Your Guide To Common Dashboard Lights & Their Meaning
There are many things that could trigger a dashboard light to come on. Many drivers get panicked when a warning light shows up on their dashboard, especially if they are unsure of the meaning behind it. The best thing to do when a warning light appears is to get your car checked out to ensure it is in proper working order. Luckily, Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC has a trusted service department at the Lake of the Ozarks that can help you repair and resolve a light that may be on in your vehicle's dashboard. Your Lake of the Ozarks car dealership is here to point out some of the more common dashboard lights and what they mean.
Check Engine or Malfunction Indicator Light
Indicated the engine computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code. This usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool.
Coolant Temp Warning
Indicates Temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks.
Battery/Charging Alert
Indicates voltage level is below normal level and the vehicle's charging system is not functioning properly. Check the battery terminals, alternator belt and battery condition.
Transmission Temperature
Transmission is operating at higher than optimum temperature as transmission fluid is hotter than normal. Check the transmission fluid level and engine coolant level.
Oil Pressure Warning
Indicates a loss of oil pressure. Immediately check oil level and pressure.
Oil Change Reminder
Indicates that the life of the oil has expired. This is monitored by the ECM, the interval can be mileage or a combination of readings taken by the ECM. The reset procedure is listed in the owner's manual. Some vehicles require the use of special tools to set the light.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Indicates the tire pressure monitoring system has found a tire with low air pressure or there may be a sensor malfunction. Check the tire pressure. Refer to the owner's manual to check and see if professional diagnosis is required.
Overdrive Light
This indicated that the vehicle's overdrive system has been manually turned off. Typically the overdrive system is controlled by an on/off switch.
Washer Fluid Reminder
Indicates that the washer fluid is low. Fill the washer fluid reservoir. Some vehicles have separate reservoirs for front and rear window washers.
Door Ajar
Indicates that a door (including hood and trunk) is not closed. Open and close all doors, including hood and trunk. If the vehicle has a door left open overnight, it could drain the battery.
Brake System
Indicates that either the parking brake is on, there is a problem with the braking system, brake fluid is low or there is a ABS problem. First check the brake fluid and make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the problem is in the ABS system, it may need a professional diagnosis.
Hopefully, with this guide, you are better prepared to fix these issues if they arise. However, if you do need professional help, make sure you take it to a trusted auto service department at the Lake of the Ozarks. Contact us at 573-317-4195 to schedule your next vehicle maintenance appointment.
513 N. Business Route 5
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
Indicated the engine computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code. This usually requires diagnosis with a professional scan tool.
Coolant Temp Warning
Indicates Temperature has exceeded normal limits. Check coolant level, fan operation, radiator cap, coolant leaks.
Indicates voltage level is below normal level and the vehicle's charging system is not functioning properly. Check the battery terminals, alternator belt and battery condition.
Transmission Temperature
Transmission is operating at higher than optimum temperature as transmission fluid is hotter than normal. Check the transmission fluid level and engine coolant level.
Indicates a loss of oil pressure. Immediately check oil level and pressure.
Oil Change Reminder
Indicates that the life of the oil has expired. This is monitored by the ECM, the interval can be mileage or a combination of readings taken by the ECM. The reset procedure is listed in the owner's manual. Some vehicles require the use of special tools to set the light.
Indicates the tire pressure monitoring system has found a tire with low air pressure or there may be a sensor malfunction. Check the tire pressure. Refer to the owner's manual to check and see if professional diagnosis is required.
Overdrive Light
This indicated that the vehicle's overdrive system has been manually turned off. Typically the overdrive system is controlled by an on/off switch.
Indicates that the washer fluid is low. Fill the washer fluid reservoir. Some vehicles have separate reservoirs for front and rear window washers.
Door Ajar
Indicates that a door (including hood and trunk) is not closed. Open and close all doors, including hood and trunk. If the vehicle has a door left open overnight, it could drain the battery.
Brake System
Indicates that either the parking brake is on, there is a problem with the braking system, brake fluid is low or there is a ABS problem. First check the brake fluid and make sure the parking brake is fully released. If the problem is in the ABS system, it may need a professional diagnosis.
Hopefully, with this guide, you are better prepared to fix these issues if they arise. However, if you do need professional help, make sure you take it to a trusted auto service department at the Lake of the Ozarks. Contact us at 573-317-4195 to schedule your next vehicle maintenance appointment.
That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
Sales: 573.317.4191
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