Car manufacturers use many car sensors and gauges. While each of these systems has their own function, they are not fully independent of each other.
For example, the oil pressure sensor measures the pressure of the engine oil that is being pumped to various parts of the car’s engine and reports this data to a vehicle computer, which in turn activates the oil pressure gauge on the instrument cluster.
Additionally, there are warning lights that illuminate on the dashboard as a precautionary means for the driver to address an issue that may occur in the system shortly.
While a majority of drivers only pay attention to the two gauges – speedometer and fuel gauge – there are many gauges that report critical information for driving the vehicle safely.
So, if you see a ‘check gauge light’ warning message on the driver information center, you have an imminent problem somewhere around the system. We will now explain the ‘check gauge light’ meaning, reasons for it lighting up and how to resolve the error.
What Does A Check Gauge Light Mean?
A check gauge light on a Ford Explorer or any vehicle is a warning light triggered by the vehicle’s computer for the driver regarding problems in the system.
It indicates one or more of the vehicle gauges has a reading that is out of range of normal operation parameters, or that the engine coolant temperature or oil pressure is heading to the north pole.
When activated, the check gauge light on Dodge Ram 1500 is amber. Depending on your vehicle, the light may be red or orange when illuminated on the dashboard.
Since there are so many gauges on the vehicle, a check gauge light on Dodge Dakota or another vehicle can indicate anything from gas tank problems to the oil pressure switches.
What causes the check gauge light on?
There are many gauges on a vehicle, so one or more can be the problem. All the gauges on your vehicle can cause a check gauge light to come on and/or sometimes go out. Here are the typical causes of a check gauge light:
- Defective Trip Odometer
- Faulty Tachometer
- Defective Tire pressure gauge
- Bad Voltmeter
- Bad Speedometer or Odometer
- Bad Oil pressure gauge
- Bad Fuel gauge
- Bad Coolant temperature gauge
On some vehicles, the color of a check gauge light indicates the severity of the issue. This doesn’t mean you should skip correcting the check warning light; the light just indicates that it isn’t an immediate repair.
Instead, you have to check the most common probable causes such as; tire pressure, oil pressure gauge, coolant levels, brake fluid levels, and motor oil because they can cause a roadside emergency if not fixed quickly.
Sometimes the check gauge light is just going to be a false warning light on the dashboard. But because this is possible, please don’t conclude that nothing is wrong with your vehicle until a proper diagnosis is made, to that end, please always do a proper diagnosis or take your Jeep wrangler or your respective model to an experienced mechanic whenever the check gauge light comes on.
And now that we have seen the probable causes of the check gauges warning message light on the dashboard. What should you do when your check gauge light comes on?
How do you fix check gauge light errors?
If you see a check gauge light on your dashboard while driving, don’t panic. Just find a safe place to pull over and check the instrument cluster. Here’s how to monitor and resolve the check gauge warning light.
#1. Check the fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and temperature readings.
First, check the fuel gauge for movement and see how much fuel is left in the tank. If the fuel light is on, it may mean you’re running low on gas.
If the gauge does NOT show movement when you switch the key into the ON position; your fuel gauge may not be working.
Once done, next check the oil pressure gauge. If your vehicle has a oil pressure gauge (older vehicles), check the oil gauge on the instrument cluster and see if pressure is normal; If not, get your vehicle to a mechanic to repair the gauge.
Finally, check the temperature gauge reading for normal range, or overheating. If the engine is overheating, find the cause and repair. Check the cooling system components, and if the engine is overheating then check the cooling temp switch.
#2. Scan the vehicle.
If you don’t own a scanner, do not worry. You can borrow it from a friend, or rent it from a shaded auto repair place. Locate the OBD port, usually beneath the steering wheel. Plug the scan tool in and pull out the recorded diagnostics trouble codes.
Some advanced scan tools will have the codes meanings displayed for you, while most inexpensive codes readers, do not display the meanings and will only show the error codes logged. Once, you check the meaning of the codes, you can track and repair the culprit.
#3. Drive to the diagnostic shop.
If you have no DIY abilities, or lack a basic understanding of your vehicle’s underhold workings. The best way to fix a check gauge light on Chevy Trailblazer, or any model, is to simply have the car towed to a diagnostic shop.
Most have advanced scan machines which will accurately identify the causes. The good thing is most shops if not all, the diagnostic shops, will also be able to repair the problem, because most shops have auto repair depts. This is a great way to save time, wasting money on the incorrect part.
How much does it cost to fix the check gauge light?
There are many reasons the check gauge light on the instrument cluster can come on, so without a diagnosis, it is nearly impossible to give an estimate on the cost to repair.
If you take the car to a garage, expect them to start with about an hour of diagnostic work. Garage shops typically charge $75 – $150 an hour.
The technician will replace or repair one of the following:
- Engine temperature coolant switch: $150-$200
- Fuel gauge replacement: $150-$250
- Oil pressure gauge/sensor: $150-$300
- Speedometer: $200-$300
Final Words
Simply put, the check gauge light comes on when the car computer finds one or two of the gauges on the vehicle are out of range. There are stiff number of gauges throughout a vehicle.
The gauges are typically littered on the instrument cluster to tell directions for the drivers. If you see the light on the dash come on while you are in motion, find a proceed to a safe location to find out why the warning light came on.
If you are not familiar with the principles of the underhold workings in your vehicle, proceed to a workshop or shop that services your vehicle as fast as possible.
Not knowing the severity of the warning light and continuing to use the vehicle may cause catastrophic damage or total engine failure based on the cause.