By Steve Smith
What is your car trying to tell you with all the warning light icons on your dash?
There are many different messages that you will find in the instrument cluster of your vehicle. Some are obvious and others are a mystery. Here is a bite-sized post that can hopefully clear up the mystery and inform you as to what you should do when the all too familiar glow from the dashboard shows up.
One of the most common is the dreaded CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. (As seen above) This can mean many different things. If you've just put gas in the tank and it suddenly comes on it could be as simple as a loose gas cap. That would likely show up as an EVAP leak.
This light illuminates when your car's computer finds a sensor taking a reading that falls outside of specifications, or if something occurs during operation that shouldn't have. If the light blinks stop driving and call a shop. It is possible to damage a car driving with blinking CEL.
Another common light is your maintenance light. Sometimes it blinks. This light is most often a reminder that it's time for an oil change.
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Tire pressure light- This light means that your TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) senses a problem. Usually, you need air in your tires. However, it could mean that you have a tire sensor malfunctioning as well.
Charging system problem- This light means that your vehicles' charging system has a problem. If your alternator isn't putting out enough electricity to properly charge your car battery this light will come on. If your battery isn't able to take and hold a charge from your alternator, this light will come on. You could also have a poor battery cable connection. Get a charging system check immediately to avoid being stranded.
Avoid auto parts store for this service. They are seldom accurate.
ENGINE COOLANT PROBLEM- Don't mess around with this light! (or any RED warning light for that matter) Pull over immediately, open the hood, look for obvious signs of a coolant leak. Let the engine cool off before trying to open a radiator cap. YOU MUST HAVE WATER OR ANTIFREEZE in your car or YOU WILL DESTROY THE MOTOR. It's better to pay for a tow than to ruin your motor.
OIL LIGHT- Another potentially serious warning light. It could be just a sensor, or it could also be that your car is starved of oil, which will also cost you a motor if proper oil levels are not restored to the engine ASAP. Do not drive your car like this. Try to get to the nearest place where you can buy motor oil, put it in and go get an oil change and general check out. IF YOUR CAR BEGINS SOUND STRANGE AND THIS LIGHT IS ON, TURN OFF THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY!
If you have questions about your car or warning lights feel free to give us a call at Groovy Automotive located at 5405 North Lamar Blvd. 512-492-8050 We will gladly help in any way we can.
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