Each time a car enthusiast starts his car, including the ignition key, illuminated symbols are displayed on the dashboard. Sensors, performing a self-test of components and mechanisms of the machine, signal to the motorist about the status of important units and systems.
While most of the lights go out almost immediately after start-up, it may happen that one or more lights remain on and signal a problem. In order to clearly respond to any malfunction, you need to know well what each indicator on the dashboard means. So this topic should now be discussed.
Dashboard device
The vehicle is equipped with several sensors that the driver must monitor while driving. Two large indicators are immediately evident on the main panel, around which the work of everyone else is organized. List of typical icon set:
- A speedometer that allows the driver to control the speed of movement.
- A tachometer that tracks what engine speed is running.
- A pressure gauge showing how much fuel is left in the tank and is indicated by a pump symbol.
- Oil pressure gauge. The arrow of this sensor in normal condition should be in the middle part of the dial, for example, as on the dashboard of a VAZ. If the arrow shows a high or low reading, the driver must stop and fix the problem.
- Engine coolant temperature sensor . If it shows an extremely high temperature, then an immediate stop of the car is needed, otherwise the engine will stall or overheat.
- Voltmeter. This sensor tells the driver the voltage generated by the battery while the engine is running. If this sensor shows a particularly high or low value, it may mean that the battery or alternator is not working properly.
Color marking
The dashboard tells the motorist what is happening with the internal mechanisms of the car. Lighting performs an information function using different colors.
Common colors: red, yellow and green. They are similar to traffic lights, both in color and in meaning. Red indicates a potential hazard. It can also convey an important reminder that requires immediate action and attention. Therefore, as soon as the driver sees this color, you must immediately stop the movement of the car.
The yellow lights on the dashboard icons usually mean that urgent repairs or maintenance are needed. The driver, having detected these signals, must act with caution.
The green (sometimes blue) panel indicators usually indicate that the system is turned on and functioning normally. The flashing warning light of the panel is used to inform about the urgency of actions related to the system to which the sensor refers.
A car enthusiast should study the user manual for his car in order to find out the meaning of each specific lamp indicator in the dashboard. This will help him instantly respond to an emergency situation.
Typical engine signals
These are the most important indicators of a car. They signal that there is no oil in the engine or its pressure is very low. The driver must stop the car immediately, otherwise there will be overheating and engine damage. Types of alarm:
- Brake system. An alarm means that the brake fluid level is critically low, the parking brake is applied, or there is a malfunction with the anti-lock brake system (ABS). A quick visual inspection is recommended to check whether the parking brake is applied and to check the fluid level. This warning signal is very serious if it is associated with a loss of brake fluid due to leakage.
- Engine coolant temperature. This dashboard light indicates that the engine is too hot. Or the coolant level is low. Or a faulty fluid temperature sensor. The vehicle must be switched off immediately. The cooling system must remain under control to prevent damage to the motor.
- Checking the engine. The indicator indicates that the computer has set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the engine system and is usually associated with emission control systems or malfunctions. The vehicle may be operating normally. The appearance of engine light does not mean that the driver must quickly stand on the side of the road, but the flashing warning light requires immediate action.
- Engine oil pressure. These sensors on the dashboard light up when extremely low readings are detected. It is necessary to immediately check the level and pressure, this failure can lead to serious damage to the internal parts of the engine.
Battery and brake indication
The icons on the dashboard of the brake indicator usually indicate that the fluid is at a low level. In this case, a leak check is necessary. Car operation is completely dependent on battery operation.
To control it, an indication is set that warns of a failure of the charging system. The control circuit monitors the voltage of the generator and testifies at low rates. If this signal lamp burns during the movement, most likely, the generator belt has broken. A warning on the charging indicator indicates that the voltage level is below normal and the charging system is not working properly. In addition to the alternator belt, you should check the battery contacts and the generator itself.
Indication of anti-lock braking system indicates a malfunction in the ABS system. This failure will not result in loss of brakes, but additional ABS safety features will be disabled. The windshield washer fluid level sensor alarm reports a malfunction in this system. The tire pressure level indicates that one or more tires have low air pressure. The driver must check the pressure on all tires, as it must always meet the technical requirements.
Accessory Alarms
The technology and design of car alarms changed with the development of transport, however, its principle remained the same. The following list is not comprehensive, the images of indicators are not universal, since their list depends on the automaker. General list:
- Airbag indicator. A signal light indicates a problem with one or more airbags or the entire system.
- Seat belt indication. Reminds the driver and passengers to buckle up.
- Low fuel Warns that the car is running at an extremely low fuel level.
- Auto engine lock. This indicator is informational and means that it is necessary to apply the brake to either bring the car out of the park or start the car.
- Door light indicator. Lights up when one of the doors is not closed, or if one of the door jamb switches is faulty.
These are some of the most common warning or information lights on the control panel that may be lit.
Replacing Instrument Cluster
Each device has its own service life, as a result, everything once wears out. So, the time will definitely come when the speedometer, other dials and sensors will stop responding, and the indicators will not function.
