A light on the dash that doesn't say - washer fluid is low immediately panics you right? It can happen when you don't keep up with standard maintenance and with older vehicles, you see it due to the age of the vehicle, however here at A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service in St Augustine, we like to keep you driving happy and listening to your favorite songs or talking to friends and family worry-free! Here are some quick tips and hard lines in the sand that you do not need to ignore.
Do not ignore a warning light. However, the first line of defense is to stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe and then turn the engine off - wait a few minutes then turn it back on. If the light is still there - get your manual out to see what the light means (or Google it). While not all car or truck dash warning lights are a sign that disaster is imminent, no warning indicator should ever be ignored. Here are some of the most frequent dash lights we see and what they mean.
Oil Pressure Light - The oil pressure light is usually an oil can symbol , although on older vehicles it may be a light with the word “OIL.” It comes on when there is a drop in engine oil pressure. Of all the warning lights, the oil pressure light indicates the greatest potential for serious mechanical damage. If the oil pressure warning light comes on and stays on, pull off the road at the first safe opportunity, shut off the engine, and call for assistance. Take it seriously.
Engine Temperature Light - The engine temperature light is usually a thermometer symbol, although in older vehicles it may be a light displaying the word “TEMP.” It comes on when the engine temperature is above the recommended maximum. Unless the temperature is quickly brought under control, major engine damage is likely to occur. If there are any signs of a cooling system leak, pull off the road at the earliest safe opportunity, shut off the engine, and call for assistance. Note: Be careful when opening the hood in the presence of steam, and never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot.
Charging System Light - The charging system light is usually a battery symbol, although on older vehicles it may be a light displaying the word “ALT” or “GEN.” It comes on when the vehicle electrical system is no longer being supplied power by the alternator. If this light comes on, shut down all unnecessary electrical loads such as the radio, heater or air-conditioning, and then drive here to A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service in St Augustine if you are in town immediately for further inspection.
Check Engine Light - The check engine light comes on when there is a problem affecting the vehicle's exhaust emissions. If the light comes on and stays on, make an appointment with us here at A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service in St Augustine to have the problem checked in the near future. You can do that by calling the shop during business hours or by using our convenient appointment program. However, if the check engine light begins flashing repeatedly, the catalytic converter is overheating. Should this occur, it is URGENT and we need to see you immediately for further diagnosis. Disregarding a flashing check engine light could start a fire, destroy the catalytic converter and result in necessary repairs that could easily exceed $1,000.
We want to keep repairs down and you driving longer so it is all about being proactive here at A-Ford-Able Auto Repair & Tire Service in St Augustine. Drive safe and call us or drop by the shop with questions when in doubt.
FOR AFFORDABLE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!
TOP SERVICES OFFERED: BRAKE REPAIR, ENGINE REPAIR-COOLING SYSTEM REPAIR, ELECTRICAL REPAIR, EXHAUST SYSTEM, TRANSMISSION REPAIR, A/C REPAIR, AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS, REPROGRAMMING-TOWING, DIESEL, DIESEL REPAIR, FORD DIESEL REPAIR, WATERPUMP, TUNE UP-ANTI THEFT, KEY PROGRAMMING, FORD REPAIR, FORD SPECIALIST, TRAILER REPAIR, WIRING REPAIR, TRAILER WIRING, COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS, OIL CHANGE, FACTORY MAINTNANCE, ROTATE TIRES, DIESEL, ALIGNMENT, SUSPENTION REPAIR, BALLJOINTS, DIESEL PERFORMANCE, FORD, FORD CARS, AUTO REPAIR SHOP, REPAIR SHOP, POWER STROKE , POWER STROKE DIESEL, INJECTOR, FUEL SYSTEM, FUEL LEAK, FUEL SYSTEM REPAIR, CAR REPAIR, VEH REPAIR, LIFT KITS, LEVELING KITS, OIL CHANGE, LUBE, OIL FILTER, TIRE REPAIR, BATTERY, CAR BATTERY, TEST, ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, COOLING SYSTEM, COOLANT SERIVICE, COOLANT LEAK, HOSE REPAIR, RADIATOR, RADIATOR HOSE, POWER STEERING REPAIR, POWER STEERING LEAK, SHOCKS, STRUTS, ANTI THEFT, ALARM SYSTEM, WINDOW REPAIR, AXLE REPAIR, AXLE SHAFT, C/V AXLE, C/V SHAFT, AXLE BEARING, REAR AXLE REPAIR, BELTS&HOSES, ANTI FREEZE, FREEZE PLUGS, OIL LEAK, FUEL INJECTOR, FUEL INJECTION, WINDSHIELD WIPER-STEERING, HUB BEARING, DRIVE SHAFT, UNIVERSAL JOINT, TRANS LEAK, TRANSMISSION REPAIR, ENGINE REPAIR, ENGINE REPLACEMENT, SPARK PLUG, FUEL FILTER, AIR FILTER, CRUISE CONTROL, TRANSMISSION SERVICE, POWER STEERING SERVICE, COOLANT SERVICE, CHARGING SYSTEM.
