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Car Warning Lights This
category contains featured questions as
examples. They relate to most vehicles.

Question:
1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, mileage: 128,000.
A red light appears on my car when I first
start to run it. I start the engine,
take off and as soon as I make a turn
(Usually left) the red light turns on for a
few seconds then goes off. After the
first time it goes on, it no longer comes up
unless I have my car off for a while and
start it up again. The red light is a
square with a red arrow in it pointing down.
There are also squiggly lines in the box.
I do not have a manual to check this.
It only started recently. It does seem
to stay on longer the more time goes by.
Any ideas? Should i freak out hear?
I really need my car for work.
Answer:
This is your low coolant warning light.
Refill with coolant to recheck (note: always
check coolant when the car is cold.
Question:
1999 Honda Accord, mileage: 132,000.
Hello, I removed the fuse for the SRS system
as I was looking for a dead fuse...now my
SRS light will not go off after re-inserting
the fuse. I tried disconnecting the
battery for about an hour but the problem is
still there. Can I reset this myself
or must it be done by a dealer?
Answer:
First scan PCM for trouble
codes and repair as needed. Only the
OBD II scanner system can reset the MIL
(check engine light).
Question:
1999 Dodge Neon, mileage: 128,500. My
oil light comes on on/off while driving more
on than off. This has been going on
for about 2 weeks. I'm also getting
white smoke out of my exhaust pipes. I
was told it could be a blown head gasket.
Do you think so? And, is it safe for
me to be driving my car? I am going to
be getting it fixed. But, I wondered
what you thought?
Answer:
The oil warning light indicates no oil
pressure to the engine. Check your oil
level, if ok continuing to drive a car in
this condition can result in serious engine
damage. The white smoke out the
exhaust pipe could be normal. All car omit
steam from the exhaust pipe when the car is
cold. then as is warms the steam dissipates
and can't be seen.
Question:
1999 BMW 525i, mileage: 140,000. The
service indicator lights in the instrument
cluster are not working either are the
lights for the odometer, gear selector and
oil change indicator.
Answer:
Check all fuses, if ok the problem you have
described may require that you replace the
instrument motherboard.
Question:
2004 Mercedes Benz CL 600 mileage:
44,4000. My car ran fine until the
Antilock light went on then the car started
losing volts. Any idea where to start
looking?
Answer: Check alternator
output and also check for a bad diode in the
alternator. Replace with new to recheck
problem.
Question:
1999 Nissan Altima, mileage: 69,555.
The battery and brake lights both come on
when the engine goes above 2500 rpm (even
while just sitting). Battery,
alternator, brakes and fluid levels are
good.
Answer: Check alternator
output and also check for a bad diode in the
alternator.
Question:
1999 Toyota Camry, mileage: 100,000.
Today was the first wet freeze of the winter
(Windsor, Ont.) Both the brake
and charge warning lights lit and stayed
lit. I would have thought the
alternator was gone except the brake warning
light is puzzling me. I do not detect
any headlight dimming or other signs of
running off the battery - but it is a new
battery with a great charge. A friend
suggested a moisture problem. I
suspect the alternator. I think the
alternator is original. Thanks for
your help.
Answer:
Check the the alternator, It needs
replacing.
Question:
1998 Cadillac DeVille 4.9 mileage: 80,000.
A few weeks ago the 'SERVICE RIDE CONTROL'
message came on. The mechanic says the car
needs both rear and one front electronic
struts replaced at a cost of around $2300.
I cannot believe all these went bad at the
same time. The car seems to ride and
handle fine. I told him I would think
about it. What are your thoughts?
Answer:
The technician found one that has failed and
assumes the other is right behind it. Most
of the time you replace struts or shocks in
pairs.
Question:
1999 Pontiac Bonneville, mileage: 99,000.
My security light stays on, the car won’t
start with either key I have unless you hold
it just right, and then the light stays on
even after that. Is there a way I could get
rid of that security feature it seems like a
pain; is the problem major?
Answer:
Your security system is part of your car and
cannot be “disconnected.” It sounds
like the key switch is bad and needs
replacing to repair problem.
Question:
2002 Mitsubishi Montero 3.5, mileage:
70,102. When my truck hit 51000 miles,
the "Check Engine" light came on. The
manual says to check the emissions (i.e.
timing belt) and I can do those things
myself, but how do I turn that silly light
on my dashboard off? It really
is annoying and I don't want to pay the
dealer to do it. Thanks
Answer: First scan PCM for
trouble codes and repair as needed.
Only the
OBD II scanner system can reset the MIL
(check engine light).
Question:
1999 Ford Taurus, mileage: 135,000.
Check oil level warning keeps flashing in
information center. What controls
this?
Answer:
Oil level, check to make sure it is ok, if
so the sensor probably needs replacing.
Question:
1999 Oldsmobile Aurora, mileage: 90,000.
My traction control light comes on when I’m
driving my car what possible problems could
I be encountering?
Answer:
First scan PCM for trouble
codes and repair as needed. Only the
OBD II scanner system can reset the MIL
(check engine light).

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