Even when the sensors are working, their replacement may be due to modernization or design changes. Replacing the instrument panel is a relatively simple process, and therefore can be performed by any car enthusiast who is familiar with the basic knowledge of the car’s device and has the necessary set of tools.
The algorithm of work:
- Place the car on a level surface and make sure that the hand brake is applied.
- He will get acquainted with the technical documentation of the car in order to make sure that the section of the panel containing the cluster can be deleted. Some vehicles require it to be placed in a specific gear or the car steering wheel in the desired position.
- Remove the dashboard. Carefully remove the required compartment without removing the clamps that hold it in place.
- Carefully put it aside, examine the instrument cluster. There should be several bolts securing it to the car at key points.
- Unscrew fixtures using a set of sockets, starting from a position on the control panel.
- Pull the cluster toward you and inspect the wiring harness connection, which transfers all the information to the device. When the connector is found, disconnect it using the docking clamps in the connection compartment.
- Replace instrument cluster. Compare the old cluster with the new cluster to make sure it matches the make and model of the car.
- All connections and connection points must match exactly. After checking that the parts are the same, connect the wiring harness and push the instrument cluster back.
- Install the panel frame back to the car.
- Check the correct operation of the new cluster of devices - start the engine and check how the lights are illuminated before checking the car for a test drive.
- If the cluster is not working properly, follow the steps to access the part and check all connections in place.
Setting Up Paint A Car Dashboard
Changing the lighting design is a good way to upgrade your dashboard tuning. This method is equally good for both a modern car and a classic one, and a nearby auto shop will help you choose the right paint. There are also kits for upgrading damaged or obsolete panels. Sequencing:
- Choose what color to repaint the dashboard. Think about how to prefer the exterior paint color of a car or create a two-tone color effect. You can also contact specialists or see samples on the Internet.
- Clean the panel and degrease with alcohol. This will help the paint lie well on the surface.
- Apply masking tape to protect any areas where you need to keep the original color.
- Spray 3 coats of spray paint. Wait for the paint to dry.
- Remove the protective tape.
- To surface a varnish.
- Purchase and mount a set of stickers. These sets offer pieces of trim for logos and other decorations that can enhance the look of panels, such as wood. Such stickers can completely replace the paint.
The installation process usually involves applying a primer to a cleaned, dry, existing panel, and then cleaning and gluing the finishing material onto it.
Replacing the warning lights on the panel
The most common sources of problems in cars are light bulbs, wires, connectors, fuses, emergency lights, and switches.
The car owner can fix these malfunctions using test light, and sometimes a digital multimeter (DMM).
When working with any malfunction of the vehicle’s electrical circuit, it is recommended to replace the bulbs in the dashboard using the repair instructions for a specific car and model. This helps to identify not only the wires and components, their connection diagrams, but also to understand how to troubleshoot and replace them, if necessary.
All gauges have a green “bottle” filter, which motorists are trying to change. Filter Replacement:
- Open the sensor.
- Using a sharp thin knife, remove some plastic, then simply press the filter from the back.
- They are neatly tucked into the plastic cover around the steering wheel shaft.
- Replace the necessary pre-purchased in the car shop.
Tuning with color LEDs
Recently, tuning of the dashboard with the replacement of LEDs instead of conventional lamps has become widespread.
Initially, LEDs are purchased in accordance with the required filter. The same applies to external lighting - front flashers (amber) and brake lights (red).
In addition, you must purchase an LED dimmer that controls the brightness of the lamps. Without it, LEDs will not work, since LEDs consume much less current than original incandescent lamps. For these purposes, a small PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) is suitable . This is a controller based on a 555 timer with a power transistor for switching. The board is built into the lighting circuit, which, in turn, ensures the operation of the dimmer.
Removing and installing dashboard
Dismantling car parts is a very serious matter. This also applies to the situation when the dashboard does not work and it needs to be replaced. Some people entrust this work to an auto mechanic, and some like to repair a car themselves. Then this information about the removal and installation of the control panel on the example of the popular Mazda 3 car will be interesting to them. All process details:
- Set the air supply mode FRESH, and set the air mixture indicator to the “max. Cold” position.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Remove the following parts: front doors, front plate, front lining, car dashboard with a cover, glove box, top panel, gear lever knob (MTX), selector lever knob (ATX), shift panel, side wall, console, lever component gear shift (MTX), selector lever component (ATX), hood release lever, bottom panel, driver side airbag module, steering wheel, column, combination switch, steering shaft, center panel, audio device, control unit Ia, instrument panel, the central cover, top dashboard of the car, the information display, the front pillar trim, the wiper blade.
- Disconnect fan motor connector and wiring harness when replacing panel.
- Remove heater housing, nuts A, bolts B.
- Remove the caps. Then - the bolts C.
- Remove nuts D and bolts E. Then - panel bracket.
- Remove the bolts F.
- Lift the rear side of the panel, rotate it in the direction of the arrow. Removing it without support is dangerous; it may fall and damage the driver.
- Remove the instrument panel from the front opening on the front door of the driver.
- Install in reverse order.
Modern cars have dashboards equipped with dials and a multitude of warning lights. If a breakdown occurs, then before proceeding to the above process, you need to carefully read the repair documentation of a particular car.