Things Aren't Always What They Seem
June 4, 2018
If you drive, you know at some point, something's going to go wrong with your vehicle. And sometimes, it's pretty easy to figure out what's wrong, like a flat tire. But sometimes your vehicle's symptoms can be really puzzling.
One driver in Michigan was heading to work on a hot July day and noticed when he pressed the accelerator, sometimes it wouldn't do anything. He also noticed his cruise control wouldn't work and his traction control light was constantly on, very unusual.
He was trying to figure it out, but none of it made any sense. His cruise control had always worked perfectly, his traction light never had gone on before and there was never any issue pressing on the accelerator.
It was time to take his car in for a professional diagnosis, and boy, was he surprised that it was a freak accident he'd had the previous WINTER that was the root of his problems. You see, in January, his car had slipped on ice when he was in reverse and had gently tapped a tree. That caused a tiny crack in his rear stoplight.
That crack had gone unnoticed until that July day. Turns out a summer rain allowed water to seep into the taillight casing, so this time when he drove to work, there was enough moisture inside it to cause his stop light to stick on.
When the stop light is on, the car's computer is programmed to act as if the driver is pressing the brakes. It also disables the cruise, accelerator and cruise control when the brakes are on, producing all of the symptoms. Replacing the stop lamp switch fixed everything.
So, while some things that go wrong with your vehicle are pretty obvious, many seemingly defy all logic. That's when a trained technician can scope things out, replace the right part and get you going again.
Need Service?
More articles from Commerce Auto Repair
Your Vehicle's Other Power Plant (Alternator Replacement)
November 17, 2024
Your vehicle's engine is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a power plant. But it has another power source that is vital as well: the alternator. The alternator is what puts out the electricity that powers such things as your lights, power windows, sound system, and na... More
Breathe Easier (Cabin Air Filter)
November 10, 2024
When you get in your vehicle, how does it smell? If it's not so nice, it may be time to have your cabin air filter changed. It's not the same one that filters out the air used in the engine. The cabin air filter screens out dust and other particulates from the outside air so when it enters the c... More
Timing is Everything (Timing Cover Replacement)
November 3, 2024
Theres an important part in your vehicle that shields your timing belt, timing chain or cam belt from the debris and gunk that can be kicked up from the road. Its called the timing cover. Its important because the timing belt or chain is what coordinates parts of your engine called the camshaft... More