Automotive Warning Lights: Multiple Light Syndrome

ByMark Bodwell

This has been a difficult topic to write about. My goal is always to explain an automotive issue so that an average driver can follow along and understand. But I have been over and over and over this article, and I'm still not sure if I'm conveying the message properly. That difficulty truly speaks to the direction the industry is taking.

A new phenomenon has developed over the last several years. You are driving down the road, the vehicle feels normal and seems to be running properly. And then, not one or two but as many as three warning lights suddenly flare up on your instrument panel. Now what??? It is a very difficult topic to explain verbally - and even more difficult in writing!

The original concept of a warning light, tell-tale, idiot light or whatever you care to call them, was to put the driver's attention on a potentially serious problem. And while that remain true, the very fact is that, in today's advanced automobiles, some systems depend on the proper operation of several others. Thus, a fault in one system will result in the shut down of others that depend on the first.

Thus an instrument panel will show a multitude of illuminated warning lights, the secondary ones effectively telling a driver only that these systems are shut off. A bad case of Multiple Light Syndrome, and, for the average driver, a potentially frightening time indeed.

Advanced stability control and traction control systems are the primary culprits, or more to the point, the electronics that they depend on. And they are the least likely to actually fail. These systems rely on signals from the electronics controlling the operation of the engine, transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and suspension systems. A single glitch in any one of these systems effectively means that that system can no longer be trusted. So, a fault in the ABS illuminates the ABS light, the traction or stability control system light, and the skid warning light.

Tell tales or idiot lights, as they have come to be known, were originally designed to help drivers who didn't understand how to read a gauge. Today's advanced systems are not likely to have a gauge associated with them, so all a warning light can hope to do is get a driver's attention. And in multiples, they are guaranteed to do just that.

The automotive industry turns a blind eye to the fact that the average driver is not a technician, and the circus of tell-tales lit up at once is, bluntly, a frightening sight. The first question is always "is my car safe to drive"? In truth, the answer is nearly always "yes".

Here is the bottom line. Multiple lights rarely, if ever, mean multiple system faults. A fault in the engine, ABS or drive train will result in its associated fault light coming on. That one fault will shut down the traction and/or stability control systems, and those "off" lights will be illuminated to tell you that they are shut down. It is perfectly safe to drive a vehicle with the advanced systems off, as they are designed to kick in only in the most extreme conditions.

Should the problem be addressed? Yes, and as soon as possible. So long as the vehicle seems to be running normally, you have time to reach your dealer for service at minimum. Just add a little more caution to your drive.

However, if the vehicle is not running properly, do not attempt to drive it. Call for roadside assistance right away!

Drivers need help and at DashboardSymbols.com, we are developing tools to do just that. The first tool is a Smartphone app that includes some 100 image and text tell-tales and their descriptions to help drivers translate what they are seeing into useful information. The App is available for iOS, Android and BlackBerry platform. We ultimately intend to help change the way vehicles communicate with drivers. In the meantime, if you are confused by the symbols that show up on your instrument panel, go to http://www.dashboardsymbols.com. There, you will find the most comprehensive list of automotive symbols available anywhere, and access to our tools.

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5 Warning Signs to Spotting an Unreliable Locksmith

ByKelly A Duhon

In an ideal world, you would just love to believe that every local locksmith company and program is reputable for all future emergencies. Driving home from work on the side of the road isn't the best place for checking out different companies, reading up on customer reviews, and verifying ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) membership. However, if you're locked out and have no choice but to resort to the yellow pages or internet listings, watch out for these 5 warning signs that you're about to fall for a locksmith scam. Locksmith scams are common all over the country.

Warning Sign #1: No Company Name

The first dead giveaway is when they answer your call. There are so many different company names, the person answering your call may only say, "Locksmith", without even saying the company name. Locksmiths that are fraudulent use many false business names, addresses, and phone numbers that all feed into one remote call center.

Warning Sign #2: Unusually Low Quotes

Suspiciously low price quotes over the phone or in an ad are the next indicator. It's a classic bait and switch: a local locksmith company offers you what seems like a great quote so you agree to the service based on the price. When the locksmith actually comes out, though, the initial quote turns out to cover the service call only. The actual labor tacks on another $50-$100 (or even more if the locksmith sells you on unnecessary services) to you're already climbing bill.

If you sense any evasiveness when you ask about pricing on the phone, trust your instincts and try another locksmith that offers firm quotes. Written quotes are even better. You could end up paying into $300 range just have your car door unlocked.

Warning Sign #3: Unmarked Cars

Locksmiths who show up in unmarked cars are the next indicator. An unmarked car is a major red flag because you could be dealing with a locksmith or Bob from down the road. Shady locksmith companies use remote call centers but hire local contractors who are not very good or confident at what they do, and likely uninsured. A technician that is inexperienced and naive can cause serious damage to your locks, doors, and windows.

A local locksmith company in your area that provides its technicians with tools, uniforms, and marked cars is a much better bet, not only because you're likely to enjoy better service, but also because you can hold them and the company accountable if anything goes wrong.

Warning Sign #4: Talking Up The Price

Locksmiths who talk up the price before even starting to work on your lock are the lowest of the low in the business. Ask about pricing before they begin to work on your lock. If they're already tacking on additional fees, you know you're going to be biting off a lot more than you can afford to pay. Although you might be tempted to just go along with it, keep in mind that shady, inexperienced locksmiths can damage your locks and end up costing you even more money and time.

Remember:
It's not too late to dismiss this locksmith and call another.

Warning Sign #5: Drilling Your Locks

Locksmiths who want to drill your lock are the final warning sign. While there can be cases in which your lock cannot be picked and must be drilled, they are relatively rare. Legitimate locksmiths view drilling as the last resort in getting a lock open. If a locksmith works on your lock for only a few minutes before declaring that it needs drilling, he is lying to you.

Drilling a lock means you'll have to pay for installing a brand new lock, on top of the initial charge. Get a second opinion instead could save you hundreds of dollars.

Don't throw darts at the board when you call a locksmith. Trust the reputable locksmiths at Pop-A-Lock to get a low quoted price on quality services. The guarantee it will be the price you pay.

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