What if a Warning Light Fails?
This is not a new problem, but with the increased reliance on electronics and the increased number of warning lights, it is one that will likely be seen more and more.
Cadillac is recalling its sleek ELR (Electric Long Range) coupe (2014) because of a software problem in the car’s electronic stability control (ESC) system. All electronic systems undergo a diagnostic during start up, and in this case, the system software may inhibit certain diagnostics. This means that some fault conditions would not be detected if they occurred, which further means that the ESC malfunction indicator light will not illuminate.
In the case of the ELR, there are but a few hundred cars to be concerned about (656 vehicles from the 2014 model year not equipped with adaptive cruise control) and fortunately GM discovered the problem in house, not after crashes. But the larger concern remains: an increased reliance on electronics across the board and more importantly in safety systems and the reliance of those systems on electronic self-diagnosis and electronic warning lights.
What warning exists for the failure of a warning light itself? The answer of course, is that there is none. The indicator to the right is a fake we made up only for this piece.
For the record, many, many years ago, an oil sender failed on a personal car. The sender itself leaked all the oil out of the car, rather quickly it might be added, but never once activated the low oil pressure warning light. In this case, a mechanical failure in an electronic sender cost an engine, but in today’s vehicles, a warning light failure could cost a whole lot more.
To correct the ELR’s problem, GM will only need to recalibrate the electronic brake control module. An electronic fix to an electronic problem. Not very satisfying or confidence building, and reflects on the industry as a whole, not simply GM.
GM’s recall letter to NHTSA can be seen here.
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
With the system on, as soon as one of the wheels starts to spin, the brakes want to slow that wheel down and the symbol to the left will be seen on the instrument panel. In some cars, even the engine power will be reduced, all of which conspires to leave you stuck. So there you are trying to gain some momentum, and bang, down you go. And I didn’t think of it…
Despite the alphabet soup, they all do the same thing, and are an important safety tool while on the road. A warning light, like the one to the right, will be illuminated to remind you to turn it back on when you are safely underway.
The power top on my car is quirky and well past its warranty, but being a hands-on guy, I am generally able to deal with any issues that crop up. It sometimes stops near the end of the opening process. The top has gotten confused during the closing process, dropping the rear portion of the top before the storage cover is closed. It may start to open and decide not to! These issues usually require only a moment’s rest and a restart, although in the second case, a manual lift of the rear portion of the top is required.
Of the three, the lock out is most likely to require an actual visit from roadside assistance.
A New Name for Adaptive Cruise Control Revisits an Old Question
Adaptive Cruise Control systems have been available from many auto manufacturers now for several years, These are systems that allow a car to maintain a set distance from a vehicle ahead of it. Kia Motors now in 2014 has it available in its Cadenza and K900 models. The fact that the company has chosen to call the system “Advanced Smart Cruise Control” prompts this piece.
Never mind that manufacturers were already bouncing between the names Active and Adaptive Cruise Control and Radar Controlled Cruise Control. Now the motoring public has a new name – and a new acronym (ASCC) – to adjust to.
Too Many Examples
This is not the first time we’ve commented on the topic of nomenclature. Drivers already face too many instances where their automobiles can make them feel inadequate and under the gun. A look through our Acronyms page finds three names as well for blind spot monitors, five versions of lane departure systems, and no less than twelve names for stability control (go ahead, count them up!). Is any of this really necessary? The answer is no…
It is a wonder that drivers know any the names of the many
functions of today’s vehicles and understand what they do. It is a greater wonder that they recognize its associated warning light! Seriously, does the light shown on the right mean that other car is about to hit? We’ve been asked that question!
In the meantime, beleaguered sales and service personnel spend hour after hour explaining advanced systems to their customers and struggle with what is an Automotive Knowledge Gap – drivers simply don’t understand their cars. Meanwhile, the industry continues to build the equivalent of the old VCR with a clock that only a select few know how to program.
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are standard names across the industry. Where is the consistency, the standards, the sanity, when it comes to other advanced safety systems?
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Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.
These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.
Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.
The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY