One of the dreaded things you can experience while driving is one of the warning lights on the instrument panel or dashboard lighting up. We have and it can be pretty annoying, even if you’re an experienced driver. Usually, it’s an indication that something has gone wrong with your car. No one wants to have something wrong with their truck or SUV.
Some warning lights are obvious. They can instantly tell you what’s wrong. On some vehicles, however, there’s this curious warning light that says “Check Gauges.” You may be wondering what does that light mean?
In this guide, we will explain what the check gauges light means, why it comes on, and how you can fix the issue.
What Is a “Check Gauges” Light?
A “Check Gauges” light is a warning indicator found in many modern cars and other vehicles. Located somewhere on the dashboard or instrument panel, this light is meant to alert drivers when there is an issue with one of their vehicle’s gauges or sensors.
Many different manufacturers and makes have a check gauge warning light, including popular models from brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. Some vehicles may display the warning indicator in a different way, such as simply displaying “Check Gauge” or using similar terminology .
In addition to the check gauge light, some vehicles may also have other indicators that alert drivers when there is an issue with one of their vehicle’s gauges or sensors. These may include alerts such as a dashboard warning triangle or a graphic display on the driver’s information center.
Overall, the check gauge light is an important indicator that drivers should be aware of in order to avoid potential issues with their vehicles.
Why Does “Check Gauges” Light Go On?
The check gauge light typically goes on when there is an issue with one of the gauges in your car. An illuminated check gauge light can be caused by a number of different factors, such as faulty wiring, low fluid levels, or broken sensors. However, false positives can also occur, so it’s important to check and troubleshoot the issue before assuming there is a major underlying problem.
Common Instrument Panel Warning Lights
The check gauges warning light may come on if there are issues with any of the following gauges:
Speedometer: This can be affected by issues such as a speed sensor failure or road conditions.
Fuel Gauge: Low fuel levels, a faulty gauge, or faulty wiring could cause the check gauges light to go on.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge: If your engine is running hot, it’s possible that there’s an issue with the coolant levels, an electrical short, or a faulty sensor. As a result of an overheated engine, your engine temperature gauge will come on.
Tachometer/Rev Counter: Problems with the knock sensors and wiring can cause issues with the rev counter, which may also affect your tachometer. Erratic tachometer readings may also indicate issues with the ignition system.
Oil Pressure Gauge: Low oil pressure or a failed gauge or sensor can cause the check gauge light to go on.
Oil Temperature Gauge: Issues with the oil temperature sensor, a faulty gauge, or low fluid levels can lead to your check gauge light coming on.
Transmission Temperature Gauge: If your transmission is running hot, it’s possible that there could be an issue with fluid levels or a sensor failure.
Other Lights
Your check gauge light isn’t the only warning light that can go on in your car – there are also a number of other possibilities, including:
Seat Belt: A faulty or loose seatbelt could cause the seatbelt light to come on.
ABS: If your antilock brakes system is malfunctioning, you will likely see an ABS light come on in your car to alert you that there’s a problem.
Traction Control: If the traction control system is not working properly, you may see a warning light indicating such.
Air Bag: Any time there’s a problem with your car’s airbag system, it’ll likely trigger an airbag light.
Tire Pressure: If the tire pressure sensor in your vehicle is not working properly, you may see a tire pressure light come on.
Battery: When there’s an issue with your battery or charging system, a battery light will come on to alert you.
Low Engine Oil Warning: If your car’s oil level is low, you will see an “Oil” warning light.
Check Engine: The check engine light typically comes on when there’s an issue with the engine or its components. This may be caused by a number of different factors, such as an improperly functioning oxygen sensor, loose or faulty gas cap, or a number of other problems.
Maintenance: The maintenance light is typically triggered when your car needs a tune-up or other type of service. While this can be an inconvenience, it’s important to get the necessary repairs and maintenance done in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
How to Fix “Check Gauges” Light?
If you’re experiencing issues with your check gauge light or any of the other lights in your car, it’s important to bring your vehicle in for servicing as soon as possible. A mechanic will be able to assess the problem and determine if any of the above issues are at play.
They can also find out if other reasons are causing you trouble, such as:
False Positive: If your check gauge light turns on even when there are no issues with the car, this could be a result of a faulty sensor or wiring issue.
ECU Fault: A faulty ECU (electronic control unit), which controls many aspects of your vehicle’s performance, can trigger the check gauge light to come on.
Electrical Short: If there is a short somewhere in the electrical system of your car, this could cause the check gauges light to go on.
Blown Fuse: A blown fuse or other wiring problem can also lead to the check gauge light coming on.
Failing Sensors: Problems with the car’s sensors, including the oil pressure and temperature sensors, can lead to issues with the check gauge light.
Regardless of what may be causing your check gauge light to go on, it’s important to have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible so that you can safely get back on the road. This may involve performing a diagnostic scan and addressing any issues that are identified. With a proper diagnosis from a mechanic, you’ll be able to address any issues and get your car back in optimal condition.
In some cases, this may require replacing parts or components in your vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other systems. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you may also be able to perform these repairs yourself.
How Do You Prevent “Check Gauges” Light Warning?
One of the most important things you can do to prevent “check gauges” light warnings is to regularly check and maintain your vehicle’s essential systems, including your engine, battery, brakes, and tires.
You should also make sure that you stay up-to-date on any needed repairs or maintenance, as well as ensure that all fluids, such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid, are at the correct levels.
Additionally, you should be mindful of your driving habits and avoid hard acceleration or heavy braking whenever possible since these can put additional stress on your vehicle’s systems.
It is also a good idea to invest in regular car inspections with a trusted mechanic to ensure that everything is running smoothly and identify any problems that may be developing before they become serious issues.
Preventive Maintenance Is the Best Course of Action
To ensure that you don’t see the check gauges light or any other similarly troublesome lights on your dashboard, always take steps to perform preventive maintenance. This is the best way to ensure that your car runs at its best.
