Vehicle Warning Lights - Meanings & Actions

BRIGHTON, Mich.- Whether you're a new driver or experienced driver, you may wonder what to do when one of your Vehicle's Warning Lights goes off. If you're confused about what your vehicle's warning light means and what action you should take, then you've come to the right place. We've got all of your vehicle's basic warning light explanations covered.

Service Engine Light-
If your Service Engine Light turns on, no need to panic right away. Usually this means that your vehicle needs maintenance soon. So, although you do not need to rush to your local Service Garage, you should make an appointment to get your vehicle serviced as soon as you can. The Service Engine Light will be reset once your vehicle has received maintenance.

Battery Light-
Your Battery Light should be taken more seriously. If your Battery Light turns on and stays on, you should get your vehicle serviced right away since your vehicle's electrical system may have malfunctioned. If you ignore your Battery Warning Light, you could possibly experience engine failure.

Check Engine Light-

When your vehicle's Check Engine Warning Light goes off, the reasoning isn't so straightforward. The Check Engine Light could be warning you about a variety of issues, some as simple as not tightening your gas cap enough. However, it could also indicate a much more serious issue, so do not ignore it. To address the issue, you'll need an OBD2 diagnostic tool to read the fault code, or you can visit your local service garage and they can take a look at your vehicle for a small fee, or sometimes even for free!

Oil Warning Light-
Beware, when your Oil Warning Light turns on, you'll want to have your vehicle serviced right away! Most likely when your Oil Warning Light goes off, it means that you have low oil pressure. Ignoring this warning could cause your engine to malfunction or be completely ruined.

Coolant Warning Light-
If you realize your Coolant Warning Light has turned on, you'll want to take action immediately. This Vehicle Warning Light indicates that your your coolant is low and the engine temperature has exceeded the safe maximum, which causes accelerated wear on your vehicle's engine. Pull over immediately, but do not try to open the hood if you notice steam.

Brake Warning Lights-

Depending on your vehicle, the Brake Warning Light can have multiple meanings so you'll want to check your owner's manual for the exact meaning. If your vehicle is ABS-equipped and the ABS Warning Light comes on, you should have your vehicle looked at right away since this means that something is wrong with the system. If the warning light is blinking you'll want to exercise even more precaution since this can mean that your brakes are dead or dying.

Let your Livingston County Ford Dealer help you understand what your Vehicle's Warning Lights mean and what actions you should take to make sure you stay safe out on the road. Don't forget that you can save on vehicle maintenance with our Oil Change Coupons, Tire Rotation Coupons and Brake Shop Discounts. Brighton Ford's Service Center is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives on customer satisfaction.  For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800)-836-8206.

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Warning Light Explanations - Brighton Ford

BRIGHTON, Mich. - If you’ve owned a vehicle for any amount of time then chances are you’ve had one of your warning lights come on at some point.  It can be difficult to know exactly what you should do in the event that this happens, so here is a brief run-down of your possible vehicle problem. 

Service Engine Light

When your “Service Engine” light turns on it is usually an indication that your vehicle needs maintenance soon.  Be sure that you don’t let this go for too long especially since you may be in need of an oil change or service.  Your light can be reset when you visit a garage or in some cases by you if you look in your owner’s manual.

Battery Light

If you see this light go on and stay on then this may be an indicator that your electrical system has malfunctioned.  If you continue to drive with a faulty battery then all of the juice will be used up and your engine will give out.

Check Engine Light

In the event that your “Check Engine” light comes on don’t panic because there could be a number of reasons why this has happened.  You’ll need to either purchase an OBD2 diagnostic tool that will allow you to read the fault code and reset the system, or you can go to a garage that will read the codes for you.  Some garages will charge for this service but many do not. Sometimes the problem can be as simple as not tightening your gas cap enough, other times it may be more serious problem so do not hesitate to have your vehicle checked out.

Oil Warning Light

The “Oil Warning” light is a very bad sign, it means that your oil pressure is low and you need to have this repaired as soon as possible.  You could potentially kill your engine by continuing to drive while this light is on so don’t wait!

Coolant Warning Light

The coolant warning light means that you need to add a pre-mixed store bought coolant or distilled water (never tap water) to your radiator.  ALWAYS wait for the engine to cool before you open the radiator cap, otherwise you could be sprayed with boiling hot coolant. 

Brake Warning Lights

When your “Brake!” light comes on you’ll want to check your manual for the exact meaning because there isn’t a universal meaning for this symbol in each car.  The “ABS” light (on ABS-equipped vehicles) means that the system has recognized that something is wrong and that you should have it looked at right away.  If this light is blinking then it is very serious and could even mean your brakes are dead or dying.

At Brighton Ford we want you to stay safe and maintain your vehicle to the best of your ability that’s why we think it’s important that you know the correct steps that should be taken for emergency situations when your warning lights come on.  Visit our lot and take a look around our lot or call ahead to schedule a test drive in your dream vehicle today!

Brighton Ford is located at 8240 Grand River Ave. just north of I-96 in Brighton. We are a family owned and operated business that strives on customer satisfaction. Brighton Ford proudly serves the Brighton Ford dealership needs, Howell Ford dealership needs, Fowlerville Ford dealership needs, South Lyon Ford dealership needs, Whitmore Lake Ford dealership needs and Ann Arbor Ford dealership needs. For more information on Brighton Ford visit BrightonFord.com or give us a call at (800)-836-8206.

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