I have warning lights on my dashboard.
I have engine light, abs, door ajar, fuel intake sytem, traction control lights are on the dash the car runs good wont start on first try after getting gas also sometimes if you go to pass itll lag ppower and not drop a gear down. The car was in a accident before our purchase and we take it as thats why the lights are on. my question is will a new/ existing repaired computer fix that? we was told that it was a computer problem. the code readers will not pick up any problems. any help will be awesome.
My car has 95000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
A faulted electronic control module may cause multiple concerns, but it seems you have problems with multiple systems on the vehicle that may or may not have much to do with one another. Often, a collision will cause wiring harnesses to get pinched or broken and may damage modules if the computer is mounted in the area of the damage. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out for a closer inspection of the vehicle to determine the cause for your warning lights and poor performance.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
When all your dashboard lights turn on at once, it most commonly indicates an issue with the alternator or the charging system. It is common for all the dash lights to come on with no alternator output; low voltage can cause unusual electrical issues. The alternator should be tested at the time of battery replacement.
Green: the system is working correctly or is currently in use. Yellow: something is not working correctly – take extra care and check it out as soon as possible. Red: there is a serious, and potentially dangerous problem – stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so.
Brake System Warning: This light appears as an exclamation point and the letter P, both inside circles. If turned on, either your parking brake is engaged while driving or there`s been a system malfunction. Cruise Control Indicator: This light illuminates when cruise control is engaged.
Generally, this indicator light means a problem has been detected in the automatic transmission (not applicable in manual transmission cars) or transaxle. This light can also indicate an Electric Shift Control system warning.
Not every symbol that appears on your dashboard is a warning light. Some have to do with vehicle features (like lights and cruise control) or safety (like blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warnings) or mechanical issues (like low tire pressure and engine temperature warnings).
The check engine light is usually the most serious and feared warning because of the kind of damage it can signal. This warning often indicates the potential for serious engine damage. When ignored, your vehicle could suffer from a blown head gasket or a seized engine.
Transmission Warning Light
If this warning light turns on, you should immediately stop your vehicle and turn it off when it`s safe to do so. Your transmission could be overheating when there are low transmission fluid levels, worn internal components, and several other reasons.
It`s an easy fix: You need to inflate the tire. You may see a yellow exclamation mark on a dashboard instead, which also indicates an issue with your tires. Some cars have an orange exclamation mark, while others have a yellow one.
Family Owned and Operated. Newer model vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) to warn drivers that at least one of their tires is underinflated. The dashboard light looks like an exclamation point inside of a horseshoe and, if illuminated, should be addressed immediately.
If you notice any difficulty shifting gears or you hear a screeching or whining noise, this could be an indication that your powertrain transmission is in need of repairs. Check the transmission fluid – If your transmission fluid is low or dirty, then you may experience issues with the powertrain.
Signs of a powertrain malfunction are; Reduces speed, Unusual handling, Overheating, and Growling noise under the bonnet. You need not waste any time. Visit a service center with immediate effect.
There are 3 different categories of warning lights; red, amber and green: Red warning lights mean you should stop the car as soon as it`s safe. Yellow warning lights mean that action is required. Green warning lights are for information only.
There are two main types of dashboard warning lights: red and orange. A red warning light generally indicates a serious issue with your car. You should act quickly if your dashboard warning light is red – it could be an overheating engine, low engine oil pressure or a braking system problem.
There are 64 warning lights and symbols on a car`s dashboard – but how many do you recognise? They are an everyday sight that could mean the difference between a smooth journey and a costly repair bill. But many of us have no idea what the lights and symbols on our car dashboards actually mean and when to take action.
Defective switch
One of the most common causes when a car light won`t turn off, is a faulty switch. In such a case, you move the switch to “Off” – but the signal does not reach the light. This defect can usually be quickly detected by dismantling the switch.
Most of the time, it is caused by the yaw sensor or the steering angle sensor. If you want to have this repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to determine the cause of the Warning Lights and let you know what needs repair.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
No dash lights, back right tail light is out, no parking lights. Brake lights work though as does head lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. In many cases, when you have electrical problems like you’re describing, it’s caused by multiple electrical component failure. It’s likely that a few electrical relays are not working; especially if you have systems that utilize the same components (such as your brake light and tail lights). I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is damaged and recommend the right repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
Abs light, emergency brake light, steering wheel assist light, engine light, EPC light, traction control light
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
Dashboard warning lights come on during acceleration
ANSWER : Hello. Thanks for writing in about your Infiniti EX35. It sounds like one of your sensors for the system is reading incorrectly. I usually check the tires first as an odd tire on the car will cause this. If the tires are fine, then a scan tool would need to be used to see what the other sensors are reading. Most of the time, it is caused by the yaw sensor or the steering angle sensor. If you want to have this repaired, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to determine the cause of the Warning Lights and let you know what needs repair.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
All dashboard lights and tail lights do not work after driving through a lot of snow. Headlights work. And brake lights work.
ANSWER : Hello. We’ll be happy to help you. There are a few things that I recommend checking to discover why your lighting system is malfunctioning. The headlight dimmer switch should be checked. Along with the wiring harness above the right front tire behind the fender well cover. Also
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
on a 1970 Lincoln mark iii Interior lights wont turn on and warning lights are very dim and doorlock button makes buzzer go on
ANSWER : Hi there. Although the electrical systems on older vehicles tend to be much simpler in design, in many cases, issues like you’ve described can be very tricky to trace. It could possibly be something as simple as an expose wire creating an electrical short or a faulty relay that is not completing an electrical circuit. I wish we can help you further, but the best advice I can offer is to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an electrical problems inspection.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
Intermittently, dashboard and interior lights do not work
ANSWER : Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1988 Oldsmobile Toronado. This is something that would require first hand inspection for complete diagnosis. However, there is a technical service bulletin (TSB) that may pertain to your issue. The TSB is number 89-T-129 and it deals with an "Electrical Problem" message on the message display and erratic air conditioning operation. The solution is to replace the HVAC control module with an upgraded one. There is also another TSB 89-T-140 which deals with intermittent climate control and instrument cluster operation due to a faulty solder joint in central power supply. The fix is to replace the unit with an upgraded model. I recommend having the pros at YourMechanic diagnose the electrical issues and repair this problem for you.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
signals, daytime running lights are not working, park brake light on dash is on steady and chime is dinging steady 4×4 wont engage
ANSWER : This is likely a brake light switch problem. I would suggest testing the brake light switch which should be located down by the brake pedal. This may also be a computer problem as well as indicated by the other lights on in the dash. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to possibly replace the brake light switch and diagnose with a scanning tool which will download useful data from the truck’s computer indicating what specifically the problem may be.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
What is the difference between engine oil warning light and another warning light just like that but with waves under the sign? 1996 Mitsubishi Galant
ANSWER : Hello- the warning light you mention is a " low coolant" indicator. Once the engine is cool – check your coolant reservoir and/or cooling system for proper fluid level. Since you seem to have lost fluid, I would recommend an inspection of the cooling system by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : I have warning lights on my dashboard.
