Car Service Tips

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

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.

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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

Check Engine Light

Check Engine Light and Maintenance

Modern cars now come with “OBD-II” (On Board Diagnostics 2). This great advancement in technology is a fault-registering system that is connected to sensors all over the car, engine, fuel and emissions system.

When the check engine light comes on, it can mean many things and to continue driving can cause car engine problems.

To date there are thousands of unique OBD2 codes that can be stored. Handheld OBD2 diagnostic tools can be plugged in to the OBD2 port which is commonly under the dash on the driver’s side or centre console or engine bay. Such tools have the ability to read out the fault code and/or reset the system to contain no codes. There are two main categories that these codes fall into: a. historical/inactive, and b. 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).

The Most Common Fault Code: P0440 OBD-II code.

This is the most common code you’ll find. It is the first thing you should check. P0440 is the code for Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction which covers a multitude of potential faults. 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.

This fault is so common, on a lot of cars the car will have some way of telling you to check the petrol cap. In some Honda’s, for example, if a P0440 code is logged, the dash scrolls “CHECK PETROL 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 at your next car service or the 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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Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
www.hometune.com.au
PHONE: 1300 368 863

Battery Warning Light

The Battery Warning Light, Electrical Fault Light or Charge Warning Light

This warning light is different in every car but normally it looks like a picture of a battery, similar to the picture provided here. You’ll see it come on and go off when you start your engine as part of the car’s self-test, but if this light comes on and stays on, it means the electrical charging system is no longer working properly and you’re likely to need some electrical repairs.

Think of it like a mobile phone battery. If the mobile phone is plugged into the charger, you can use it indefinitely, but when you disconnect it from the charger, there’s a limited amount of time before your battery runs out. It’s exactly the same in your car, only bigger.

Every car has an alternator – the charger – and a 12v battery used to supply power to the electrical system. If the alternator or part of the charging system becomes faulty or the drive belt to it snaps, then it will not be able to do its job.

The longer you drive, the more your car will use up the remaining juice in the battery and eventually the engine will die. The solution may require the checking of the components of the charging system or possibly a new or remanufactured alternator.

Our service technicians carry common charging system components and will be able to check your car, diagnose, locate and rectify to have you back on the road in no time.

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

Service Engine Light

Indication Lights Include:

• Service Engine Light
• Maintenance Required Light

These lights may indicate the following:

• Service Required
• Service Engine
• Maintenance Required

It’s an indicator that you’re getting close to a scheduled maintenance interval and require a car service.

On some cars it’s as simple as counting miles before it comes on, whilst on others it maps engine temperatures, oil temperatures, air temperatures and other indicators of probable stress to tell you when it might be time for new oil or a service. In most cars this can be overridden or reset by you or if not then a service professional. Your handbook will tell you if this is the case. When your car is serviced the technician should be able to reset it for you.

Typically this light will come on when you start your car, and then turn off again as part of the self-check. If it stays on for 10 seconds then turns off, it normally means you’re within 1000 km of needing a service. If it flashes for 10 seconds, it normally means you’ve exceeded a recommended service interval.

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

Oil Maintenance Light

Oil Level Maintenance and Oil Warning Light

Typically this light will come on if your oil pressure is too low. Low oil pressure is serious and if you continue to drive with this light on, eventually your engine will seize or die.

To prevent car engine problems and the need for an emergency car service do not drive your car when you see this light come on.

Low oil pressure can be caused by a failed oil pump, a blocked oil filter or strainer in the sump, or by low oil levels – for example if your engine is burning oil.

Either way, you need to get it fixed, and fast. Low oil pressure has the potential to cause serious damage to the engine if not attended to promptly.

Regular servicing will assist in preventing damage to your engine and extending the useful service life of your engine. The choice of oil is also very important with modern cars requiring the application of specific or special oils.

To assist you with any oil queries for you car, call a professional service technician from our sponsors page to check your oil and lubrication system.

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Home Tune Mobile Mechanics
www.hometune.com.au
PHONE: 1300 368 863

Coolant Service Warning Light

Coolant Warning Light

This is normally the coolant level warning light. If this comes on it means that the level of coolant in your radiator is low and needs topping up.

DO NOT OPEN THE RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT!

The coolant system is pressurised and it could easily release pressure and spray you with boiling coolant. Open the radiator cap only when the engine is cold. The cooling system should only be topped up with either a pre-mixed coolant or with distilled water.

DO NOT USE TAP WATER

The mineral deposits in it boil out in the cooling system and calcium gets deposited around the inside of the radiator making it less efficient (which will eventually cause it to fail). It’s always best to use pre-mixed coolant. The coolant mixture behaves as an antifreeze in winter as well as a corrosion-inhibitor to stop your engine rusting from the inside out.

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ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
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