Ask Joe Mechanic: Dashboard Warning Lights (Part II)

As I stated last week, this is a continuation of the subject of dashboard warning lights. Before I start on the subject of check engine lights, I want to cover the SRS or air bag warning light.  This warning light can be either red or yellow depending on the manufacturer.  When it is lit, it does not mean you need to stop your car immediately. What it means is there is a malfunction in the air bag system and if you are in an accident,most likely, the air bags will not deploy.

The reason that many car makers choose to make this a red light, is just as in the case of the fasten seat belt light, it is a safety system and by making it a red light, it covers them for liability if the air bag does not activate. If the light is lit and you choose to ignore it and are involved in an accident and the air bags do not deploy, it absolves the manufacturer of any responsibility. This is a light you should take care of as soon as possible so that all the safety systems of your vehicle will function as intended. Often times, the problem will lie in either a sensor or the contact ring in the steering column. Many of these repairs are not overly expensive or are covered by the manufacturers warranty.

The check engine light is probably the most misunderstood and most complicated warning indicator on a vehicle. This light and its related computers monitor many of the operating systems of a vehicle. This light will monitor the fuel, ignition, emissions, engine computer, and turbocharger or supercharger if so equipped. Because it monitors so many systems, it also interlinks with many other features such as the ABS, cruise control, traction control, and others. This also means that items unrelated to the engine can trigger the light to come on, and also means that something very minor can be the cause of the light. I will always ask people who tell me their light just came on, did you just get gas?

One of the most common triggers for a check engine light is a loose gas cap. Because the emissions system monitors fuel system integrity, a loose gas cap will not allow the fuel system to maintain proper pressure or vacuum and the light will light.

If your check engine light comes on, use a good dose of common sense.  Check the simple, obvious things like your gas cap. Check for visible signs of problems such as other warning lights, smoke from the engine compartment or exhaust; these things would indicate a serious problem and you should not drive your car. If you hear a strange noise from your engine or experience a major change in your car’s performance such as bucking or missing, you most likely have a more serious problem and should not drive it. Otherwise, it is probably okay for you to call your dealer or garage and get it in ASAP to have it checked.

There are also places such as AutoZone who will scan a check engine light for free and tell you what the fault code means. If in doubt though, exercising on the side of caution is your smartest approach.

Recent recalls:

133,081 Vehicles

2006-2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrids

& 2006-2008 Lexus RX400H Hybrids

Overheating power module can cause vehicle to enter limp-home mode and may cause stalling.

101,584 Vehicles

2006-2011 Lexus GS 350,

IS 350 & IS 350C

With 2GR-FSE engine, loose bolts in VVT gear housing can cause engine failure.

7,767 vehicles 2014 Volvo S60,

S80, XC60 & XC70

With keyless ignition, central electronic module defect causes windshield wipers to operate continuously and certain lighting systems to not operate.

If you own one of these vehicles, contact your dealer for further instructions on what to do.