Repair Topics / Warning Lights / Warning Lights-1 / Warning Lights-2

Car Warning Lights

Question:  1999 Crown Victoria mileage: 100,000. Battery light comes on and lights dim. Alternator was tested and it appears to be ok. Could something else such as a wire be causing the problem? I could replace the alternator to see if this corrects the problem, but if there is something less expensive to check first, I would rather try that. 

Answer:   You said that you had the alternator tested but was it tested for a failing diode rather that just for voltage output.  A failing diode would cause the problem you described.

Question:   2003 Pontiac Grand Am mileage: 65,000. I got the oil changed at about 3,000 or 4,000 miles. I don't recall exactly. The first oil change is supposed to be sooner than the others I understood. Now my car is at 6,500 miles and I have an idiot light on my dash that blinks oil change all the time. I know that isn't a big deal. The annoying part is... whenever I start the car and get a few blocks down the road, I hear this ding ding ding! I'm ready to start clipping wires with my nail clippers. Seriously, I used to be a designer for one of the big three; I'm not that stupid (the nail clippers!). Have you heard anything about this most annoying feature?

Answer: The computer in most late model GM cars keeps records of when service is due by lighting the oil change light. The records are based on driving habits. The frequency of service depends on how many short trips are taken verses long trips. Once the car is serviced, turn the key on (engine not running) depress the gas pedal to the floor three times and the computer will reset.

Question: 1993 Dodge Stealth R/T 3.0 DOHC mileage: 130,000. My Stealth has multiple problems. The ABS light is on continuously. The dealer says he reset the computer, the speed sensors are ok, and the hydraulics are ok. When driving the car, the dealer says the diagnostic reader keeps receiving many codes. He suggests I replace the computer for $1800 and cannot guarantee this will solve the problem.

Answer:   We would suggest that you try scanning the abs system yourself to check for trouble codes, replace the failed wheel sensor and reassemble. Recheck system clear codes.

Question: 1998 Chevrolet Camaro, mileage: 120,000. My low-trac light is coming on in DRY weather...dealer says it's probably a wheel sensor. My husband can replace it if he knows WHERE the wheel sensors are...at least he 'thinks' he can depending on where they are. He thinks it's a front left sensor...is there a way besides connecting the car to a computer to see which one it is? Can he put a new one in and if it's not that one, put back the old one and put the new one in another place? Help...we don't want to spend $300-$400 to have the dealer do it if George can do it! Thanks...Sandy

Answer: The best way to locate your problem is by scanning the computer. This will tell you what circuit is malfunctioning and the sensor to replace that will fix it.

Question: 1999 Honda Accord, mileage: 113,000. When starting my car lately my SRS (red light) stays on and beeps longer than usual. What does this mean? What do I need to do to fix the problem?

Answer: The SRS light is a safety restraint system (air bag). Have the body control module scanned to locate the stored fault code. Repair as needed.

Question: 1999 Ford Windstar XLT 4.0 mileage: 130,000 The digital odometer flashes error 3 when I drive it. It still registers the amount of miles, but it keeps flashing that error. I'm not sure what it means and any help would be greatly appreciated

Answer: Your car will flash an error 3 when you have a problem with the brake system. Therefore you need to scan the ABS (brake system) for fault codes.

Question: 1999 Honda Accord, mileage: 90,000. The ABS light stays on after 30 sec or so. This happened before and the problem went away after I added some Brake Fluid to the ABS reservoir. Now it happens every time I start my car. The Honda dealer told me there was an error code #1 for leaking modulator and suggested a replacement of my ABS module for $1000. I am pretty sure the leaking they were talking about was due to the spillage of my brake fluid. I suspect a bad wiring or sensor. Thanks in advance.

Answer: You may have a faulty sensor on one of the wheels or damaged wiring that goes to the sensor. If all checks okay, you may have a bad ABS module.

Question: 1999 Nissan Maxima, mileage: 97,000.  Hi! I think I'm having transmission problems.  I drive a Nissan 200SX automatic, each time I get on the freeway and drive 70 mph, the rpm will be about 3000.  When I go over 70 mph, the rpms will go over 3000 and then the battery and brake lights will come on (flashing).  I can also duplicate this when driving at lower speeds in city traffics, when I press on the gas, the rpms will rev above 3000 to 4000, and then the battery and brake lights will start flashing, until the rpms go down below 3000.  I think it's having difficulty finding the right gear?  I'm just confused by the flashing battery and brake lights and the rpms.  I'm not a car expert, as you can tell.  Any help would be appreciated!

Answer: Check the alternator to make sure it is functioning properly, especially at the rpm range where you experienced the problem.

Question: 1997 Honda Accord 4 cyl mileage: 180,700.  I was driving my car on the highway and lost all power when i pushed on the gas pedal.  A light on the dash came on.  The dash light had the letters prm fi.  I pulled to the side of the road and shut the car off.  I restarted the car and everything worked fine for another 20 mile and the same problem occurred.  What could it be?   I hope you can help.  Thank you for your time.

Answer: Scan your computer for trouble codes and also check the distributor for excessive wear.

Question: 1999 Mercedes C260 mileage: 99,000.  I recently had the ignition module, ignition coil, and coil cover replaced.  Since then, I have had problems with the brake warning light and the ABS warning light coming on, usually just after I start the car and disengage the emergency brake.  Could this have anything to do with the ignition work I just had done (1 week ago)?

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Check Engine Light