Ford Warning Lights Explained

Warning lights are always scary when they pop up on your dashboard. Questions instantly pop into the mind of the car owner. What does this light mean? Will I be okay to keep driving? 

Our Ford dealer, in Springfield, is here to answer your questions and ease your mind on what you should do if you see one of your car's warning lights come on:

Check Engine Light / Service Engine Soon  

Your engine keeps your car running, so when this warning light pops up it's very important. As one of the most crucial components of your vehicle, Springfield drivers should be aware of how their car may feel or act when this light turns on.

Your vehicle may experience

• Decreased power
• An irregular idle
• Your engine running rough
• No response when you push down on the accelerator 

The reason for these conditions and the check engine light being on may be caused by a few different things. 

• Malfunctioning Spark Plugs
• Loose of Faulty Wires
• Bad Oxygen Sensor
• Damaged Catalytic Converter

What You Should Do Next

If the check engine light comes on, the one with the symbol of an engine, or any of the other warning lights, such as temperature, battery, oil pressure, or fuel, you should first open the hood to see if there is any steam coming out. You should also inspect underneath your car to try and see if there are any leaks or drips. 

If any of these signs are apparent bring your vehicle in for service at our Springfield Ford service center. Our experienced Springfield Ford technicians will run a full diagnostic inspection to determine the issue, and hopefully, catch the problem before it becomes a costly repair. It is a good idea to always come in right away so the problem can be resolved quickly, and possibly save you money.

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light 

This light, a flat tire with an exclamation point, will typically illuminate for a few seconds when the car is turned on, but it'll stay on if one or more of your tires has low tire pressure. This can be caused by a big change in temperatures overnight or there may be an issue with the tire itself, such as a nail in the tread or something of that sort.

What You Should Do Next

If the TPMS light remains on while driving, pull over and check the tire pressure as soon as possible. The recommended tire pressure can be found on the inside of the driver's side door jam. Add air if needed. If the light comes back on again, visit your local Ford service center to get the tire patched or replaced. We provide a wide range of tire services.

Engine Oil Light 

This light, of an oil container, is not about needing an oil change. Rather, if the engine oil light is illuminated while the vehicle is running, it indicates a system error.

What You Should Do Next

Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so and switch the engine off. Check the engine oil level. Even if the level is correct, do not keep driving around, go directly to a Ford dealer, such as Springfield Ford.

Engine or Motor Coolant Temperature Light 

This light, which is of a temperature gauge / thermometer above some wavy lines, illuminates when your vehicle's coolant temperature is high.

What You Should Do Next

Stop your vehicle as soon as possible, switch off your vehicle and let it cool. If the issue persists or happens repeatedly, contact our Ford service department to schedule an appointment.

Visit the Springfield Ford Service Center

If any of these warning lights are illuminated schedule a service appointment with us at Springfield Ford or contact us for any further advice regarding Ford maintenance and service.

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