4 Dashboard Lights That Indicate Potential Mechanical Issues

Your car dashboard is a complex system of indicators and gauges that helps you understand the vehicle's situation at any time. Among the myriad gauges and indicators, dashboard warning lights shine bright, often catching your attention and igniting a sense of urgency.

These luminous symbols are like the vehicle's language, communicating potential issues that demand immediate attention. Learn about four warning lights you might come across that might highlight potential mechanical failures with your vehicle.

1. Check Engine



Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the warning may appear as a silhouetted engine, the words CHECK ENGINE in all capital letters, or some other similar form.

This indicator usually activates when your diagnostics tools discover an issue with an exhaust emission-control component. Possible causes include a faulty diesel particle filter, a clogged fuel injector, or a faulty ignition system.

The warning light is just the beginning. Other symptoms, such as unusual noises or unstable driving, may appear if the problem is severe enough. If so, stop the vehicle immediately and contact a technician. If you disregard the warning light, the engine could sustain expensive damage.

If the message shows on the dashboard while you're driving but nothing else seems wrong, have your mechanic perform a diagnostic scan using the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. This scan will help the mechanic determine the root cause of the problem and recommend a solution.

2. Oil Pressure Warning

The oil pressure indicator usually appears as a red container with one drop of oil at its spout. Turn off the engine immediately if the warning light comes on. Possible causes include insufficient oil, a broken oil pump, a leaking oil pan, or an overfilled oil pan.

The engine's oil level may be low because of evaporation, oil leaks, or faulty seals and oil plugs. The oil level indicator light should go out once you resolve these problems. Failure to shut off could indicate a more significant issue, such as a clogged oil filter or a faulty oil pump.

Also, change the engine oil at regular intervals. Ideally, change your vehicle's oil after 5,000 miles for synthetic oil and after 3,000 miles for conventional oil. This will prevent debris accumulation in the engine, which can trigger the oil pressure warning light.

3. Battery Warning

The battery warning light, which you will recognize as a Lego-style battery, warns you of a low battery. The indicator light is a ubiquitous warning of battery trouble.

The indicator light suggests that the car's charging system may be dysfunctional. Several issues might trigger the battery warning light, such as a faulty alternator, a loose battery cable, corrosion on the battery posts or terminals, or a damaged alternator belt. 

The battery warning light could also turn on if the automobile uses too many accessories simultaneously, draining the battery quicker than the engine's alternator can recharge it. A mechanic can diagnose the problem by inspecting the car's electrical cables, alternator, and other parts.

4. Traction Control or Anti-Lock Braking System

The warning lights for traction control and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) often resemble the front end of an automobile with two wavy lines underneath, representing the exact scenario these systems aim to prevent skids and slides. This indicator shows up when the ABS safety system activates, such as when the automobile moves at high speeds or when the road is wet and slippery.

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps you stop the car in an emergency by keeping all tires firmly on the road. When the ABS warning light comes on, something is wrong with the brakes. Problems with the control unit, the solenoid, the pump, the fluid level, the speed sensor, or the wiring can all contribute to the issue.

When you turn the ignition switch, the ABS light will flash briefly during the vehicle's self-test. If it continues to glow after that, an issue has likely developed with the system.

Contact us at All German Auto for automotive repairs and maintenance if you own a German car model. We service residents located within or near Escondido, CA.