Car maintenance is important, but it can be confusing. And when a new warning light shows up on your dashboard, it can be even more puzzling. Knowing what these warning lights mean can help ease your anxiety and provide some insight into what’s going on under the hood.
Warning lights aren’t always something to panic about, but they should be taken seriously. Here are some of the most common warning lights, what they mean, and what you should do if you see them.
Most Common Dashboard Warning Lights
Check Engine Light
Shape: Silhouette of an engine
Typical Color: Orange, yellow, or amber
This is probably the most dreaded warning light, but it doesn’t always mean something catastrophic. It could signify something as minor as a faulty spark plug, ill-fitting gas cap, or a damaged sensor.
But of course, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, like an issue with your catalytic converter or full engine failure. If this light is illuminated but everything seems okay with your car, don’t panic, but visit a mechanic as soon as possible. On the other hand, if the light turns on and the vehicle is making strange noises or not operating as it should, pull over as soon as it’s safe and get a tow to your local service center.
At Santee CDJR, we’re happy to run a diagnostic test and find the cause of the problem.
Battery Light
Shape: Silhouette of a battery
Typical Color: Red
This warning light is straightforward: there’s an issue with your battery. In addition to the light, you may notice that your vehicle has trouble starting. Even if your car starts up normally, don’t ignore this light. It could be as simple as needing a new battery, but it can also signify an issue with your wiring or alternator.
Coolant Temperature
Shape: A thermometer in water
Typical Color: Yellow or orange
When this light comes on, your vehicle is running too hot. There are a lot of possible causes for this issue, including a broken water pump, low coolant levels, a leaking or broken coolant hose, or radiator damage. All of these are serious issues that could cause major engine damage and expensive repairs. Do not ignore this light!
Transmission Temperature
Shape: A gear with a thermometer in the middle
Typical Color: Yellow, orange, or red
This is another warning light you should never ignore. It signals a critical problem with your gearbox, which could be caused by extremely heavy towing, low transmission fluid, or excessive wear on your transmission.
Oil Pressure Warning
Shape: An oil can with a drip
Typical Color: Yellow, orange, or red
This light could signify something as simple as needing an oil change or your engine oil needing to be topped off. More serious issues could be a leak in the engine or worn parts like a broken oil pump. If this light comes on, you can check your oil levels yourself at home. If the oil is low, topping it off may solve the problem and the light will go off on its own. If you’re not comfortable investigating on your own or that doesn’t solve the problem, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Shape: An exclamation mark in a circle with the top open
Typical Color: Yellow, orange, or red
This is another relatively straightforward warning light: it indicates that one or more of your tires are low. In newer vehicles, this light may even tell you which tire(s) need attention and how much air they need. A quick stop at a gas station with an air pump will solve the problem, and the light should go off once the tires are filled to the right levels. If the issue persists, you may have a leak in your tire, which a mechanic can identify and patch or replace the tire altogether.
Let Santee Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Take Care of Your Service Needs!
As you can see, warning lights can sometimes be tricky to diagnose and dangerous to ignore. This is why we recommend letting a professional handle most issues to prevent further damage to your engine and ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
At Santee CDJR, the technicians in our service department are trained to handle every repair, no matter how major. Our service center in Manning, SC proudly serves drivers in Sumter, Orangeburg, and Florence with the best service possible.
If you have an issue with your vehicle–or just want to stay on top of regular maintenance–schedule an appointment today! Just give us a call at 803-962-7047 or schedule online!
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