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What do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?

posted on 11/25/2020 1:21:49 PM

Even though the holiday season is here, the last thing you want is your vehicle’s dashboard to light up like a Christmas tree. Although dashboard warning lights have a reputation of bearing bad news, they’re really just your vehicle’s way of communicating with you. In fact, they’re often the first sign your car needs service.

As a driver, it’s important to be able to “speak the language” so you can understand the needs of your vehicle. This will help you catch issues while they’re small so you can avoid larger problems down the road. So, without further ado, let’s talk dashboard warning lights! P.S. - Listen to the latest podcast at AllAboutTheCarPodcast.com to learn more!

What are dashboard warning lights?

Dashboard warning lights, or DWLs for short, are colored lights located on the dashboard of your vehicle. Usually you won’t see them. But, when illuminated, they indicate a need for attention or service to a particular component of the car. Dash warning lights are nothing new – they've been around for about 50 years, ever since computers were first incorporated in vehicles.

Wait...there’s a computer in my car?

Yes! In fact, modern vehicles have 12 (or more!) computer systems. Today, automobiles come equipped with an electronic control unit, or ECU. Functioning as an on-board computer, this feature has been standard since the 1970s to meet emission regulations. Computers have improved vehicles in many ways, including making our cars fuel efficient and eco-friendly!

How many dashboard warning lights are there?

Before lights were used to indicate a need for service, there were three standard gauges found in automobiles. Their purpose was to take measurements of specific components and display those readings to the driver:

1. Oil Pressure
2. Coolant Temperature
3. Voltage or Amperage of the charging system

Since then, many dash warning lights have been added to protect your safety and the health of the car. Check out this resource to learn the meaning of 15 common lights!

The number of DWLs in a vehicle will vary depending on the year, make and model. It is not uncommon to have 15-20! Only one dash warning light is mandated: the Tire Pressure Monitor light. For all other DWLs, appearance and meaning can be specific to the manufacturer. Your owner’s manual is your go-to resource!

A dashboard warning light turned on, but everything seems fine. Is it okay to leave it alone?

It is never a good idea to let a dash warning light go unchecked. Some dash warning lights indicate a need for routine maintenance while others point out big problems. In fact, ignoring certain DWLs can cause serious (and costly) damage to your engine and other important systems.

Immediate action is required when:

Oil pressure light is flashing
Check engine light is flashing
Coolant temperature light illuminates
Tire pressure monitor light illuminates – check that a tire is not going flat

No matter how minor it may seem, do not ignore DWLs. Check out this article for details on specific dash warning lights, too. When it doubt, always refer to your owner’s manual. If you’re still not sure, making an appointment with a certified automotive professional is the smart thing to do. Reach our experienced Team at 608-985-8124 or anytime by email: [email protected].

How can I avoid dealing with dash warning lights?

Car trouble is not always preventable, but the best way to avoid dash warning lights is through routine maintenance. By sticking to a regular service schedule, your vehicle will receive the service and tune-ups it needs when it needs them. Automotive professionals will also be able to inspect other parts of your vehicle when you bring it into the shop, making it easier to spot small issues before they turn into big problems. Check out the previous All About The Car Podcast for more on routine maintenance.

Remember, dashboard warning lights are your vehicle’s way of letting you know something needs attention or service. As a driver, it’s important that you can decipher the message, address the situation and act accordingly. Dash warning lights are nothing to fear...they’re there to help you understand the needs of your vehicle and stay safe on the road!

Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (221) | Return

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What do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?

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