Red/Amber
The colour helps indicate urgency, but exact behaviour can vary by manufacturer.
Dashboard Warning Light
Exhaust / Catalyst Overheat
Exhaust or catalyst temperature is dangerously high. The usual first step is: Stop safely away from dry grass or flammables and follow the manual.
Stop safely
Use this as a quick triage label before confirming in your owner manual.
Stop safely away from dry grass or flammables and follow the manual
Check the matching manual page for your exact brand, model and year when possible.
What it usually means
Exhaust or catalyst temperature is dangerously high.
What to do next
Stop safely away from dry grass or flammables and follow the manual. If the vehicle feels unsafe, stop in a safe place and arrange professional inspection.
Can I drive with the Exhaust / Catalyst Overheat light on?
Treat the Exhaust / Catalyst Overheat light as urgent if it is red, flashing, or the car feels unsafe. Stop in a safe place and check the owner manual before continuing.
First step: Stop safely away from dry grass or flammables and follow the manual. If the warning appears with noise, smoke, overheating, poor braking, heavy steering, or reduced power, stop safely and get professional help.
Quick answers
What does the Exhaust / Catalyst Overheat dashboard light mean?
Exhaust or catalyst temperature is dangerously high.
Can I drive with the Exhaust / Catalyst Overheat light on?
Treat the Exhaust / Catalyst Overheat light as urgent if it is red, flashing, or the car feels unsafe. Stop in a safe place and check the owner manual before continuing.
What should I check first when the Exhaust / Catalyst Overheat light appears?
Start with this step: Stop safely away from dry grass or flammables and follow the manual. Then confirm the exact symbol behaviour in the owner manual for your car brand, model and year.