<VV> Red Lights and Gages

[FrankCB]

Smitty,
     On more modern cars, it's important to distinguish between RED and YELLOW warning lights.  The RED ones, as you say, mean STOP right now, while the YELLOW ones allow you to continue but warn of some impending problem with one (or more) systems, frequently emissions related.  Many times the YELLOW light will go out while you're driving or after you restart.  But the RED light means stop the engine as soon as you can get the car in a safe position to do so.  On a downhill you can shut off and coast to a safe spot.  If the red light was on due to loss of oil pressure, you'll have saved the engine.  I remember in 1970 when we were bringing home the 65 Corsa convertible (now known as the "Purple Pylon Eater")from out of state, I was driving it through local streets (fortunately) when the oil pressure light came on so it immediately shut off and coasted to the side.  An inspection revealed an oil leak in the plastic part of the oil pressure switch.  Fortunately, we were only a few blocks from a FLAPS and I knew that a standard GM switch would fit, so it was quickly replaced and we were back on our way.  Now, FORTY YEARS later, the car and it's engine are still in good shape.  A few years ago, Jim and I drove it to the Lexington, KY Convention and aside from a minor failure of an exhaust support, the trip down and back was uneventful.
     Pay immediate attention to RED dash lights.
     Frank Burkhard

In a message dated 07/03/09 13:14:34 Eastern Daylight Time, vairologist at verizon.net writes:
Smitty Says;  re:the thread on red lights, I feel that both of them are useless to one who doesn't understand their function.  I have big (read that BIG BRIGHT) lights only on my racer except the tach and boost gage, neither do I refer to when in the "go" mode.  My street car is normally equipped except for CHT and Oil Temp gages.  I have always preached to my family that a red light means only one thing.  Shut it off.  Don't look for the next exit or service station.  Just hit the key.   
Just a week ago I blew a cooler seal on the interstate,  My warning was the Corvair red light.  I wasn't even sure which light it was.  I just hit the switch and started looking for some shoulder to roll off on.  After I got out and saw the back of the car I knew there was no use starting it up again. 
Was my engine damaged.  I seriously don't think so even though I was knocking off about 70 when the light came on.  With various other drivers, different other sceneareos could have occured.  There's an exit right up ahead.  A check engine light.  That don't mean nuthin.  I don't see or smell anything so it's probably alright.  Hubby can fix it when he gets home tonight.  Lets see, that light says Oil/Temp.  Wonder which it is.  Maybe it will go out.   
Idiot lights are ignored by idiots but when used properly they will tell you to check the gages and see how bad the situation is, if you want to keep on trucking down the highway at 70 and looking at the gage while your engine goes up in smoke.