Your Ford is perfectly equipped to tell you when something is wrong. But as the driver, it’s imperative that you listen. Understanding what warning lights do and mean will help you help your vehicle and increase its lifespan on the road.
Our team at our Santee Ford Service Center has compiled this helpful guide to help you decode your dashboard’s warning lights. While some symbols are easier to decipher than others, we’ve provided everything you need to know! Keep reading to learn more, then stop by our Ford service department for all your maintenance needs. And when you’re looking for a trusted Ford dealer near you, stop by our lot!
Most Common Dashboard Warning Lights
Your dashboard contains various warning lights that all point to different aspects of your vehicle. Follow along as we discuss the meanings of dashboard warning lights and what you can expect from them.
Check Engine
We’ll start with the most serious. The check engine light is well-known and hated by drivers. Usually the shape of a silhouetted engine, this light relates to anything related to your car’s motor and emissions system – from something as minor as a loose wire or an ill-fitting gas cap to something more serious in the heart of the engine itself. This is an important light to get checked out. At Santee Ford, we can easily run a diagnostic test to see the root of the issue.
Battery
The battery warning is easy to decipher because it looks exactly like your car’s battery. Typically, if this is illuminated, your car won’t turn on. However, there are times when your car will turn on and operate seemingly fine. This shouldn’t be ignored because it could be a long-term issue with the battery or a potential problem with the car’s wiring.
Coolant Temperature
This light is the shape of a thermometer taking a dip in the ocean or water. The coolant temperature warning simply lets you know that the car is running too hot. This could be caused by a broken water pump, low coolant levels in the radiator, a leaking or burst coolant hose, or even damage to the radiator itself. These are serious issues that could lead to a much bigger engine problem if ignored.
Transmission Temperature
This is represented by a thermometer in a gear shift and indicates that the internal pieces of your gearbox are reaching a critical point. It could be caused by excessively heavy towing, low transmission fluid levels, or, more seriously, excessive wear in the inner workings of the transmission.
Oil Pressure Warning
A lot of new Ford vehicles have a feature that shows the life of your oil and tells you when you need an oil change. But if you don’t have a newer Ford, this light tells you that your oil needs to be topped off. However, if your vehicle is losing oil quickly, it could mean a leak in the engine or worn parts.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Similar to the oil pressure warning, newer Fords have the ability to show you all four tires and their pressure level, so you never have to worry about an under-filled or over-filled tire. On older vehicles, an exclamation point in the middle of a two-thirds circle will illuminate. An over-inflated tire can lead to many issues for your car, including a rocky drive or a blown tire. An under-inflated tire can result from a leak that would need to be patched or, in some cases, need to replace the tire.
Brake System
This is a common mistake that occurs when the driver pulls away with the parking brake still engaged. This is an alert and warning to let you know to disengage your parking brake.
Traction Control, Stability Control
Similar to the Brake System warning, this warning shows that these systems have been turned on to prevent your car from slipping. Looking like a car driving down a curvy road, this light will turn on when traction control and stability control are activated.
Airbag Warning
This is a perfectly normal light when your car first turns on. If it stays illuminated while driving, that indicates there is likely a problem with one of the vehicle’s airbags. This won’t cause you to get stuck on the side of the road, but it could be dangerous in the event of an accident.
Lamp Out
This is one of the less serious dashboard lights on the list. This symbol shows an exclamation point in a shining circle, meaning a lamp or bulb in the headlamp or tailgate is out. It doesn’t affect the car’s drivability, but if pulled over, it could risk an accident or a pricey ticket.
Stop By Our Ford Service Department Today
Fords are built to last, but routine maintenance is required to keep your vehicle running right. Even with staying on top of your regular maintenance, a warning light may still appear. When you spot it, our Ford service specialists are here to help!
Whether you need a full maintenance check or a simple Ford oil change, our Ford service near you has you covered. Be sure to ask about Ford service specials!
As your local trusted Ford dealership near you, we are proud to be your one-stop shop for all things automotive. Schedule an appointment online or contact our Service Center in Manning, SC, today with any questions!
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