Check Gauge Light Meaning, Causes and Solutions!

As a Jeep owner, you may have experienced the check gauge light turning on while driving. This light indicates that one or more of your vehicle’s gauges is reading outside the normal range.

Ignoring this warning light can lead to severe engine damage or even a breakdown. Therefore, it is essential to understand the causes and solutions to this issue.

This article will discuss the meaning of the check gauges light in a Jeep, its causes, and solutions. 

How does gauge work?

Car gauges provide information about the car’s performance to the driver. These gauges include the speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, tachometer, voltmeter, and oil pressure gauge.

The gauges work by receiving signals from sensors throughout the car and displaying the information on the dashboard. For instance, the speedometer gets calls from a magnet attached to one of the wheels or driveshafts, which triggers a sensor with each revolution.

The temperature gauge measures the temperature of the engine coolant and displays it on the dashboard.

The dashboard instrument cluster is a grouping of gauges and sensors that monitor the car’s vital systems, such as the oil pressure gauge, coolant temperature gauge, fuel level gauge, and tachometer. 

What Does the Check Gauges Light Mean?

The Check Gauges Light is designed to alert you when there is a problem with one or more of your gauges. When the light comes on, one or more of your gauges read outside their normal range. This could indicate a problem with your oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage, or fuel level.

When the check gauge light comes on, it is essential to take immediate action. Ignoring the warning could lead to severe damage to your vehicle or even an accident. The first step is to check your gauges to see if they indicate a problem.

If you notice that one or more of your gauges are reading outside of their usual range, you should take action to address the issue.

Causes of a Check Gauges Light

Low Oil Pressure

Low oil pressure is one of the most common causes of a check gauge’s light. Several issues, including low oil levels, a malfunctioning oil pump, or a clogged oil filter, can cause it. Low oil pressure can also be caused by a faulty oil pressure sensor designed to detect changes in oil pressure and send a signal to the vehicle’s computer.

Overheating

Overheating is another common cause of a check gauge’s light. Several issues, including a malfunctioning thermostat, a leak in the cooling system, or a faulty water pump, can cause this. Overheating can also be caused by a malfunctioning radiator fan designed to cool the engine when it reaches a specific temperature.

Low Battery Voltage

Low battery voltage is another potential cause of a check gauge’s light. Several issues, including a weak battery, a malfunctioning alternator, or a loose or corroded battery cable, can cause this. The low battery voltage can also be caused by a faulty battery sensor, which monitors the battery’s voltage and sends a signal to the vehicle’s computer.

Malfunctioning Gauge

Sometimes, a check gauge light may be triggered by a malfunctioning gauge. Several issues, including a faulty gauge cluster or a damaged gauge sensor, can cause this. A malfunctioning meter can also be caused by a broken wire or a loose connection.

How to Fix Check Gauges Light?

You might not find many sources on how to fix this problem. As this problem needs proper checking of every aspect. I will take you through a complete guide on how to check each thing and fix it.

Check the Gauges

The first step in fixing a check gauges light is to check the gauges on your dashboard. Ensure the oil pressure, temperature, and battery voltage gauges read within their normal range. If one of the gauges is not reading correctly, it could indicate a problem with that system.

Check the Fluid Levels

Low fluid levels can commonly cause a check gauge’s light. Check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels to ensure they are all within the appropriate range. If any fluid levels are low, top them off to the right level.

Check the Battery

If a low battery voltage triggers the check gauge light, check the battery to ensure it is in good condition. If the battery is weak or dead, replace it with a new one. It is also essential to check the alternator to ensure it is charging the battery correctly.

Check the Oil Pressure

If the check gauge’s light is triggered by low oil pressure, check the oil pressure gauge to ensure it is reading correctly. The low gauge reading could indicate a problem with the oil pump or a clogged oil filter. Check the oil level and top it off if necessary. If the oil pressure still reads low, take the vehicle to a mechanic to check it.

Check the Cooling System

If the check gauge light is triggered by overheating, check the cooling system to ensure it functions properly. Check the coolant level and top it off if necessary. Check the thermostat, water pump, and radiator to ensure they are all in good condition. If the cooling system is not working correctly, take the vehicle to a mechanic to check it.

How Long Can You Drive with Check Gauge Light?

Driving with the Check Gauge light on is not recommended, as it can seriously damage the car’s engine and other vital systems. Depending on the cause of the morning, driving with it on for an extended period may cause the engine to overheat, lose oil pressure, or damage the alternator. If you continue to move with the Check Gauge light on, it may lead to more costly repairs down the road.

It is essential to have the car checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible when the Check Gauge light comes on. The mechanic can diagnose the cause of the issue and make the necessary repairs to restore the car’s performance.

FAQs

A: The check engine light is an important warning system that shouldn’t be ignored. Ignoring it could lead to more expensive repairs in the future and cause your car to fail emissions tests or inspections. Common causes of a check engine light include bad spark plugs or ignition coils, broken oxygen sensors, catalytic converter problems, and engine thermostat issues.