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      Your concern might be complex to diagnose and may require additional equipment to pinpoint the cause. In this case, you'll receive Digital Inspection results plus a quote to perform deeper diagnostic/test procedures.
      Home / Symptoms / What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?

      What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?

      Common symptoms for What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?

      Does your car show one or more warning lights on its dashboard?

      Have you noticed that with increasing computer-supported car features, there are more Dashboard Warning lights? Often, no additional noise, smell, or other noticeable changes in drivability appears when a warning light comes on. Although understandable, the first instinct of ignoring the light and waiting until the car shows malfunction signs is not recommended.

      For this reason, we've made a set of articles to empower car and truck owners like you to understand better what might be affecting your vehicle. By reading through the articles, you'll get familiar with the following:

      • What warning lights are common
      • What common causes make the warning lights go on
      • What fixes will your trusted auto repair shop apply to eliminate the warning lights
      What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
      Common Warning Lights
      AttentionRegardless of the light's nature, your first action should be to go to the nearest auto repair shop, ideally within a 5-mile radius. Unfortunately, you won't be able to diagnose warning lights yourself without the appropriate diagnostic equipment.

      Common Warning Lights

      If you're far from your trusted shop or driving somewhere unfamiliar, check out our list of AutoTechIQ-certified auto repair shops. This list includes experienced shops in your current area that helped drivers like you in the past. These shops perform a free vehicle health inspection to diagnose your car's issues on a first visit.

      Depending on the warning light, the issue can advance quickly. For example, a steering power loss on sharp turns might be discounted, and the power steering fluid might need regular refills. However, what is going on is that the steering pump is disintegrating, leading to a loss of steering power permanently.

      How Customer-focused Auto Repair Shops Can Assist You

      Depending on your concern, an auto repair shop centered on customer education performs the following:

      The shop inspects your car's problem

      test, diagnose, and, if possible, give you a quote on fixing it. Plus, they'll show you a complete vehicle health inspection result, educating you to decide.

      Your concern is already part of their vehicle health inspection process

      and your vehicle's health bill contains relevant information about the issue.

      Your concern might be complex to diagnose and require additional equipment to

      pinpoint the cause. In this case, you'll receive the standard vehicle health inspection and a quote from the shop to perform deeper diagnostic and test procedures.

      Regardless of the problem's complexity, you'll always receive a vehicle health inspection to make the best decision matching your budget and goals. Note that safety-related items are always high-priority topics to discuss.

      Common Causes For Warning Lights

      Typical testing procedures and a vehicle health inspection tell the likely diagnosis, listing what fixes should take care of the warning light. In addition, ask your trusted automotive repair or service advisor for the best inspection interval based on your driving habits.

      These are the most common causes of warning lights on your dashboard.

      Problems
      • Faulty Steering Angle SensorFaulty Steering Angle Sensor
      • Faulty Steering PumpFaulty Steering Pump
      • Detached Vacuum HosesDetached Vacuum Hoses
      • Engine MisfireEngine Misfire
      • Faulty Airflow SensorFaulty Airflow Sensor
      • Unsynced Tire SensorUnsynced Tire Sensor

      What should you share with your trusted auto repair shop to get it fixed?

      If you wanted to make a first verification step, you could use the vehicle health inspection images above and compare them with your vehicle. If any of the images match what your car or truck is experiencing, you most likely found the potential cause already, and your talk to the auto repair shop of your choice will definitely be very productive. In addition, you might be able to save money significantly.

      First Things First: Get A Digital Vehicle Health Inspection
      Step 1

      First Things First: Get A Digital Vehicle Health Inspection

      First of all, any trusted auto repair shop should perform a comprehensive vehicle health inspection regardless of the situation.

      In addition, this inspection reveals only what the shop needs to fix. No unnecessary repairs will occur. We recommend sticking to the same trusted automotive repair shop you use for car maintenance or, as it is often referred to, an "oil change."

      Plus, performing this inspection twice a year allows you to see trends of wear and tear. Also, you'll grow confident that the cost of regular maintenance is a good investment in increasing the lifespan of your car or truck.

      Help Your Shop to Pinpoint the Cause
      Step 2

      Help Your Shop to Pinpoint the Cause

      The details you provide help the shop save testing time, which also saves you money. For example, if your car's dashboard shows warning lights, the critical questions are:

      • When do these warning lights appear?
      • How long has it been happening?
      • What accessories were operating?
      • Did you turn these accessories on, or were they all on for an extended time? 
    • When do these warning lights appear?
    • How long has it been happening?
    • What accessories were operating?
    • Did you turn these accessories on, or were they all on for an extended time? 
      • Share your Goals for your Car or Truck
      Step 3

      Share your Goals for your Car or Truck

      To ensure that the auto repair shop performs the proper fixes, please share your goals for vehicle longevity with the service advisor.

      Specific goals might be:

      • The maximum mileage you want your car or truck to last
      • The maximum budget you intend to invest in your car or truck in the future
    • The maximum mileage you want your car or truck to last
    • The maximum budget you intend to invest in your car or truck in the future

      • Does the information on this page help you take the next step, be confident in interacting with your auto repair shop and guide you to the best course of action?