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How to Decode Your Dashboard Warning Lights
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Whether you just started up your vehicle to head to the grocery store or you have been involved in a recent auto collision, your pesky dashboard warning lights are trying to tell you something.
Dashboard warning lights are one of the first signs of a problem with your car and should not be ignored. Knowing what these warning lights mean can help you avoid a breakdown and potentially prevent an even more costly repair down the road.
Here is a list of the most common dashboard warning lights . Be sure to check your owner’s manual for completed details regarding your particular make and model.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light is one of the most common warning lights people see in their cars, however you should not ignore this light. Your check engine light can be warning you about a huge number of problems, including:
- O2 Sensor Needs Replacement
- Spark Plug Wires Replacement
- Mass Air Flow Sensor Malfunction
- Catalytic Converter Replacement
Brake Warning Light
This light indicates that your parking brake is engaged , a problem with your brake system, or a shortage of brake fluid. Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. It is simple to check your brake fluid to see if it is low. See your owner’s manual for complete details.
Power Steering / EPAS Warning Light
Something may be haywire with your power steering system if the power steering light is staring you in the face. If you notice it require much more effort to turn the wheel and becomes nearly immoveable at lower speeds your power steering is in need of attention.
Airbag Warning Light
Your cars airbags are an important safety feature and could save your life if you were to get into an accident. If this warning light is illuminated on your dashboard it indicates that there is a malfunction with one or more of your airbags. It is important to address this warning light immediately.
Coolant Warning Light
Coolant is critical for keeping your car’s engine running smoothly without overheating. Metal pieces inside your engine would essentially weld themselves together without this miracle worker. If this light appears on your car’s dashboard it means your engine coolant levels are running low and you may need to top it off. If you let your coolant levels get to low or run out entirely you risk your engine overheating and causing an even larger and more expensive problem.
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Oil Warning Light
You will see an oil warning light if your car’s oil temperature gets too hot, the oil level is low, or the engine oil pressure is out of whack. Oil is what keeps your engine moving in a streamlined fashion. If your engine is not being properly lubricated it can result in expensive damage.
Battery Warning Light
You might notice this warning light for a few seconds each time you turn on your car, however, it should turn off after that. If the light stays on this means your car has a problem. It is likely within the electrical system and could indicate a problem with the battery, alternator, cables, or drive belt. An improperly charged battery can adversely impact the engine, traction control, and other such systems.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Warning Light
An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is a lifesaving feature that prevents your wheels from locking up on slick roads by pulsing the brakes. An ABS warning light means there’s something wrong with the system, and should be diagnosed by a technician as soon as possible. Never ignore this one, as it is a safety feature and things can turn hazardous if your ABS isn’t working properly.
Traction Control Malfunction Light
This warning light is telling you that there might be a broken or damaged sensor in your vehicle’s traction control system or there’s some other malfunction. In some cars, the ABS and the traction control system are operated by the same control module, so sometimes this warning might light up if there’s a problem with your ABS. Even though this won’t affect your everyday driving, it’s best if you get it checked soon.
Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light signals an issue with your tire pressure or the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) symbol. If the TPMS light is solid, it means the pressure in one or more of your tires is too low or too high. However, if the light flashes every 60-90 seconds when you turn on your vehicle and then stays on even if your tire pressure is fine, there might be something wrong with the TPMS sensors. Driving on tires with incorrect air pressure can be unsafe or cause damage to your tires. We recommend inflating or deflating your tires or getting the TPMS sensors checked as soon as possible.
Fog Lamp Indicator Light
This light means that your fog lights are on. Fog lights should be turned on only if the visibility is less than 100 yards. Turning them on unnecessarily can hinder the visibility of the other drivers on the road.
Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light
This indicator light is on if you’re trying to switch your gear or trying to start the engine without engaging the brake. The system locks the vehicle in park or neutral until you press the brake pedal again before shifting gears or starting the engine
With a little maintenance and due diligence, you should be operating smoothly.
Let our team of skilled auto collision representatives and certified technicians put you at ease by providing you with the tools and information you need.
Call 973.777.7115 to speak to a member of our team Monday-Friday 8am to 5pm or Saturday 8am-12pm.