Understanding the Truck Dashboard

Lick most vehicles, diesel trucks are equipped with a number of different warning lights and automatic indicators that communicate different messages to drivers. From low fuel levels to a loss in tire pressure, these diesel truck warning lights are very important when it comes to informing drivers about problems and ensuring that the truck continues operating safely and effectively. To get the most out of these warning lights, it’s important to understand more about the truck dashboard and what the different symbols, gauges and lights actually mean.

While there are some differences in dashboards between different vehicle models, there are a few basic components that will almost always be included in diesel trucks:

• Odometer: The odometer tracks the mileage of a vehicle. Tracking mileage is helpful when determining what preventative maintenance services are necessary, like transmission belt replacement, tire replacement and oil changes.
• Temperature gauge: The temperature gauge allows drivers to monitor the temperature of the engine to avoid overheating. This gauge is especially important when the engine is under stress, like when a diesel truck is operating under extreme weather conditions or driving at a steep incline for a long period of time.
• Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge tracks a truck’s fuel level. Some fuel gauges simply provide and approximate fuel level in the engine, while more sophisticated gauges also include an estimate of the number of miles that can be driven on the remaining fuel.

Diesel truck warning lights

Here are a few of the most common diesel truck warning lights for drivers to be aware of:

• Check engine light: The check engine light indicates that there is something wrong with the engine that requires attention. In many cases, the problem can be fixed with something as simple as an oil change, but there are other, more serious issues that might be triggering your check engine light. Get a diagnosis from a repair technician to determine the source of the problem.
• Alternator check: The alternator check light comes on when the alternator isn’t properly charging the truck battery. If this light comes on, shut off as many electronic accessories as possible and get your truck to a mechanic right away.
• Coolant level monitor: This light indicates that your coolant levels are getting low. When your coolant level monitor light comes on, it’s a good idea to schedule a maintenance appointment for fluid top-offs for your engine.
• Tire pressure light: The tire pressure light is activated when tires are underinflated. Sometimes, this light comes on during extremely cold temperatures, when freezing outside air affects tire pressure, but the light might also come on if a tire is leaking or damaged. If this light comes on, make sure to inspect your tires for signs of damage and inflate them to the proper pressure level.

Professional diesel truck repair

If you have more questions about diesel truck warning lights, reach out to J.H.T. Service & Repair, LLC. We specialize in providing comprehensive truck repairs and are experts at diagnosing and addressing a wide variety of different diesel truck problems. No matter what your specific concerns may be, our team of mechanics is here to inspect your vehicle and get it back into the best shape possible. Stop by for a service appointment or give us a call for 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.

Categorised in: Truck Parts

This post was written by Writer