DashBoard Warning Lights Car Care Tips & Tricks

DashBoard Warning Lights Tips & Tricks

	Check engine light  Every new car now comes with OBD-II - On Board Diagnostics 2. This is a fault-registering system connected to sensors all over the car, engine, fuel and emissions system. When the check engine light comes on, it can mean many things:  Most new cars have a pressurized fuel system and vapour recovery loop. If you've filled up with petrol and not twisted the gas cap until it clicks, you've not sealed the fuel system.  So if you get a check engine light, check the gas cap first and see if the light goes off. Note : even if the light does go off, the code will likely still be stored in the OBD system and will show up next time it is checked. If it wasn't the gas cap. If tightening the gas cap didn't do it, you'll need to find someone with an OBD2 diagnostics tool or reader. NOTE:Some garages will charge you just for plugging the device in and reading the code. If they do, walk away. They're ripping you off. Better to find a garage or mechanic that will read the code and actually give you a diagnosis rather than just making you pay to find out a number. Smaller garages and local mechanics will normally do this for you for a small fee, and being independent, the diagnosis won't be predicated on you buying some expensive parts from a corporate chain. OR  you can buy your own OBD device to make It your self
	Service engine  This might indicate "Service", "Service Engine" .  It's an indicator that you're getting close to a scheduled maintenance interval. Your drive manual tells you about the engine mileage maintenance precisely Typically this light will come on when you start your car, and then turn off again as part of the self-check. If it stays on for 10 seconds then turns off, it means you're within 500 miles of needing a service. If it flashes for 10 seconds, it  means you've exceeded a recommended service interval.
	The electrical fault light You'll see it come on and go off when you start your engine as part of the car's self-test, but if this light comes on and stays on, it means the electrical charging system is no longer working properly. The car has an alternator - the charger - and a 12v battery used to supply power to the electrical system. If the alternator becomes faulty or the drive belt to it snaps, then it will not be able to do its job. The longer you drive, the more your car will use up the remaining juice in the battery and eventually the engine will die. This almost always requires a new or refurbished alternator.
	Brake  light 1 If it comes on, check your owner's manual to find out its meaning. The brake warning light doesn't have a standard meaning; it could be used for multiple purposes. For example,: 1-the same light may be used to show that the hand brake (parking brake for the Americans amongst you) is on. If that's the case and you're driving, you ought to have noticed the smell of burning brake dust by now. 2-The light can also indicate that the fluid in the master cylinder is low. Each manufacturer has a different use and standard for this light.so check the manual for that light 1
	Brake  light 2(ABS) In case you have  ABS-equipped car If it comes on, get it seen to as soon as possible.  It means the ABS computer has diagnosed that something is amiss in the system. It could be as simple as dirt in one of the sensors, or something as costly as an entire ABS unit replacement. It's important to note that this light normally comes on when you start the car and then switches off a few seconds later. If it blinks, throbs, flashes or in any other way draws your attention to itself, then take note that could be serious problem. In some cases it could be as bad as "you have no brakes at all."
	Coolant  light This is normally the coolant level warning light. If this comes on it means that the level of coolant in your radiator is low and needs topping up.  DO NOT OPEN THE RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT(discussed before)! Don't use tap water - the mineral deposits in it boil out in the cooling system and calcium gets deposited around the inside of the radiator making it less efficient (which will eventually cause it to fail). It's always best to use pre-mixed coolant, or to mix your own rather than using neat water. The coolant mixture behaves as an antifreeze in winter as well as a corrosion-inhibitor to stop your engine rusting from the inside out.
	Oil  light Typically this light will come on if your oil pressure is too low. Low oil pressure is serious and if you continue to drive with this light on, eventually your engine will die. Low oil pressure can be caused by a failed oil pump, a blocked oil filter or strainer in the sump, or by low oil. You have to act fast as soon as possible to that warning not to lose all your engine Info and images thanks to http://www.carbibles.com/maintenancetips.html