The underlisted warning lights on the dashboard of any modern automobile must not be neglected when seen:

Oil pressure warning light

The oil pressure warning light comes on if your engine has lost oil pressure or oil pressure is too low for safe engine operation. You should pull over to the side of the road, shut the engine off and check the oil level on the engine dipstick.

Possible Causes: Low oil level (due to oil consumption or leaks), oil viscosity too thin, worn oil pump, excessive engine bearing clearances or defective oil pressure sending unit. If your engine is also making ticking, clattering or rapping noises, it is not getting sufficient oil. If you attempt to drive the engine in this condition, you will probably damage it – if it hasn’t already suffered major internal damage.

Temperature warning light

The temperature warning light will come on if your engine is overheating. DO NOT continue driving if your engine is overheating as this can cause expensive engine damage (piston scuffing, valve stem galling, failed head gasket, cracks or distortion in cylinder head). Stop driving, pull over and shut your engine off. Open the hood and check the radiator and heater hoses, radiator and engine for coolant leaks. Note the level of the coolant in the coolant reservoir.

Caution: DO NOT open the coolant reservoir or radiator cap until the engine has cooled off for at least 30 minutes. Steam pressure inside the cooling system can blow out and burn you! If the coolant level is low, add coolant (a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and clean distilled water) after the engine has cooled down.

Possible Causes: Low coolant level (due to coolant leak or bad head gasket), stuck thermostat, bad water pump, broken serpentine belt, defective radiator cooling fan, clogged or dirty radiator, exhaust restriction (plugged catalytic converter).

Hint: Turning the A/C OFF and turning the heater on HIGH may help cool down an engine that is temporarily overheating due to unusually hot weather or from towing a trailer. But if the engine is running hot because it is low on coolant, this trick probably won’t help much.

Charging system warning light

The “GEN” or “ALT” warning light, or an icon of a battery will illuminate if the charging voltage in your vehicle is low. You do not have to stop immediately, but you may only have 20 to 30 minutes of driving time before the battery goes flat and your engine stops running (or even less time if you are driving at night with your headlights on).

Possible Causes: Broken or slipping serpentine belt or V-belt, bad alternator, charging control fault, or loose or corroded battery cables. Open the hood to see if the drive belt that turns the alternator is intact and is turning the alternator while the engine is idling. If the belt is not the problem, chances are the charging system has a problem that will have to be diagnosed and repaired. Better find a repair shop soon.

Brake warning light

Any of the Brake warning light will come on if the parking brake has not been fully released, but it may also come on if the brake fluid level is low or there has been a loss of hydraulic pressure in one of your car’s brake circuits. Loss of fluid or brake pressure means the brakes may not be able to stop your car when you step on the pedal. Carefully apply the brakes to see if they are working. If they are, pull over to the side of the road, open the hood and check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder. If the fluid level is low, the brake system should be inspected for leaks. If there are leaks, your brake system is unsafe to drive. If the brake pedal is low or goes to the floor, pumping the pedal may apply enough pressure to stop your car. If that fails, apply your parking brake to slow your vehicle. Also, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, or downshift and use engine braking to slow your vehicle if you have a manual transmission. If all that fails, aim for something soft like a bush or open field.

Possible Causes: Loss of brake fluid due to leaks (master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake lines or hoses), failure of the pressure differential switch that activates the brake light, parking brake pedal or handle not fully releasing, defective parking brake switch. WARNING: If the brake pedal feels soft, is low, goes to the floor, or you have to pump the pedal to get your vehicle to stop, your vehicle is unsafe to drive. You should have it towed to a repair facility for repairs.

Low tyre warning light

The Low Tire Pressure Warning Light will come on if any tire on your vehicle is 25 per cent or more under-inflated. Driving on a low tire can be dangerous because it increases the risk of a tire blowout. A low tire can also cause uneven braking, uneven traction, uneven and rapid tire wear, increased rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Find a gas station with an air pump, and check the inflation pressure in each tire with an accurate gauge (not the gauge on the pump, which is often very inaccurate). Add air as needed to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure (see your owner’s manual or the tire inflation decal in the door jam or glove box). For most passenger cars, the recommended pressure is typically 32 to 34 PSI.

Possible Causes: Loss of air pressure due to a leak (such as a nail or small puncture in a tire or a bad valve stem), loss of air pressure due to seepage (1 to 2 PSI per month loss is normal for many tires), or inaccurate or failing TPMS sensor in tire. Checking your tires regularly (at least once a month or before any long road trip) is recommended. Check the tires when they are COLD and BEFORE you drive your vehicle as driving creates friction and heats up the tires (causing an increase in air pressure).

REACTIONS TO AUTOMEDICS

I own a Nissan Frontier 2003 model, with a 2,224,014 mileage. Its full engine just was just replaced and serviced. Written on the dash board is. SERVICE ENG SOON. What does this mean? Adetuyi

The “Service Engine Soon” is an indication that the powertrain system of the vehicle needs to be scanned. The result of the scan will guide your technician on what to do.

Please, where is your workshop located. My car has an a/c and a fan-related problem. Anonymous

We are located inside the Lagos Television (LTV) Complex, on Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, (opposite Coca-Cola), Lagos.

I drive a Toyota Corolla 2003 model (American spec). It was recently vandalised and the brain box was stolen. Is it possible to get another brain box from your company?

Yes, we can get the ECU for your car.

My Honda Civic 2002 model trips off especially in traffic or after long distance covered. What could be the cause?

The fault could be related to fuel or ignition systems. But the best advice is to run a scan on the powertrain system. The result of the scan will guide on what to do about the problem.

I appreciate how you help answer troubled automobile users, kudos to you sir. I drive an Infinity QX4 1997 edition and I have difficulties turning on the over-drive. I am beginning to suspect it might be having a serious strain on my transmission system. Gboyega

You need to have the transmission inspected by a technician focusing on the electrical of the O/D and you can also run a scan on the transmission. It sounds like an electrical fault.

I want to buy Volkswagen Touareg, I live in Oshogbo, please can you advice me on what to look out for, and the likely problems I need to avoid. I learnt they do have electrical problems, what is your view about the maintenance? Jimoh

The only advice I will give you is to get a good mechanic to inspect the vehicle for you mechanically, structurally and electrically. Also, the parts are not cheap to buy.

http://www.punchng.com/columnists/automedics/five-warning-signs-not-to-be-ignored/

.

Please I'm experiencing this constant noise from the rear on my 03 camry what could be the cause as have changed the shocks to a new one as suggested by a mechanic still the noise persist.

kkon:
Please I'm experiencing this constant noise from the rear on my 03 camry what could be the cause as have changed the shocks to a new one as suggested by a mechanic still the noise persist.

I will suggest you see an auto specialist to access your car.... pls do patronise road side mechanics...

[which of this scanners can i use for my toyota 4-runner 2007? Also which one can i use for chrysler voyager 1998 model? what is the price?]Acquire any one of these Scanners and be your own CAR DOCTOR!

LAUNCH CREADER VIII
Launch X431 Diagun
Autel MD 802
LAUNCH MASTER IV
SBB KEY PROGRAMMER
T-CODE 300 KEY PROGRAMMER
SKP 900 KEY PROGRAMMER
ELL327 BLUETOOTH INTERFACE SCANNER e.t.c. All @ Affordable prices

Call TUNDE on 08061183339[/quote]

Pls do you have any that can be used for ix35 2014 model?

gateleo:


I will suggest you see an auto specialist to access your car.... pls do patronise road side mechanics...

ok where are u located so we can schedule a meet.