Automobile issues have always given us headaches – even those that have decades-long of car control!
And among these dilemmas, multiple warning lights on dash are undoubtedly the most troublesome, which might cost thousands of dollars if no proper treatment and diagnosis are at play.
So how can we identify the palpable signals of this problem and find the most appropriate methods to solve it?
This insightful article from Bryan’s Garage will be your lifesaver, covering every relevant aspect, guideline, and tip!
What are you still waiting for? Buckle your seatbelt and dive in with us!
Some Common Master Warning Lights Combination When All Lights On Dash On
Is one (or more than one) dash light active? Then remember to check these primary lights first and foremost.
1. Two Check Engine lighting devices. The instrument panel might display at least one variation (even more in some cases).
These lights are easily among the most troublesome, whose stability and traction control system will shut off until you properly address the problem.
Once they are repaired, the car’s remaining system will reactivate, meaning the indicator light will resolve itself. Reports have even recorded 4LO lights activated by check engine lights – not a common occurrence, but still possible!
2. ABS (Anti Lock Brake Pedal systems) light variations. The automobile instrument panel might involve their visuals to inform you that the charging system undergoes some problems.
Again, remember that the stability and traction control system relies on Antilock Brakes’ proper function. Any misstep or defect with these systems calls for immediate treatment and diagnosis.
3. EBD (Electro Brake Force Distributions) indicator. Most EBD indicators are additions or enhancements to ABS.
Both the stability/traction control and ABS are tightly interconnected with the EBD. Hence, similar to the first two cases, it’s a must to fix the EBD issues immediately and avoid worse consequences.
4. Suspension and Drivetrain indicators (though they are more unfamiliar light). Their four symbols can easily be observed on the instrument panel.
Both are heavily dependent on the ECS (Electro-Controlled Suspension) and will shut off in an undetermined period until the ECS has been stripped of its technical issues.
What Caused Multiple Warning Lights on Dash
So what are the reasons all lights on dashboard came on? As you could have probably guessed from the listed combinations above, advanced traction and stability control systems are the main culprits here.
Or, to be more precise, it’s the electronics they rely on. Even more astounding is the fact that they usually have the least likelihood of malfunctioning!
These automobile systems depend on the electronic signals that control the overall operation of the car’s suspension system, ABS, transmission, and engine.
Thus, it’s understandable that any occurring glitch in these devices means you can no longer trust the system to deliver correct signals.
An error in ABSs will light up the ABS lights – then the stability/traction control indicators, and finally the skid lights.
Usually, older car models will arrive with a gauge to identify these problems. However, since gauges are no longer a common feature in modern systems, you must pay attention to those symptoms more keenly than ever.
Hence, the aforementioned lights constantly blink to inform oblivious drivers that something is wrong with their cars, pushing you to discover the potential issue much faster.
Still, these normal indicator light systems seem only comprehensible to seasoned drivers or technicians.
Many automotive service manuals forget that not every average car driver is a technician, so the frightening sight of multiple indicators flashing on and off often freaks them out!
How To Fix All Lights Turned On In Car
No More Than Two Trouble Lights
One or two dashboard light warnings do not mean your vehicle might stop working or pose any considerable danger to your short-distance driving.
However, longer trips with these indicators on are not advised, so treat the problems well in advance.
The solutions depend on the specific lights; rely on them to decipher what your car needs. Let’s say the engine pressure lights are on; your best bet is to look through the records and check the last oil changes.
Once done, assess the oil levels and determine whether you should top them off or alter the oil type (do not forget your safety goggles during the process!).
Another example is the brake system lights. If they switch on, there are several steps you could take. First, ensure no parking brakes are activated.
Secondly, replace or fix the parking brakes if you detect any malfunction.
More Than Two Lights
Does your car suffer from more than two indicators blinking (or worse, all dash warning lights stay on)? It means at least two systems in the car are suffering from untreated problems.
One example is collisions: since the crash might have affected multiple systems, their lights would turn on as a result.
Check important devices (like airbags) to confirm whether they are deployed or not. If yes, reset them immediately since the airbag system is obviously experiencing technical errors.
And what if all lights on dashboard lit up suddenly and simultaneously – or the battery indicator refused to shut down while the alternator was still charging?
Chances are a faulty alternator with insufficient voltage is the main root here – though we cannot be certain 100%.
All the lights are involved this time, after all, making it difficult to detect which exact system needs reparation.
Hence, we strongly suggest you bring the car to a trustworthy collision reparation technician or service manager for more analysis.
FAQs
1. Can I Reset The Whole Dashboard?
Yes, though that’s not an advisable move. A sudden shut-off engine will lead to improper service and further problems out of your control.
So unless there are no other options available, it would be ideal if you could check each light and fix it individually – rather than resetting the entire dashboard!
2. Can I Reset My Check Engine Indicators By Disconnecting The Car Batteries?
Yes. We can say that battery disconnection is among the most widely-used methods to fix blinking check engine lights!
The method might require some elbow grease. And once your attempt to disconnect the battery is successful, leave the car idle for ten to fifteen minutes.
After that, put the key into its ignition hole and switch it to “On” three times.
If nothing else unexpected occurs, the strategy will clear the car’s data and turn off the lights.
Now reconnect the batteries and turn your ignition on. About 60 seconds later, the lights should have already been off.
For more reasons and fixes on flashing check-engine lighting, click here.
Conclusion
This detailed article has explained what causes multiple warning lights on dash and proper service procedure/solutions for the issue.
Though no immediate danger might occur if you leave the lighting system on for some time, we do not suggest you ignore these problems.
Try your best to settle them once and for all before embarking on long trips!Do you still have questions about all lights on in car? Then feel free to reach out for more auto industry guidance.