Over the years, those pesky little instrument-panel warning lights that adorn your car's dashboard, have grown more complex and, as a result, more confusing. I asked Jody Victor to tell us more about them in our third installment.
Jody Victor: Some of today's cars and trucks have more glowing dashboard lights than a Christmas tree! But knowing what they mean, and what to do when one flashes, is important for your safety and because the correct response could save you a huge repair bill.
Check Engine - This warning is part of the vehicle's on-board diagnostics (OBD) system, and indicates that the car's computer has detected an emissions-control issue, such as a faulty oxygen sensor. You may not notice any difference in the way the car sounds or drives, but if you ignore this light you could damage an expensive emissions control system - a clogged catalytic convertor is a common outcome. In some cases, you may void the warranty. On late-model cars, the check-engine light will illuminate if the gas cap is loose or missing. It needs to be tightened until it makes a clicking sound. If the cap was loose, it may take a few trips with a tight cap for the light to go off. If the cap is tight and the light stays on, take the vehicle to a qualified repair shop, where a mechanic can plug a scanner into the OBD terminal and read a trouble code stored by the computer, which will pinpoint the problem.
Stability Control - When this light flashes, it's indicating that the electronic stability control (ESC, sometimes called vehicle stability assist, or VSA) is active. This means that you are likely driving around a corner too fast for the available traction, which may be compromised because of ice, snow or wet pavement. (The light should probably just say "Slow down!") An increasingly common feature on new cars and trucks, ESC will be required by federal regulations on most passenger vehicles by 2012. ESC monitors the vehicle's response to driver steering input, and then applies brakes on individual wheels to help the driver regain control in event of a spinout The ESC may activate before you even feel the vehicle start to slide, but it's a warning that you need to proceed with caution.
Washer Level - This light signals you are low on windshield washer fluid. Get some soon. Check the owner's manual to find out where it goes. You can do this yourself if you can open the hood and find the blue cap. Here's a tip: If you are obviously out of washer fluid - the light is on and the washer won't squirt - stop using the washers. On many systems, the electric pump is lubricated by the washer fluid, and if you run it dry, you'll ruin the pump.
Thanks, Jody! We'll be sure to use this important info!