|
|
|
|
Car Care
FAQ
[Frequently Asked Questions]
|
|
|
|
|
*** WARNING LIGHTS ***
Today’s vehicles are equipped with an array of warning lights. Of course we’re all familiar will the seat belt warning and the door ajar indicator; however, with the automotive industry’s technological advancements there are a number of warning lights that can be quite alarming.
|
| |
What is an SRS Light?
SRS Light (Supplemental Restraint System): the supplemental restraint system is your Airbag System. It may incorporate a variety of active, passive, and even pre-safe technology depending on the vehicle. Given that the SRS System is a safety system, it is well monitored with numerous sensors and automatic self-tests. The slightest malfunction in this system illuminates the SRS light.
"Can the vehicle be driven with an SRS Light on?"
Yes, at the owner’s risk. There are thousands of vehicles on the road without SRS technology.
"Is the airbag going to blow up?"
It’s unlikely. When the SRS Light is on the system is inoperative.
|
| |
What is an ABS Light?
ABS Lights: The Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light is another common occurrence in today’s vehicles. The ABS system helps to keep you from skidding out of control during braking by limiting your wheels from locking up/skidding. The ABS system is often integrated with traction control and stability systems, all of which are designed to keep you safe during panic stops, wheel slippage, and handling.
"Do I need brakes?"
You might, but that’s not why the ABS Light is on. The ABS Warning System does not monitor disc brake pad or disc brake rotor wear (see the Padlight Warning section below).
"Can the vehicle be driven?"
Like the SRS system, the vehicle can be driven at the owner’s risk as there are many vehicles still on the market without the enhanced safety features of ABS.
"Why is my ABS light on? How do I reset the ABS Light?"
These are simple questions with a multitude of answers depending on the vehicle in question. For a QUICK and FREE solution, follow the information and guidelines for Resetting Check Engine Light, and apply them to your ABS light.
|
| |
What is a Low Coolant Light?
The Low Coolant Light will come on when the coolant drops below the coolant level sensor—generally one to two quarts. If this light is on, there are two primary possibilities. The most common is a coolant leak. The other is an electrical fault in the warning lamp circuit. Have them checked out.
"Can it be driven?"
If there are no major leaks, the vehicle is not overheating (and does not start to overheat), and there is still some evidence of coolant in the overflow bottle, it can be driven. If you can see coolant leaking on the ground—tow it. When in doubt, always tow it!
|
| |
What is Red Oil Light?
Red Oil Light On: Stop driving immediately and shut the engine off! If a Red Oil Warning Light comes on PAY ATTENTION.
The best case scenario is that your engine oil is a little low. The second best case scenario is that there is an electrical issue with the Oil Level Warning System circuit.
First, follow your owners’ manual’s instructions to check your oil. If low, add as recommended—make sure you don’t see it dripping or pouring out on the ground, which would indicate a “major” engine leak.
If the oil is not low and your engine is making ticking, knocking, or unusual noises, Tow it!
If everything appears ok, and you’re a bit of a gambler, it may just be an issue with the warning lamp circuit. In this case, get your vehicle checked out at your earliest convenience.
The worst case scenario is internal engine damage.
Note: many of today’s vehicles have very sensitive and sophisticated Oil Level Warning Systems. You may be alerted of oil level too high, or oil level too low. Again, refer to your owners’ manual’s instructions.
So whether it’s a 1993 Ford Aerostar Check Oil Light, or a question of “Why does oil light flash in Saab automobile,” PAY ATTENTION!
|
| |
What is Red Brake Warning Light?
Generally, Red Warning Lights mean DANGER. In the case of a Red Brake Warning Light, there may be a hydraulic brake fluid leak. If the brake pedal feels abnormal or spongy—don’t drive—Tow It!
"Can I drive it?"
If the car is stopping ok, and you’re a gambler, go ahead. If the brake pedal feels different than usual, or if the vehicle is not stopping properly, don’t drive it!
Note: make sure that your emergency brake is not on or partially engaged, as this will illuminate a Red Brake Warning Light.
|
| |
What is Emission Warning Light?
This light is similar to the Check Engine Light. Many European models such as Volvos have this type of Warning System. It’s essentially letting you know that an emissions component has failed or detected a fault. Follow the Check Engine Light information and tips to address this particular warning light.
Note: make sure you take it to a shop equipped to handle emissions work.
|
| |
What Is A Check Engine Light & Why Is It On?
The check engine light (CEL) is that little annoying light that pops on every once in awhile on your dashboard. That light is like the tip of an iceberg. The reason why it's on lies deep within your vehicle electronic and computer system. The brain of the system is called an electronic control module (ECM) or sometimes called a power train control module (PCM). These units are constantly being fed information from the various sensors, switches, and valves throughout the vehicle.
The ECM is constantly making precise adjustments to the vehicles sensors depending on your acceleration speed, braking, cruising speed, engine temperature and the like. It also communicates with the transmission control module (TCM). The most common reason the light comes is due to the fuel cap not being secured. Yes believe or not that will cause the light to come on. If your CEL does come, check the cap to make sure it's tight. Also check that the tether strap that holds the cap is not caught between the cap and the vehicle.
If this is the case, re secure the gas cap. Then sometime over the next few days the light should reset itself on most vehicles. The ECM could even take a week to reset. This is about the only condition where the light will reset on it's own. Now if that's not the case or there's a noticeable drivability problem, you need to bring your car for service. The ECM stores trouble codes. These codes tell the technician what caused the light to come on.
The trouble codes are a starting point for diagnosing the problem. Sometimes it's pretty simple to diagnose. Other times it can take longer to find the problem than to repair it. An example would be some time of vacuum leak. The hard part would be finding the leak. Replacing a broken vacuum hose usually doesn't take that long.
If your CEL comes and the vehicle has a drivability problem, like hesitation, loss of power, bring it in for service asap. If it seems to be driving ok you, for the most part, have some time to get it in for service so there's no need to panic.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
HOME |
SALES |
SERVICES |
APPOINTMENTS |
SPECIALS |
TIRES |
PARTS |
MAP & DIRECTIONS |
FAQ |
CONTACT US |
|
|
|
