When your car’s dashboard warning lights are on, you don’t need to panic.
It’s actually a good thing—the dashboard warning lights are designed to help you avoid accidents by letting you know if there’s something wrong with your car.
But, what if all your dashboard lights are on? Join me in discovering the reasons behind it!
Why Are All My Dashboard Warning Lights On?
1. Faulty Ignition Coil
One of the most common reasons why all your dashboard warning lights are on is a faulty ignition coil.
The ignition coil has moving parts that can break easily if not treated properly or if exposed to extreme temperatures for too long periods of time without being replaced regularly (which should be done every year).
That said, it could lead to damaged components inside the distributor that would cause all the dashboard warning lights on your car to come on.
2. Malfunctioning Alternator
One of the most common causes of dashboard warning lights is an alternator that isn’t working properly.
Further, dim, flickering lights may be an early indicator that your alternator is failing. Your dashboard lights, reading lights, headlights, or other lighting may all exhibit this condition.
The electrical power for your vehicle’s lights is meant to come from the alternator.
Of course, your lights may run too dimly, flicker, or not operate at all if there is not enough electricity to run them due to a malfunctioning alternator.
3. Your Battery Died
If your battery dies suddenly or unexpectedly (for example after sitting for a long period of time), chances are good that one of these warning lights will come on as well.
Therefore, if your battery is not fully charged, or if it has gone flat, then this could cause any electrical system to fail, including the one in your car’s battery compartment.
4. A Loose Connection And Broken Wire
Sometimes, a loose connection can cause all kinds of problems with any electrical system, including yours.
So, if you find yourself having all kinds of problems when driving your car, one thing to check is this connection—it could be causing your issues.
Some wires can break easily and become damaged over time; this can also cause problems with other parts of your car’s electrical system (like in your wiring harness).
5. Engine Problem
It’s possible that something else has gone wrong with your engine besides an accident.
For example, if there’s a loose part or something similar, that can lead to all your dashboard warning lights coming on.
In this case, it’d be wise to have someone look over the engine for any signs of trouble before taking off again.
6. Bad ABS Actuator Or Computer Module
Your dashboard lights could be on because of a faulty ABS actuator or computer module. The ABS actuator is responsible for controlling the brake system, which includes the brake lights.
When the brake light switch activates, it sends signals to the computer module, which then activates the ABS module. If this part fails, your dashboard lights will turn on.
7. Damaged Brake Pad Wear Sensor (Air Pressure Sensor)
Brake pad wear sensors (air pressure sensors) are designed to detect when a brake pad is worn out and gives you the opportunity to replace it before it becomes dangerous.
But what happens if the sensor is faulty? Well, in this case, all dashboard lights will come on. This may seem like a minor issue but it can be quite inconvenient.
If you’re stopped at traffic lights, having your dashboard warning lights on can be quite annoying.
Additionally, if you’re driving through a tunnel or on a highway then having all your warnings flashing on the dashboard can cause problems for other road users.
8. Malfunctioning Relay
This electrical connection, called a relay, is located in the center of the dashboard and has two wires: one that connects to the compressor and another that connects to the computer.
In addition, when your relay is working properly, it will shut off when you turn off your engine or put your car in park.
But if there’s a problem with this relay—for example, if it’s damaged or corroded—it will stay on even when you turn off your engine or put your car in park.
And if this happens often enough, it can cause all dashboard lights to come on at once.
9. Faulty Electric Power Steering (EPS) Fluid Level Sensor Or Control Unit
If you’re not sure why your dashboard lights are all on, you may have a faulty electric power steering (EPS) fluid level sensor or control unit.
Further, when the electric power steering (EPS) fluid level sensor or control unit malfunctions, it can cause all dashboard lights to come on.
This is a very common problem with vehicles, and it’s caused by a faulty sensor or control unit.
In addition, the most common symptom of this issue is that the headlights will stay on while driving at night, even if you turn them off manually.
You may also see additional warning lights turn on when you start your engine, such as an oil pressure warning light or transmission fluid temperature display.
To know more, you can also read our posts on why your car smells like smoke, why bleed brakes, and why superchargers are so expensive.
Conclusion
You might find yourself asking this question when your internal dash lights up. First of all, don’t panic. It’s actually pretty normal to have trouble with one or two areas at a given time.
But at the same time, it is also a sign that something needs to change or be repaired in your vehicle.
The trick is to figure out why so many warning lights are flashing at once but, when you find the culprit, it’ll be easy to address the issue.