What do the lights on my dashboard mean?

Dashboard lights and warning lights can be very confusing. First and foremost, read your owner's manual. It will give you complete and accurate information on your particular vehicle. If you do not have a copy, contact the manufacturer or dealership to order one.

Maintenance Required Light - On most vehicles this light is scheduled to come on every 6,000-7,000 miles as a reminder you need to change the engine oil and filter and have the vehicle serviced. The auto technician should reset the light after every oil change. If the oil and filter are changed every 3,000 miles and the maintenance required light is reset, you should never see the light come on. If the maintenance required light comes on and you have recently had your vehicle serviced, the light was probably not reset.

Check Engine Light - The check engine light comes on when a sensor or component is not functioning within certain parameters. A code is stored in the ECU or computer of your vehicle. It is usually an emission control item but the check engine light can come on for many reasons. Oxygen sensor, EGR system, engine misfire, catalytic converter insufficient flow, and fuel system malfunction just to name a few. It can be as simple as not putting your gas cap on tight enough to needing a new catalytic converter. Bring the vehicle in so we can pull the code from the computer. The diagnostic charge is $42.00. Once the technician has the code it can be determined what repairs will need to be done.  There can be more than one code stored in the computer so there may be multiple problems with your vehicle.  You can drive your vehicle with the check engine light on but it is recommended that you have your vehicle checked soon. Your vehicle will not pass an emission inspection if the check engine light is on. 

Brake Light - When the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder drops below a certain level, the brake light will come on.  If the brake light comes on intermittently, the fluid level is changing as you drive the vehicle or make turns. The brake fluid level will drop as the brake pads wear out, if there is a leak in the brake master cylinder or even a defective brake master cylinder cap.  In either case, have your vehicle checked.  Topping off the brake fluid in the brake master cylinder may make the light go out but will not fix a needed repair.

ABS or ALB Light - This indicator light is for the Anti-Lock Brake system. The light comes on for numerous reasons including a problem with a sensor, wiring, internal leak or component failure in the ABS system. There are two brake systems on your vehicle. The regular brake system will work fine but the ABS brake system will not function when the ABS light is on. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.  Topping off the brake fluid in the ABS modulator may make the light go out but will not fix a needed repair.

SRS Light - The Supplemental Restraint System is for the air bags, side air bags, seat belts, and seat sensors.  If the SRS light is on, the air bags may not deploy if you are in an accident.  For you and your family's safety, have this system checked to determine which component is not functioning properly and have it repaired. State law dictates that seat belts must function properly.  If a seat belt in your vehicle is not working properly, your vehicle manufacturer may repair it at no charge.  See your local dealer for details.