What's wrong when your temperature
light goes on or your temperature gauge is in the red
zone:
This is a sign that your engine is overheating. If you are stuck in traffic and
can't pull over, turn off the air conditioner and turn on your heater. Turning
on the heat takes heat away from the engine. Next, if your car has mechanical
fan, put it to neutral and step on the accelerator. Getting the engine to run
faster will make the fan spin faster. If the red light goes out after you take
these steps, you can probably go back to using your air conditioner when you
start moving again.
If you are not stuck in traffic, pull off the road, turn on your flashers, turn
off the engine, and check the following:
1. You may have a leak to the radiator or one of the hoses. In either case, wait
for the engine to cool. If the hose is leaking, tape it up. if the radiator is
the problem, loosen the radiator cap one notch with a rag to relieve pressure,
and drive slowly to the nearest service station.
2. You may be low on coolant. When the radiator is cool enough to touch, check
the level of coolant by carefully opening the cap. The liquid should come up
to
the base of the cap. If it's low,
add water with the engine running.
3. You may have a broken or loose drive belt. If so, wait until the car cools
down some and then drive slowly until your warning light comes on again. Then
stop and let the engine cool before starting up again.
4. Check the fan. If the fan is not spinning properly, it may cause overheating.
An easy way to check, with the engine off, is to grab one blade and spin it.
If the fan spins more than four or five times without stopping, the clutch is
not
working properly and needs to be replaced.
What's wrong when your oil light goes on:
If the warning light is working right, you've lost
oil pressure and maybe oil, too. Pull off the road
Immediately, stop your engine, and check the oil
dipstick
first. If no level shows, don't drive until you've added some oil. If
you have a spare quart of oil, put it in the engine,
start up, and watch the warning light.
If it doesn't go off within 30 seconds, stop the engine and call for
help. I know of many instances where an ignored oil
light led to thousands of rupees
worth of engine work. Without oil, your engine parts get so hot that
they expand and jam up, This can destroy the parts.
If your oil level shows full but the
light stays on when the engine is running, don't drive any farther. If
the warning light just flickers when you're stopped
in traffic, your engine may be idling
too slowly or your oil may be getting thin or low. Motor oil is the lifeblood
of your car. Check it often, and don't go anywhere when you know you
don't have enough.
Tip: Keep a quart of oil and a puncture type can opener in the trunk
for
emergencies.
What's wrong when your brake light goes on:
With the parking brake set and the ignition on, the brake warning light
will be illuminated. If the warning light goes on with the parking brake
off, the
ignition on, and the foot brake pedal depressed, pressure is low in one part
of your brake system. Since 1968, almost all cars have two separate hydraulic
systems that control the front and rear brakes. If one system fails, you
should have enough braking power in your second system to stop the car.
Test your brakes.
If they still work, head slowly for a mechanic and avoid sudden stops. But
if you suspect your brakes are not working, do not drive the car.
What's wrong when your amp or alternator light conies on:
If the alternator light comes on, do not turn off your engine. The light
may have come on because your battery is not charging properly, so you
may not he
able to start the engine again. Keep driving until you can pull into a garage,
service station, or somewhere where you can get a jump start. Keep an eye
on the temperature and oil pressure gauges. The light might be on because
of a loose
drive belt.
What's wrong when your "Check Engine" light goes on:
If your "Check Engine" light goes on, your car's computer has detected
trouble. When this light goes on, the computer system stores a Specific code
that indicates the problem. Either you, with the help of a shop manual, or
your mechanic, should investigate the problem.
What's wrong when one of your electrical items fail:
1f anything electrical fails light, horn, radio first check
the fuse box. Fuses blow very easily, and you can replace them just as easily
if you remember to keep a selection of fuses on hand. Your owner's manual has
a diagram to show you what each fuse controls, and most fuse boxes print the
purpose of each fuse somewhere near the box. If the same fuse repeatedly blows,
you probably have a
short circuit somewhere that needs to be corrected.
What's wrong when your heater won't work:
If the blower fan is not working, check the fuses. Perhaps
there's a loose connection or a faulty switch. Usually
fan motors give a warning
before
failing completely.
Check your antifreeze/coolant level. You may not be getting any heat
because it is too low. If you have a temperature gauge on the instrument
panel
and it reads cool after you've driven for a while, have a mechanic
check the
thermostat.
A thermostat that is not operating properly indicates that your engine
may not be at its correct temperature. This prevents your heater from
providing full
heat.
What's wrong when your headlights don't seem bright enough:
They may simply be dirty. Wiping them with a damp cloth
could clear up the problem.
If oncoming cars flash their lights when you have your low beams
on, then you need to adjust your headlights.
It is possible to adjust some car's headlights with a screwdriver
and a specification manual. A mechanic, however, can do it in only
five
minutes with a headlight
aimer.
Warning
Lights and Electrical 
