Noise or Light? helper
What's your car trying to tell you?
Pick the light on your dash or the noise you’re hearing. You’ll get a plain-words starting point, how soon to deal with it, and a one-tap way to book it.
Pick one
What is it telling you?
Choose a light or a symptom to see what it often relates to, how soon to have it looked at, and who handles it here.
Dashboard light
Check engine
- Often related to
- The engine, ignition, fuel or emissions systems. A loose gas cap can set it too.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Steady: book a check soon. Flashing: most owner’s manuals say to reduce speed and have it checked right away.
- Who handles it
- Check Engine & Repair
Dashboard light
Oil pressure
- Often related to
- Low oil pressure or a low oil level.
- How soon
- Pull over safely Most owner’s manuals say to pull over safely and turn the engine off.
- Who handles it
- Check Engine & Repair
Dashboard light
Engine temperature
- Often related to
- Overheating: coolant level, a leak, the thermostat, fan or water pump.
- How soon
- Pull over safely Pull over safely and let the engine cool. Never open a hot radiator cap.
- Who handles it
- Check Engine & Repair
Dashboard light
Battery / charging
- Often related to
- The charging system: battery, alternator, wiring or drive belt.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon. The car may only run until the battery drains.
- Who handles it
- Check Engine & Repair
Dashboard light
Brake system
- Often related to
- The parking brake is on, the brake fluid is low, or there’s a brake system fault.
- How soon
- Pull over safely If it stays on with the parking brake released, have it checked before driving further.
- Who handles it
- Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Dashboard light
ABS
- Often related to
- The anti-lock brake system. Normal braking usually still works, just without anti-lock.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon, and leave extra stopping room until then.
- Who handles it
- Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Dashboard light
Tire pressure
- Often related to
- One or more tires low on air, or a pressure sensor fault.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Fill the tires to the pressure on the door-jamb sticker. If the light stays on, have it checked.
- Who handles it
- Maintenance & Inspections
Dashboard light
Maintenance due
- Often related to
- Your car’s own service reminder: an oil change or scheduled maintenance.
- How soon
- Next visit is fine Book it at a time that suits you.
- Who handles it
- Maintenance & Inspections
Noise, feel or smell
Squeal or grind when braking
- Often related to
- Worn brake pads or rotors. Grinding is more urgent than squealing.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon.
- Who handles it
- Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Noise, feel or smell
Clunk over bumps
- Often related to
- Worn suspension or steering parts: shocks, struts, links, bushings or ball joints.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon.
- Who handles it
- Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Noise, feel or smell
Shake or vibration
- Often related to
- Wheel balance, tires, warped brake rotors, or worn steering and suspension parts.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon.
- Who handles it
- Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Noise, feel or smell
Pulls to one side
- Often related to
- Alignment, tire pressure, a worn tire or a sticking brake.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon.
- Who handles it
- Brakes, Steering & Suspension
Noise, feel or smell
Clicks or won't start
- Often related to
- The battery, its connections, the starter or the charging system.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Call us; we’ll tell you whether it should be towed in.
- Who handles it
- Check Engine & Repair
Noise, feel or smell
Fluid under the car
- Often related to
- Color is a clue: green, orange or pink is often coolant; brown or black is often oil; red can be transmission or power-steering fluid. Clear water under the A/C is usually normal.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon, sooner if it’s a puddle.
- Who handles it
- Check Engine & Repair
Noise, feel or smell
Hot or sweet smell
- Often related to
- A sweet smell is often coolant; a burning smell can be oil on a hot engine or overheated brakes.
- How soon
- Have it checked soon Have it checked soon. If the temperature gauge is high, pull over.
- Who handles it
- Check Engine & Repair
Noise, feel or smell
Death wobble (violent front-end shake)
- Often related to
- Common on solid-front-axle 4x4s like Jeeps: worn or loose steering and suspension parts such as the track bar, ball joints, tie rod ends or bushings. Tire balance and alignment can make it worse.
- How soon
- Pull over safely Slow down safely; it usually stops as speed drops. Have it checked before driving at speed again.
- Who handles it
- Jeep & 4×4: Off Road Werkz
Noise, feel or smell
A trail build or trail damage
- Often related to
- Suspension and lift kits, gears and lockers, parts and accessories, or custom welding at Off Road Werkz.
- How soon
- Next visit is fine Call to talk through the build.
- Who handles it
- Jeep & 4×4: Off Road Werkz
General information, not a diagnosis. Your owner’s manual explains each light for your vehicle. If something feels unsafe, pull over safely and call (805) 642-8400.