A Guide to Warning Lights

A Guide to Warning Lights

You’re driving along when something catches your eye: A warning light! Was that there before? Why is it on? What does it mean? There are numerous warning lights on your dashboard and some can be more like reading hieroglyphics.  Let’s learn a bit about them.

Bulb Check!

When the key is first turned on all of the lights on the instrument cluster will light up for a few seconds and then go out. This is known as a bulb check and is designed to ensure every bulb and indicator works.

Check Engine

Like any warning light, this icon comes on to inform you that a problem has been detected in one or more engine control systems. The computer will store trouble codes to guide in finding and fixing the problem.

Sometimes the problem will present in obvious ways that affect the performance of the car, like a misfiring engine or a transmission that won’t shift right. Other times, the issue may not be evident to the driver but that doesn’t make it less important. The best course of action is to have it checked out as soon as possible.

Tire Pressure & TPMS

The tire pressure monitoring system alerts you to a low tire before it goes completely flat. Tire pressures are listed on the information label on the driver’s door jamb. The light, an exclamation point inside the silhouette of a tire, will come on when the tire pressure falls more than 10-15% lower than the expected pressure.

On most vehicles the tire pressure light will go off shortly after the tire pressures are corrected. If the light remains on or flashes there could be a fault with the system that needs to be repaired.

Oil Level & Pressure

The oil pressure icon is a red oil can with a drop of oil. The oil level warning is often an oil can with a wavy line underneath.

Oil is the lifeblood of any engine. Low oil level or oil pressure could result in internal engine problems or complete failure. If the oil light or gauge comes on the best action is to stop as soon as possible and check the oil level. If you’re still unsure, give us a call and we will help you decide the best next step.

ABS, Traction & Stability Control

These systems share the goal of maintaining control of the vehicle in a sudden stop, skid or turn. The vehicle uses the speed of each wheel, the position of the steering wheel, brake input and other information to determine how to react. It will then apply the brakes or turn the steering as needed to maintain control.

When a fault is detected, the warning light will come on and the system in question will be deactivated. The regular brakes and steering will be unaffected but the disabled system will not be able to assist until the fix is made.

Airbag

The airbag light comes on when a fault is detected in the airbag system. Like the ABS and traction lights, the system will be disabled until the problem is corrected. The red airbag light shows a person seated behind an inflated airbag.

Gas Cap

When the computer detects a problem that could be caused by a loose or missing gas cap it can set a check engine light. Some vehicles have a gas cap light that will come on instead to give a warning about this specific problem. After the cap is properly installed the light should go off within a day or two of use. If the light remains on or the check engine light also comes on, further testing will be needed.

Glow Plug

This one is for the diesel crowd. The glow plug is shown by a curly line much like a fussili noodle.

Glow plugs are used to warm up the combustion chamber before a diesel engine starts. The light will come on with the key, remain on until the glow plugs are fully warmed up and then go off. At this point it’s ok to start the engine. Like other warning lights, it will remain on if a fault is detected.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

To get your attention, some lights are accompanied by a chime. Seatbelts will chime until buckled. A low fuel light will beep a few times so you are aware it’s time to fill up. Opening the door with the lights on or the keys in the ignition will often set off a buzzer so you don’t drain the battery or lock yourself out.

For Your Information

Some lights are meant to inform rather than warn. You may have lights for low fluid levels like fuel, washer fluid, DEF and coolant. The cruise control light lets you know when it’s on and active. Turning on the headlights, shifting into gear, selecting four wheel drive and any number of other actions may have an icon to confirm the choice has been made.

Time for Service

Service and maintenance lights will come on periodically when it’s time for routine maintenance. The light will be reset by the shop after the work is done.

And Many, Many More…

With the variety of icons, lights and acronyms specific to each car it’s impossible to list them all in one place. If you get a light you’re unfamiliar with you can check your owner’s manual, give us a call or stop in; we’ll be happy to help.

Request an appointment online today or give us a call and member of our team will be happy to assist you.