Lights
Recreational automobiles usually have intermittent running lights, something that you should know how to deal with. Intermittent running lights usually result from two primary factors – corrosion and road vibrations. You should therefore find it relatively easy to fix the problem.
The running lights will fail when the electrical contacts get corroded. Road vibrations, on the other hand, tend to make the contacts become loose.
Develop the habit of carrying some spare fuses and bulbs that you can easily use to most problems. Whenever the running lights fail, check the fuses before you take any other step. The most likely problem is a blown fuse if all the bulbs do not function.
Remove the relevant fuse and check it closely to determine whether its filament is broken, in which case you need to replace it. However, a visual examination is not always enough to determine a faulty fuse. It is therefore a good idea to replace the fuse with one of the same rating to confirm that it is not the cause of the problem.
Another thing that may lead to failure of the whole circuit is poor electrical contact, which usually results from corrosion. Spray some electrical contact cleaner to remove the corrosion. Cover both the socket and plug with sturdy plastic when they are disconnected to prevent the problem.
Corrosion may also take place at the bulb connections, where you should also clean once you have determined that the problem is not a burned-out bulb. Use some silicon sealant to cover the edges of the lens so that water does not seep in, which is what leads to corrosion.
When the running lights flicker when you tap on them, then the most likely problem is poor ground. Trailers with non-metallic mounting surfaces usually use two wires. Remove the lens to determine the type of ground used. If there is only one wire, then grounding passes to the aluminum skin via the mounting screws. Tightening the screws normally solves the problem.
Trace the ground wire if two wires are used. It will usually be attached to the trailer’s chassis. Check whether it is not attached securely or broken.
How to Replace a Turn Signal Switch
Written by Staff on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: Lights Tags: turn signal
You need to move the turn signal switch either up or down in order to activate the flasher on the turn signal, which enables other road users to know of your intentions. It is therefore important that the turn signal switch operates properly. If it develops some fault, you can easily fix it yourself. Here are the things to do.
Necessary tools and materials
- Steering wheel puller
- Rag
- New turn signal switch
- Your car’s repair manual
Get the appropriate repair manual
The turn signal switches in different makes and models of cars are repaired differently; hence you need the relevant repair manual for your car. Use the steps mentioned below along with the information you get in the manual to make the required replacement.
Disconnect the battery
Ensure that you avoid any chances of electric shock by disconnecting the battery. Place the positive terminal on a rag to prevent it from touching any part of the car.
Remove the steering wheel
It may be necessary to remove the steering wheel to access the turn signal switch. Remove it from the steering column by using a steering wheel puller. There is a plastic shroud on the column that gives access to the switch.
Disconnect the wiring harness
You need to disconnect the turn signal switch from the wiring harness. You may either jot down how the wires are connected or take a digital photograph that will help you to during assembly.
Put the new turn signal switch
Put the replacement turn signal switch where you have removed the faulty one.
Then put back everything in reverse order before testing the new turn signal switch.
Another popular term for emergency lights is hazard lights, which shows their primary function. The emergency lights give other motorists warning to take greater care by letting them know that something is wrong with your vehicle. There are times when the hazard lights themselves may be faulty, which means that they will not provide the necessary warning when the need arises. You should therefore understand how to replace the emergency lights to ensure your safety and that of other motorists.
Is Your Brake Light Switch Stuck? Here Are Helpful Tips
Written by Staff on Friday, January 14, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: Brakes, Lights Tags: brake lights, light
The brake light switch in your vehicle has a very significant function. Applying pressure on the brake pedal makes it turn on the brake light switch, which in turn turns on the brake lights. Other road users will therefore be aware that you are braking, which helps in averting possible accidents. Since there are a number of things that can make the brake light switch to become stuck, you should have some idea about how to fix the problem.
Although changing the license plate light in your automobile is relatively easy and does not even take ten minutes, you should know the best way to go about it so that you can do it without a hitch. The following are some helpful tips to consider.
What to Do When the Check Engine Light Gives False Warning
Written by Staff on Thursday, January 13, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: FAQ, Lights Tags: check engine, dashboard
When the engine control system in your car has a fault, the check engine light will give you a warning. The light may either flash or give a steady illumination depending on the model and make of the car and it will keep on doing this until the problem is fixed. However, there are times when the light will continue to either flash or illuminate steadily even after the problem has been fixed.
These are some of the measures you can take when the check engine light gives such a false warning.
Diagnostic Scanner Codes
When the check engine light illuminates, the car produces a diagnostic trouble code, which is interpreted by the diagnostic scanner to determine the specific area of the engine that has a problem.
