I often feel like I’m lost in a foreign country where I do not know the language when I’m trying to decode my car’s dashboard. Like, I know that it’s trying to tell me something…something that is very likely important, but I have no idea what it is. For all I know, it could be saying that Timmy fell down the well. WHO’S to say! As it turns out, your handy dandy owner’s manual, that’s who. I come from the generation of, meh I’ll figure it out as I go. Turns out there is a WAY easier way that we have been totally overlooking. If you also struggle with the meaning of these somewhat obscure symbols flashing on your dashboard and don’t seem to have the decoder ring you require to figure it out, allow me to help you with this handy guide.
1. Engine Temperature warning light
- What it looks like: A squiggly boat
- What it means: Your engine is too hot.
2. Tire Pressure Warning Light
- What it looks like: A cauldron filled with very exciting soup
- What it means: One or more of your tires needs to be inflated a wee bit.
3. Oil Pressure Warning
- What it looks like: A genie’s lamp
- What it means: Your engine is running low on oil, or there is an issue with your car’s oil pressure system.
4. Traction Control
- What it looks like: A ribbon dancing sedan
- What it means: The car’s traction control system is engaged
5. Engine Warning
- What it looks like: a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine, a yellow submarine
- What it means: It could be any number of things, but the most common issues include:
- Your Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs replacing
- Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing
- Catalytic Converter needs replacing
- Mass Airflow Sensor needs replacing (MAF)
- Spark Plugs or Plug Wires need replacing
6. Battery Alert
- What it looks like: A math lego.
- What it means: The car’s charging system is short of power. You are running solely on battery.
7. Fuel Indicator Symbol
- What it looks like: An ATM Fighting a cobra
- What it means: Your car is running low on fuel
8. Airbag Indicator
- What it looks like: A poodle with a ball on its back
- What it means: One of your airbags, or the airbag system, in general, may have an issue
9. Fog Lamp Indicator
- What it looks like: A Jellyfish holding a rope
- What it means: Your fog lights are on
10. Traction Control Malfunction
- Slightly deconstructed deathly hallows.
- What it means: There is an issue with your Anti-skid system
Hopefully, this was helpful to you. Should your vehicle display any of these warning lights, stop by Harchelroad Motors of Imperial and Wauneta today and we’ll get your car back on the road in no time!
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