Check Engine Warning Light

The Check Engine Light

This is a fault-registering system connected to sensors all over the car, engine, fuel and emissions system and is an indication that you may need mechanical repairs or electrical repairs. When the check engine light comes on, it can mean many things. There are something like 4,000 unique OBD2 codes that can be stored. Handheld OBD2 diagnostic tools can be plugged in to the OBD2 port which is normally under the dash on the driver’s side or centre console or engine bay. These tools can read out the fault code and/or reset the system to contain no codes. Codes are split into two categories – historical/inactive, and active. The historical codes are lists of things that have been detected in the past but are no longer an issue, whilst the active codes are things that are a problem right now. Codes are subdivided into B-codes (body), C-codes (chassis) and P-codes (powertrain).

P0440 OBD-II code. This is the most common code you’ll find and it’s the first thing you should check. P0440 is the code for Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction which covers a multitude of sins. The one thing it covers that you can check is your petrol cap (gas cap). Most new cars have a pressurised fuel system and vapour recovery loop. If you’ve filled up with petrol and not twisted the petrol cap until it clicks, you’ve not sealed the fuel system. It won’t pressurise and the OBD2 system will log a P0440 code. In fact, on a lot of cars, that code is so common they’ll actually have some way of telling you to check the gas cap. In some Honda’s, for example, if a P0440 code is logged, the dash scrolls “CHECK GAS CAP” across the odometer display. So if you get a check engine light, check the petrol cap first and see if the light goes off. Note: even if the light does go off, the code will likely still be stored in the OBD system and will show up next time it is checked. If it isn’t the petrol cap then you’ll need to call for a technician to attend and diagnose the source of the code.

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ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

Headlight Globe

Don’t touch the glass when changing headlight bulbs

Most headlight bulbs now are filled with halogen and have special coatings on the outside of the glass. If you pick the bulb up by the glass with your fingers, you will leave trace amounts of oil and grease on the glass. When the bulb is used, that area of the glass will get hotter than the rest and it will eventually cause the bulb to crack. When changing headlight bulbs, only hold the metal bulb holder at the base, or make sure you’re wearing rubber surgical / mechanic’s gloves (clean ones) if you’re touching the glass.

You may be able to upgrade from standard headlight globes to newer brighter and clearer headlight globes. Our service technicians carry common headlight globes and can assist you during your next service.

Ace Auto Electrician can help with your electrical repairs.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

Brake Warning Light Or Hand Brake Warning Light

Brake Warning Light

Most cars nowadays have a brake warning light on the dash. Its purpose is to alert you that something is wrong in the braking system somewhere. If it comes on, check your owner’s manual to find out its meaning.

Unlike the single-purpose ABS warning light, the brake warning light doesn’t have a standard meaning; it could be used for multiple purposes. For example, the same light may be used to show that the hand brake is on. If that’s the case and you’re driving, you ought to have noticed the smell of burning brake dust by now.

The light can also indicate that the fluid in the brake master cylinder is low. If so it may be the brake master cylinder requires additional brake fluid or it may be time for a brake fluid and brake system flush. Special care must be taken when maintaining the brake system, including not mixing of different brake fluids. Seek professional assistance if attension or maintenance is required.

Each manufacturer has a different use and standard for this light, Ace Auto Electrician can help with your mechanical repairs or electrical repairs.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

ABS Warning Light

ABS Warning Light

If you’ve got an ABS-equipped car, you also have a second light – the ABS light. If it comes on, get it seen to as soon as possible.

It means the ABS computer has diagnosed that something is amiss in the system. It could be something as simple as dirt in one of the sensors, or something as costly as an entire ABS unit replacement. Either way, if that light is on then you may not have ABS and will have only the manual braking system available.

It’s important to note that this light normally comes on when you start the car and then switches off a few seconds later.

If it stays on, blinks, throbs, flashes or in any other way draws your attention to itself, take note and call a service technician for mechanical repairs or electrical repairs as soon as possible.

The ABS controls part of the brake system and if it inadvertantly operates while driving can be very dangerous.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42

Side Mirror Indicator Light

Electrical Lights – Blinker Inidicator Flashing Faster

Is one of your indicator or blinkers flashing faster than the other?

When you indicate one way and the blinker flashes quicker than when you indicate the other way, it usually means one of the bulbs in the system has blown and you are likely to need electrial repairs.

An auto parts store will be able to tell you what sort of bulb you need to replace it with and your manual should show you how to get at the indicator bulbs – they’re different on every car or you can have it replaced professionally by one of our service technicians or during your next service. Our service technicians carry common bulbs on board at the ready and can advise on any other electrical needs you may have.

More recently LED lights have replaced bulb lights on new cars, with longer life spans and operating independently so that if one LED light fails the other will still operate. Transport vechicles such as trucks are moving to LED lighting for both function and fashion.

About the Author
ACE Auto Electrician
Electrical Repairs | Car Service
www.aceautoelectrician.com.au
CALL 13 20 42