Control lamps and indicators (Mitsubishi Galant 6)

Layout of the instrument cluster indicator lights

The general layout of the controls is shown in the illustration.

Control lamps and indicators

The vehicle's instrument cluster assembly has a whole set of control lamps and indicators built in, with the help of which the driver receives important information about the serviceability/malfunction of the vehicle's main units and systems. The layout of the control lamps on the instrument panel is shown in the illustration. Below, the reader's attention is offered information about the operating principle of each of the provided light indicators separately.

Direction indicator lamps

1. Two indicator lamps in the form of arrows have a green glow and serve to check the proper functioning of the corresponding turn indicators. The direction of the indicator arrows coincides with the selected direction of change of the vehicle's course. The indicator lamps operate in a flashing mode with a frequency corresponding to the flashing frequency of the turn indicators. Rapid flashing of one of the indicator lamps usually indicates that the lamp of one of the indicators of the corresponding turn has burned out. The burned-out lamp should be replaced at the first opportunity in order to avoid creating emergency situations on the roads.

2. Simultaneous flashing of the indicator lamps of both directions usually accompanies the activation of the hazard warning lights.

High beam indicator lamp

This indicator light comes on simultaneously with the high beam headlights of the vehicle and has a characteristic blue glow.

Front fog light indicator light

The activation of this control lamp is accompanied by the switching on of the front fog lights of the car. The lamp has a green glow.

Rear fog light indicator light

The lamp has an amber glow and serves to indicate that the rear fog lights are on.

Windscreen washer fluid level indicator light

This lamp lights up yellow and serves to notify the driver that the windshield/headlamp washer fluid supply is running low.

Engine oil pressure warning light

The indicator lamp has an amber glow and serves to notify the driver of a dangerous decrease in the engine oil level. The lamp also briefly lights up when the engine is started.

Door Not Closing Warning Light

When this indicator lamp lights up, it warns the driver that not all of the car's doors are closed tightly. The lamp glows red.

Parking brake engaged/brake system failure indicator lamp

1. The indicator lamp (red) lights continuously when the parking brake is applied, reminding the driver to release it before driving. Driving with the parking brake applied leads to rapid overheating and failure of the rear wheel brakes and premature wear of the rear tire treads, and may also cause the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to malfunction.



2. If the warning lamp continues to light after releasing the parking brake, or turns on while driving, this usually indicates an excessive drop in the brake fluid level. One possible cause of a gradual decrease in the brake fluid level is normal wear of the friction linings of the brake shoes. If the warning lamp comes on, the car should be driven to the nearest service station to assess the condition of the shoes and check the tightness of the hydraulic circuit of the brake system.

3. The indicator lamp also lights briefly when the ignition is turned on (even when the parking brake is released).

Engine oil pressure warning light

The engine oil pressure indicator light (red) should light up when the ignition is turned on and go out immediately after the engine starts. Flashing of the light when the engine is running indicates a pulsating decrease in the working pressure of the engine oil in the engine. When the indicator switches to a constant glow mode, it means that the oil pressure has dropped to a dangerously low level, which is fraught with serious internal damage to the engine, up to its complete failure. In both cases, urgent measures should be taken to adjust the oil level, identify and eliminate the causes of the pressure drop.

Battery charge indicator light

The charge indicator lamp should light when the ignition is turned on and go out immediately after the engine starts. When this indicator lamp lights up while the engine is running, it warns the driver about a malfunction in the charging system, i.e., the battery is going into discharge mode. You should immediately turn off all power consumers whose operation does not affect road safety and try to prevent the engine from stopping, since an attempt to start it may lead to the final discharge of the battery. The car should be immediately driven to the nearest service station for diagnostics of the failure and the necessary repairs.

Control lamp "Check engine"

The indicator lamp (amber) lights up briefly when the ignition is switched on. If this indicator lights up at any other time, it indicates a possible malfunction of one of the engine systems, including the exhaust gas toxicity reduction systems. In the absence of visible signs of failure of the powertrain systems and a decrease in the vehicle dynamics, the violations recorded by the indicator lamp may cause an increase in fuel consumption or an increase in the toxicity of emissions. Ignoring the indicator lamp signals may cause serious damage to the engine, up to and including failure of the unit. If the indicator lamp lights up while driving, you should immediately stop driving, park in a safe place and turn off the engine, then, after a short time, start the car, while observing the behavior of the indicator lamp. If the lamp does not return to normal operation and continues to light, the car should be driven to the nearest service station for detailed diagnostics and the necessary repairs. Until the malfunction of the engine systems is eliminated, try to drive at a moderate speed, avoiding sudden acceleration with full depressing of the gas pedal.

Note: Even if the indicator lamp returns to normal operation (i.e. goes out) when the engine is restarted, you should contact a service station for advice as soon as possible, especially if this is not the first time that the lamp has come on in this way.

Attention! Continuing to operate the vehicle with the engine malfunction indicator lamp on may result in premature failure of the catalytic converter. Remember that failures and damages resulting from operating the vehicle with the indicator lamp on are not covered by the manufacturer's warranty!

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Warning Light

This indicator lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out immediately after the engine is started. If the lamp continues to light up when the engine is running (in a constant or flashing mode), this indicates a malfunction of the SRS system components. If equipped, the activation of this indicator lamp may indicate a malfunction in the side airbag circuits or automatic emergency seat belt tensioners.

Fuel reserve indicator light

The indicator lamp is built into the fuel consumption meter (see below) and comes on when there is less than 9.0 liters of fuel left in the vehicle's fuel tank and warns the driver of the need to refuel the vehicle at the first convenient opportunity.