Why does the car dashboard light flicker on and off?
3 Answers
The reason why the car dashboard light flickers on and off is due to poor circuit contact or malfunction. Dashboard lights are functional lamps used to indicate vehicle performance. Common dashboard lights in general vehicles include ABS indicator, EPC indicator, O/D gear indicator, seat belt indicator, fuel indicator, washer fluid indicator, etc. Below is relevant information about dashboard lights: 1. Indicator lights: The most common lights seen during daily driving, such as light signal indicators, turn signal indicators, parking lights, etc. Their function is to indicate the status of various vehicle functions. 2. Warning lights: These have an alert function, such as fuel indicator, door status indicator, seat belt indicator, etc. Generally, warning lights turn off after the driver performs the corresponding action, for example, the seat belt indicator turns off after the seat belt is fastened.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered situations where the dashboard lights flicker on and off. This is usually caused by unstable battery voltage or an unstable alternator charging. When the power supply is unstable while driving, the lights will flicker. Additionally, loose or corroded wire connections are also quite common, especially in older cars or during humid weather. You can simply check if the battery terminals have good contact and try tightening the screws, but it's best not to tamper with complex circuit issues to avoid worsening a short circuit. This isn't just a lighting issue; it can seriously affect nighttime driving safety, making it hard to see dashboard information and increasing the risk of distraction and accidents. I recommend going to a repair shop as soon as possible to have the voltage and connection system checked with instruments—don't delay. During regular maintenance, remind the technician to focus on cleaning these electrical connections to prevent problems before they occur, saving you hassle and worry.
I enjoy working on my car myself. When the dashboard lights start flickering, I first check the simplest parts, like whether the battery terminals are dirty or not securely fastened. I use sandpaper to clean any rust spots or tighten the screws. I also check if the corresponding fuse in the fuse box has blown and replace it with a new one if necessary. A loose alternator belt can also affect charging efficiency, causing the lights to flicker. However, if the problem persists after trying these fixes, it's best not to push it further to avoid short circuits that could damage more components. Related risks include difficulty seeing the speed or fuel level at night, which can be dangerous. Simple tools like a multimeter can help measure voltage fluctuations, but for more complex issues, it's safer to visit a professional repair shop.
