When individual dashboard lights come on, they signal specific diagnostic information about your vehicle. That goes right out the window when all of your dashboard lights come on at the same time, however.
Does every dashboard indicator flashing at once actually mean a large, systemic failure is happening? Is it just a random glitch? And what do all those individual dashboard lights mean, anyway? Your family-owned Hallmark Hyundai Flowood has a team of automotive technicians who can answer all those questions for you -- and a few more you might not have thought of!
What Are the Different Types of Dashboard Lights?
First, we'll dive into what the main types of dashboard lights are. When all of the dashboard lights come on at once, it doesn't necessarily point to any one of the functions described below. But if your dash lights revert to showing one or more of these after a flash, it's worth keeping them in mind.
- Check Engine Light: If your car's diagnostic computer detects problems with the transmission or the engine, the check engine light will turn on. If it turns on but keeps flashing, the problem is likely serious. Take the vehicle in for servicing as soon as possible.
- Tire Pressure Warning: If sensors detect abnormally low air pressure, you'll see the tire pressure warning light turn on. This warning light is a common sight as the outdoor temperature changes -- but it could also be the first warning sight of a leak.
- Oil Pressure Indicator: If sensors detect your oil pressure is low, it's time to get your oil topped up and changed. Oil being low, dirty, or exhibiting issues with being pumped properly leads to this indicator lighting up. Low oil is associated with premature wear and tear on the engine, and a full-on oil leak can lead to major engine damage quickly.
- Battery Alert: This indicates that your vehicle is starved of power, likely due to problems with the battery itself. Much of the time, a simple jump or cleaning of the battery terminals could do the trick. It could also be the first sign of larger electrical issues in your vehicle; only an experienced technician would be able to tell the difference.
What it Means When All Dashboard Lights Turn On In Your Car
The above dashboard light descriptions are useful when just one or two of these lights turn on. When all your dashboard lights come on in unison, though, that's usually another issue entirely. Most likely, this is a diagnostic signal sent by the car's self-testing regimen.
Your vehicle is using the available power to send a big signal that service professionals know all too well: there is some kind of major electrical issue present in the vehicle.
What To Do When All Dashboard Lights Turn On
This flash, or intermittent flashing, is sending a signal that there is a major electrical issue. For savvy car owners, one of the easier ways to solve this problem is by replacing a regulator relay.
For those less inclined to dig around through manuals and track down the right replacement, it's a quick job for any experienced automotive technician.
If the issue is traced to a faulty alternator, however, it's best to get some help from a professional.
Hallmark Hyundai Flowood Can Help With Your Dashboard Lights
Whether it's a simple fix or a more complex job, your flashing dashboard lights represent a problem that a professional can help you within a timely fashion.
While this diagnostic signal isn't the most direct, your car is communicating to you in a way that points you in the right direction.
Discover all the possible reasons why all your dashboard lights are turning on in your car. Learn more from our team of experienced service technicians at your local Hallmark Hyundai Flowood.
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