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Warning Alerts
CAR WARNING LIGHTS SYMBOLS AND INDICATORS
What Do the Dashboard Lights in Your Car Mean?
Modern vehicles are complex machines. The average new car has over two dozen computer modules working behind the scenes, a vast network of sensors, and hundreds of electrical wires linking all these components together. This complexity means that there is a lot to go wrong with a car, and when things do, your first indication is often a warning light on the dashboard
Dashboard warning lights come in a variety of colors. The most serious lights are red, and they typically indicate a major issue or component failure. Yellow or amber lights often indicate a lower-grade hazard or warning, such as the activation of the traction control system when driving on slippery roads. Green and blue lights simply indicate that a feature is engaged, such as the headlights or cruise control.
Check Engine Light.
The check engine light, or CEL for short, is one of the most common dashboard warning lights but also one of the least specific. That’s because the check engine light warns of any engine-related issue. This can include something as simple as a loose gas cap, or a more-serious issue like a misfire, knocking, or a loss of compression, which could result in premature engine wear or failure.
Car dashboard lights: what to look for.
You’ll find that several lights illuminate as soon as you turn the car on, showing that the relevant systems are working. They should then go off. If any remain lit or light up during your journey, then they demand your attention.
The lights are linked to sensors, so an alert can simply mean that the sensor is faulty or that it has detected a problem. Don’t assume that’s the case, though. Ignoring a light could lead to serious damage, So it’s best to find out exactly what the problem is and then you can work out what to do.
Dashboard lights are colour-coded so you know how urgently you need to act. In general:
- Red lights Require immediate action and often relate to safety-critical systems.
Stop the car and investigate. - Orange/yellow lights Highlight system errors, information on critical features or low fluid levels.These should be resolved as soon as possible and may need professional attention
- Green/blue/black/white lights Information messages. Not a fault. Many of the symbols are standardised and used by nearly all manufacturers.
Scan tool (automotive)
An automotive scan tool (scanner) is an electronic tool used to interface with, diagnose and, sometimes, reprogram vehicle control modules.
There are many types from just as many manufacturers, one of the most familiar being the Snap-On “brick”, or MT2500/MTG2500. Snap-On, Hella Gutmann Solutions, OTC/SPX, Xtool india, Autel, Launch, Vetronix/Bosch and a number of other companies produce various types of scan tools, from simple code readers to highly capable bi-directional computers with programming capabilities. The scan tool is connected to the vehicle’s data link connector (DLC) and, depending on the particular tool, may only read out diagnostic trouble codes or DTC’s (this would be considered a “code reader”) or may have more capabilities. Actual scan tools will display live data streams (inputs and outputs), have bi-directional controls (the ability to make the controllers do things outside of normal operations) and may even be able to calibrate/program modules within certain parameters. However, a typical scan tool does not have the ability to fully reprogram modules because it requires a pass-through device and specific software.
Nothing can knock your day off track faster than a “Check Engine” light popping up on your dash. You wonder if you should pull over and shut off your vehicle or drive right to a shop. An engine code reader/scanner can help you make the drive/no drive decision and even help you fix the problem. It works by plugging into the car’s computer system and displaying a “trouble code.”
An engine code reader/scanner is worth buying if you’re a fairly competent amateur mechanic who understands how an engine works. But it’s not a silver bullet that will always tell you exactly what’s wrong. An auto code reader gives you a head start, but you’ll still have to do some detective work before you start pulling and replacing parts.
Car code reading and scanning sound simple, right? Well, there’s more to it than that. A code that indicates your oxygen sensor is “lean” can mean the sensor is dead, or it can mean that the air/fuel mixture really is lean and you’ve got either a vacuum leak or a fuel problem.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR CAR COMPUTER SCANNING.
Car computer scanning goes beyond detecting issues with your car’s mechanics. It will also detect inefficiencies and irregularities with the electronics, which include the lighting systems, audio systems, air conditioning systems, and even the ignition. Moreover, computer scanning detects problems and alerts drivers of problems before they become serious. In fact, the scan will pinpoint the root cause of a potential issue in the electronics of your automobile.
Regular car computer scanning will ensure your car remains good as new. Ensuring long-term performance is the key to getting the best bang for your buck.
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