These days modern electronic mechanisms in automobiles are becoming complex, making various automakers to increase the number of warning lights on their vehicles overtime. Warning lights equipped on modern day’s vehicle are meant to draw attention of the driver to a system malfunctions or an intending fault. When the vehicle ignition is switched on some set of lights will illuminate and go off immediately the engine comes alive but if the light stays on after starting the engine it means something is wrong. Around Nigeria most people drive in their vehicle with one light or the other on and operating your vehicles with any warning lights on means your vehicle is working on borrowed time.

Below are some of the warning lights on your vehicle
Note: Warning lights are specific to the vehicle make or the model so your vehicle handbook would give a detailed explanation of their meaning and the action to take.

Oil pressure warning light


This light would come up when the ignition is switched on and would go off as soon as the engine starts running. If the light stays on after starting or comes on when driving, you need to stop immediately and switch off the engine to check the engine oil level of the vehicle. If the engine oil level is low, top it up right away but if the oil warning lamp stays on, even though the oil level is correct it’s advisable not to start the vehicle again and ask a professional mechanic to have a look at it.

Battery charge warning light


This light would come up when the ignition is switched on and would go off as soon as the engine starts running. If this light doesn’t light up at all, or lights up while driving, your battery is not being charged which means there is a fault with your charging system and the following below may be the cause.

loose battery or starter terminal
a loose or broken alternator drive belt
alternator failure
The drive belt or fan belt as most people know it to be down here may have broken and needs to be replaced before the engine of the vehicle can be restarted. Coolant system or cooling system also makes use of this belt and its failure may lead to overheating of the engine.

Brake system warning light
This light would come up when the ignition is switched on and would go off immediately the engine starts but if the vehicles handbrake is engaged it will remain until it’s disengaged but if it stays on after the hand brake has been disengaged it might be a sign of low brake fluid level. If the light remains illuminated, even though the brake fluid level is correct, this may indicate a sensor fault.

Engine warning light


This light would come up when the ignition is switched on and would go off as soon as the engine starts but if it stays on while the engine is running it means there is some form of malfunction with the engine and you have a diagnostic technicians run diagnosis on the vehicle as soon as possible.

ABS warning light
This light would come up when the ignition is switched on and would go off immediately the engine starts but if it illuminates while driving, it means there has been a malfunction with the automatic braking system and you should have it checked by a qualified auto mechanic as soon as possible.

Note: Normal braking (without ABS) will be generally be maintained and many cars will be safe to drive on, but some may not – check the handbook for advice.

Brake system and ABS warning lights
If both lights above show up on your instrument cluster at the same time while you’re driving you need to stop your vehicle as soon as possible but do it safely by reducing your speed gradually and directing the vehicle to a safe spot. Your brakes should be used with care and avoid stepping on it suddenly.

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Very educating. Tnx

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