my experience felt good. When I drove off the lot I didnt have the feeling of regret or remorse. I didn’t have “oh god, what have I done.” The car was worth the money and I got a beautiful apple/cranberry color. Thank you Jay! ”
Friendly
“ ay was friendly, honest and professional. We found exactly what we were looking for at a decent price. ”
Best car buying experience
“ Shabir was amazing. He is very patient, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. This was my best car buying experience ever! I purchased a brand new Crosstrek and I love it. The General Manager Chris was superb as well. He honored our discount from the Subaru corporate office and was very professional and accommodating. AJ, the Finance Manager, was great, too. Nobody was pushy or put any pressure on me. They were just professional, informative and did what they could to make me happy and comfortable with my purchase. I highly recommend the Sheehy Springfield Subaru team. ”
“ Chris Laporte was a great salesman! Quick and easy purchase. Test drive, and paperwork only took an hour. AJ/finance guy made it easy. Detail crew did a great job for delivery. Recommend to others ”