It pops up when you least expect it. You’re driving to work, grandma’s house, the lake, grocery store, or on a road trip to the Black Hills, and suddenly, a yellow or red light appears on your dash. In some cars and trucks there’s also an alert tone to catch your attention. Most owners don’t know what the “check engine” dash light means. It can be the most misunderstood indicator on your dashboard.

Mills Automotive is having this year’s second Dash Light Days now through September 24 to improve awareness about dash warning lights and provide free initial computerized diagnostic. Mills Ford Lincoln, Mills GM and Mills Honda in Brainerd/Baxter, along with Mills Ford Chrysler and Mills Auto Center in Willmar, are all participating. 

If you have a dash warning light, just call 866-455-7638. Mills Automotive Customer Care Center specialists will promptly schedule a service appointment. Some models may be excluded.   

When you arrive for your appointment at Mills Honda or any other Mills location, service advisors will confirm your vehicle information and your dash warning light issue.   

Factory-trained Mills technicians, using state-of-the-art equipment, will perform a free computerized diagnostic for up to one hour.  There will be a charge if additional diagnosis time is needed. Service advisors at each location will provide additional information. 

Why the light is on? From the diagnosis, a full report is provided with a no-obligation estimate for any necessary repairs. There are some lights that can be turned off without any repairs. Some dash warning lights are safety related and can’t be turned off without required repairs.

There are 15 to 20 possible types of dash warning lights, according to Tim Sundberg, parts and service director for Mills Automotive. They include low tire pressure, safety restraints, emissions, anti-lock brakes, transmission and evaporative emission control, just to name a few.   

“We want to find out why the light is on and make sure your vehicle is operating as it should,” Sundberg said. Anyone with a “flashing” dash warning light means urgency. “Pull over and shut the vehicle off,” Sundberg said.

Dash warning lights are part of a vehicle’s diagnostic system. Computers control and monitor vehicle performance, including engine speed, fuel mixture, transmission shifting and ignition timing. When the diagnostic system detects a problem, a computer turns on some type of “check engine” warning light and a trouble code is stored in its memory.  Mills technicians, as part of the free diagnostic, will find out what the problem is.