Some of the associated systems include the starter, ignition, fuel, catalytic converter, and sensors. A diagnostic trouble code may also show engine misfires, emissions, or leaks.
Manually resetting the check engine light
There are times when you may perform a diagnostic scan but fail to get any indication of trouble. In such a case, you may have to reset the check engine light manually. However, you should only do this after you have made necessary checks to ensure that the engine functions normally.
How to Get the Emergency Brake Light to Turn Off
Written by Staff on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: FAQ, Lights Tags: brake light
The emergency brake light helps a driver to know when the brake has not been released. However, there are instances where the light will remain on even when the brake is off. Some simple steps will help you to solve this problem.
Check the emergency brake and ensure that it is indeed turned off before you take any other step.
Electrical issues
When the electrical system or the battery has some problems, the brake lights may fail to turn off. Check the circuitry, catalytic converter, switches, and fuses.
Brake fluid level
Another thing that may let the emergency brake light remain on even when the brake is off is when the brake fluid level is too low. Check the fluid and add some as necessary. Depending on your car, you may need to open the cap or simply check the brake fluid reservoir to determine the level.
Use a clean piece of rag to wipe the fluid reservoir to remove any foreign matter that can contaminate the fluid or cause clogging before adding the fluid slowly.
Do not shake the bottle as you fill the brake fluid to avoid bubbles that can lead to serious problems
Fluid leakage
Check for any signs of leaks, such as drops of fluid on the bolts close to the master cylinder. Check the hose tube fittings and tighten them as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the master cylinder as well.
Never drive a car when the emergency brake light fails to turn off and the brake pads feel odd.
The check engine light is supposed to alert you when there is some problem in your vehicle. However, there are instances where the light may turn on even though there is no problem. Never the less, you should never take any warning from the check engine light for granted. Some of the problems that are frequently related to the check engine light are brake failure, low battery voltage, low oil pressure, as well as overheating of either the transmission or engine.
When the check engine light turns on as you drive, slow down, stop, and make some necessary checks. One of the first things you should check is the level of brake fluid and add some more if it is too low.
You should also check other fluids in the car, including the level of the transmission fluid, engine oil, and anti-freeze. Check each of these fluids at a time to determine that they are as they should and make any necessary adjustments.
The check engine light may also turn on when some belts are missing. Check all the belts and ensure that they are in their respective positions. You should also check them closely to find out whether you may need to make a replacement because of some damage.
A malfunction in the control system may as well turn on the check engine light. Check all the components associated with the control system.
Other things that you should check include the battery, alternator, gap caps, as well as wires of the spark plug and engine.
What to Do When the Turn Signal Fails
Written by Staff on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 | Comments Off
Categories: Lights Tags: turn signal
The turn signal plays an important role in safe driving because it helps other people – both pedestrians and other drivers – to know what you want to do. You should therefore know what you need to do if the signal light fails to turn on. These are some of the things you need to check.
The bulb
If you hear a normal clicking sound when you turn the lever but the turn signal light does not blink, then you should check whether the bulb functions as it should. You may need to replace the bulb if it has become faulty. Wipe the socket using a clean piece of cloth before you make the replacement to remove any debris that may interfere with the connection. The replacement bulb should be of the right voltage.
Fuse
Check the fuse especially if there are other problems with the lighting system. Use the car’s manual to determine the position of the relevant fuse that you need to replace.
Wiring
The turn signal forms part of the electrical system in the car. A problem in the wiring system may cut the power that goes to the light. A fault in the wiring system is likely to affect other components in the car. Check the lever that is used to turn on the light as you inspect the wiring system.
Let an expert check the wiring system if you do not have relevant skills.
Flasher unit
This is the part that makes the turn signal turn on and off by connecting and disconnecting the circuit respectively. Remove the unit and use a jumper wire to determine whether it is the source of the problem.
There are a number of lights on the dashboard that give different types of warning. The dashboard lights will help you to determine when certain problems are developing, which gives you the chance to fix them in good time. The lights enable you to determine the system concerned, not the specific problem. Therefore, you have to find out what the exact problem is and its extent so that you can take appropriate action, which means that you need to have relevant skills in the first place.
You will gain more skills and experience over time as you continue to use your car. The information below will also help you to enhance your knowledge.
One of the dashboard lights is the check engine light, which will give you some warning if the engine has some kind of problem. As we have already seen, the light will alert you about some problem but it will not tell you what the problem is. You will therefore need to take the car to a relevant expert to check the engine closely and determine the problem.
You need to take immediate action when the check engine light alerts you about a problem even when you have not yet noticed any change in performance.
Some of the possible problems include computer timing issues, worn out spark plugs, or even a blown head gasket.
