What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
Your vehicle's dashboard warning lights are designed to keep you informed about what's happening with your vehicle. Most of the time, these lights only come on briefly when you first start your car. But when they start staying illuminated or begin flashing while you're driving, there may be a larger issue -- one that you should have the Zink Motor Company service department take a look at promptly.
We're committed to helping drivers throughout Western Missouri make sense of these important alerts and address them when they indicate a mechanical fault. The experts at our Ford service center in Appleton City are ready to resolve your vehicle's issues quickly, so learn more about dashboard lights below, then reach out for more information.
Why Did My Check Engine Light Come On?
The check engine light, or CEL, is perhaps the most common indicator we get calls about. When the check engine light appears on your car's dashboard, it indicates that there's a problem somewhere in the car's emissions system or another general engine fault. It's sometimes caused by something simple, like a poorly tightened gas cap, or it could indicate a much larger issue with your vehicle's other vital systems.
Ignoring this warning can lead to costly repairs, so we recommend you schedule Ford service in Appleton City with us as soon as possible when you see this light come on. We'll do a CEL scan to see if the light is being triggered by any Ford diagnostic codes, then work from there to fix and resolve any issues so you can start enjoying reliable driving once again.
Common Dashboard Warning Lights & Their Meanings
The check engine light isn't the only warning indicator in your gauge cluster. Here are some other common dashboard lights and what they mean:
- Oil Pressure Light: If this symbol glows, your engine may have low oil pressure, risking serious engine damage. Check your oil level and book a visit to our shop if it's low.
- Battery/Charging Alert: A battery warning light means trouble with your charging system, alternator or battery. Immediate attention can prevent unexpected breakdowns.
- ABS Light: This indicates an issue with your Anti-lock Braking System. Your standard brakes may work fine, but the ABS won't function as intended in an emergency.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Light: When this illuminates, one or more tires are likely underinflated. Be sure to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure for safe driving.
- DEF Warning Light: For diesel truck owners, a low DEF light is a warning that you need to refill your Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) tank. DEF is a crucial component of the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system.
- Traction/Stability Control Light: This signals your traction or stability systems are either actively aiding your drive, or there's a malfunction that needs diagnosing.
- Security Indicator: A flashing or steady security light can suggest an anti-theft system problem that might prevent your vehicle from starting.
Schedule Dashboard Warning Light Service Near Warrensburg
In business since 1913 and at the same location since 1918, our Ford dealership in Appleton City has built our reputation on reliable service and customer trust. Don't let dashboard warning lights go unchecked on your vehicle. Browse local Ford service specials to see how you can save and contact us to book your appointment. We're here to keep you moving forward with confidence!
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