How to Deal with a Large 'F' on the HOWO Dashboard?
3 Answers
Indicates high water temperature or insufficient coolant; insufficient brake fluid or low tire pressure; it may also be related to the handbrake. There can be many reasons for this situation. If it occurs frequently, you should find a nearby professional repair shop for inspection and maintenance.
I also encountered the dashboard showing a big F last month, which was really worrying. This kind of warning light could indicate an issue with the electrical system, such as a blown fuse or aging/short-circuited wiring. HOWO trucks often run long distances, and the constant vibration can easily lead to poor contact. I remember last time when I checked, I found that unstable generator voltage could also trigger this warning. Don't rush to drive; pull over immediately, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and then restart to see if it disappears. If the warning light remains, it's best not to tamper with the circuit board yourself. Contact the SINOTRUK service station directly—they can diagnose the specific issue in just five minutes with their diagnostic tool.
With 20 years of driving experience, I've dealt with the HOWO dashboard displaying a big 'F' three or four times. This symbol indicates a comprehensive vehicle fault, commonly caused by three aspects: first, sensor failure, such as a faulty crankshaft position sensor; second, interruption in control unit communication, like a disconnection in the truck's internal computer system; third, abnormalities in the powertrain. Once, while driving in the rain, the big 'F' appeared, and it turned out to be due to water ingress and oxidation in the wiring harness connector. It's advisable to immediately check if other dashboard parameters are normal and whether the engine is shaking. If everything seems normal, drive at low speed to a repair point, but if the truck is heavily loaded, calling a tow truck is a must—safety comes first.