Tag Archives: vehicle troubleshooting

Decoding Diesel Car Dashboard Symbols: Understanding Common Warning Lights

Decoding Diesel Car Dashboard Symbols: Understanding Common Warning Lights

  Modern diesel cars come equipped with a variety of dashboard symbols and warning lights designed to alert drivers to potential issues with their vehicles. While these symbols can vary between car models, understanding their meanings is essential for maintaining the health and safety of your diesel vehicle. In this guide, we'll decode common diesel car dashboard symbols, drawing insights from reputable sources like MotorTrend.com, to help you navigate your vehicle's warning signals with confidence.   1. Glow Plug Indicator: Symbol: A coil or spiral shape with a lightning bolt Meaning: The glow plug indicator illuminates when the engine's glow plugs are warming up. Glow plugs are essential for diesel engines, especially during cold starts, as they help ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Once the engine is sufficiently warmed up, the indicator should turn off.   2. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning: Symbol: A filter-shaped ico ... read more

Hard Steering Wheel? Power Steering Issues & Solutions

Hard Steering Wheel? Power Steering Issues & Solutions

The steering system is an essential part of the vehicle because it allows the driver to control its direction. A malfunctioning steering wheel can create an array of problems. If the steering wheel becomes stiff or suddenly locks up, it can lead to a major accident. Many components make up the power steering system which allow it to turn with little resistance effectively. One seemingly small issue can break the entire system down; that’s why it’s essential to identify a potential problem before it becomes hazardous. Below are common reasons why the steering wheel has become hard to turn. Bad steering rack The steering rack is an essential aspect of the power steering system. It’s made up of the pinion and rack. The steering rack can become subject to wear and tear after several years of driving. If the steering wheel is hard to turn right after starting the engine, the steering rack may be the ca ... read more

Common Dashboard Lights & What They Mean

Common Dashboard Lights & What They Mean

All vehicles are equipped with a sophisticated computer system that’s programmed to alert you if it detects something wrong. If you turn on the ignition and notice a warning light, it’s important to bring your vehicle into Dickerson Automotive as soon as possible for an inspection. Depending on which warning light illuminates, a major issue can progress quickly and lead to an unexpected breakdown. It’s important to pay attention to the dashboard warning lights because not only do they keep you safe, but they prevent automotive failures and their expensive repair bills. Below are the most common dashboard warning lights and what they can indicate:  Oil Pressure Light The oil pressure light is an image of an old fashioned oil tin and indicates an issue with your vehicle’s oil pressure system. If this light illuminates, your car may be low on oil, or the oil pressure is low. This light alerts of a problem that should be addressed as soon as ... read more