|
 Brake Light
The Brake Light can be activated for a number of reasons. The
simplest cause is that the parking brake is engaged. If the brake
light is still illuminated after the parking brake has been fully
disengaged, there could be a more serious issue. Lack of hydraulic
pressure or a low fluid level due to leaking will both generate your
Brake Light ?and both issues indicate an immediate need for
service. Brake fluid leaks are particularly dangerous as they can
cause your brakes to fail and contaminate different components of
your brake system. Make sure your brakes are still stopping your
vehicle if you are attempting to drive. If there is no brake
pressure at all, it is safest to stop driving and call for a tow.
See: Brake Repair Service
 Check Engine Light
The Check Engine Light is triggered by a systematic abnormality
detected by your vehicle’s onboard computer system. This light can
activate for a number of reasons that vary in severity. The check
engine light can trigger for something as simple as a loose gas cap
to something as serious as a faulty catalytic converter. Upon being
triggered, a fault code, also known as OBD2 codes, detailing the
nature of the issue is registered in your vehicle’s diagnostic
system. This fault code is stored and can only be retrieved via
diagnostic equipment. If your Check Engine Light is on, make sure
you bring your vehicle in for testing as soon as possible. If your
Check Engine Light is flashing, your onboard computer system is
logging a potentially dangerous problem and you should not drive
your car.
 Battery Light
The Battery Light indicator triggers when there is an issue with
your vehicle’s electrical system. The
cause can be something small, such as a loose wire, or something
larger like your vehicle’s battery not properly holding a charge. If
this light turns on while you are driving, try to keep your ignition
running ?if you turn your car off, it may not restart. Bring your
vehicle into our shop for a battery test. If you
are not able to get your car to start, we advise that you call for a
tow.
 Temperature Warning Light
The Temperature Warning Light gauges the heat of your engine. If
the light engages, it is indicating that your engine is overheating.
Overheating can be the result of a low coolant level. If this light
activates while you are driving, immediately pull over and turn your
car off to let it cool. Do not open the radiator before your car has
had a chance to cool down as it could be very hot and cause an
injury.
 Fog Lamp Indicator
The Fog Lamp
Indicator serves as a confirmation that your fog lamps are
illuminated.
 Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System Light, or TPMS
light, warns that there is a drop in air pressure in one or more
tires. You should add air to your low tire(s) as soon as possible.
If you add air and your tire is continuously losing air, you may
have a puncture in the tire.
 Tire Rotation
The Tire Rotation Light triggers to let you know that it is time to
rotate your tires. Rotating your tires promotes even wear to extend
your tire life. Look for occasional promotions from us,
where
we package other preventative maintenance services such oil change
and/or brake inspections along with a tire rotation.
 Door Ajar Light
The Door Ajar Light indicates that a door or trunk is not
closed properly. Please check all of your doors and your trunk to
ensure that they are closed. Upon closing properly the Door Ajar
Warning Light will disengage. If it does not, you may need your
computer reset.
 Airbag Light
The Airbag Light indicates that there may be an issue with the
deployment of your air bags.
This is especially dangerous in the event of an accident. It is
advisable to have this matter diagnosed as quickly as possible in
order to keep you and your passengers safe.
 Hazard Lights
Hazard Lights signal caution
to other motorists. This indicator is typically a lamp with a built
in switch that is used to operate the hazard flashers.
Service Engine Soon
The Service Engine Soon Light is triggered by a systematic
abnormality detected
by your vehicle’s onboard computer system. This light can activate
for a number of reasons that vary in severity. The Service Engine
Soon Light can trigger for something as simple as a loose gas cap to
something as serious as a faulty catalytic convertor. Upon being
triggered, a fault code, also known as OBD2 codes, detailing the
nature of the issue is registered in your vehicle’s diagnostic
system. This fault code is stored and can only be retrieved via
diagnostic equipment. If your Service Engine Soon Light is on, make
sure you bring your vehicle into our Repair
Facility for testing as soon as possible. If
your Service Engine Soon Light is flashing, your onboard computer
system is logging a potentially dangerous problem and you should not
drive your car.
 Traction Control System Light
Traction Control is also known as Anti-Slip Regulation. Traction
Control engages in slippery driving conditions when wheels are
spinning out of synch. The system triggers your ABS system to apply
brake friction to even out and stabilize the wheels spinning out of
synch. When the Traction Control System Light activates, the
triggering device is disabled and cannot control the amount of wheel
slip in a driving situation. If the light remains illuminated for an
extended period of time, you might need an OBD2 code pull for
diagnosis.
 Oil Pressure Light
The Oil Pressure Light indicates one of two things ?Either the
sensor that activates the Oil Pressure dashboard light has failed or
your engine has low oil pressure. Low oil pressure could be the
result of a leak or your engine burning oil. Check your oil levels
with a dipstick and add motor oil if needed. If your light stays on,
we advise that you call for a tow. If you are experiencing a leak or
just need an oil change, contact us for a same day appointment.
Headlight Indicator
The Headlight Indicator serves as a confirmation that
your headlights are illuminated. If the clarity of your headlights
is less than optimal, try our headlight restoration products or
service package.
 Low Fuel Light
The Low Fuel Light engages when your vehicle’s fuel sensing unit
hits a specified amount of resistance indicating the need for more
gas. If your low fuel light comes on, it is probably time to fill
up.
Computer Diagnostics
and Analysis
 In 1970 the average car had only $25 worth of
electronics. That figure reached over $3,500 by 1996. Today that
figure has reached over $8,000. The figure will continue to rise
with the installation of up to 40 different computers on certain
vehicles.
Vehicles' computers operate everything from air
conditioning, radios, air bags, alarm systems, anti-lock braking
systems, traction control, ride control, cruise control, analog and
digital gauges, automatic transmissions, emission and engine
controls. These computers can cost from $250 to as much as $2,500
depending on what they control.
Instead of using proper diagnostic procedures,
some do-it-yourselfers and shops without the technical experience
resort to trial and error parts swapping when they don't know how to
repair computer and performance issues. Since car dealers and parts
suppliers refuse to allow the return of electronic components (due
to possible damage) that may leave you, the consumer, with expensive
parts you didn't need. In fact, manufacturers have reported that 80%
of all returned computers were found to be okay.
Avoid unnecessary repair and parts costs! We
have the latest in computerized diagnostic equipment, a computerized
information system and experienced ASE Master Certified Technicians
who are trained to properly care for your vehicle. Our computer diagnostics can save you
money by correctly diagnosing your vehicle's problems right from the
start.
Let one of our Master Certified Technicians
help you today.
Some people in
the Cleveland Ohio area are confused by charges for
diagnostic services for a
vehicle repair, even though many other services in life
include diagnostic fees ?things like computer service and
appliance repair.
Even when we go into the doctor for a medical problem, we’re
paying her to diagnose our ailment and of course for the tests
that go along with it. So receiving a diagnostic charge for a
tricky automotive problem shouldn’t be a surprise.
Automotive diagnostics can cover quite a range. If you hear a
noise in your brakes, a visual inspection is usually enough to
know what needs to be done. If you’re having an intermittent
problem with your engine, diagnosis may be much more involved.
Some
think that when the check engine light comes on, the engine
computer tells the technician exactly what the problem is. The
reality is much different. The trouble code just tells the
technician what engine parameter is out of range, not what’s
causing it. Our Fairview Park Ohio Technicians will determine the underlying problem that’s
causing the symptom.
As
you can imagine, some automotive diagnoses are quick and easy.
Others are more involved and difficult. Of course, we want to figure out what’s wrong with your
vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
|
Anti-Lock Brake System Light
.gif)
