Peterbilt 379: Common Display Warnings You Should Be Aware Of

Modern Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty trucks are sophisticated machinery. The typical modern Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck has hundreds of electrical lines connecting all its components, a massive network of sensors, and dozens of computer modules operating in the background. Because of its intricacy, an Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck has several potential problems. A dashboard warning light is often the first sign that anything is wrong when it does.

There are many different colors for dashboard warning lights and indicators. Red lights are the most serious since they often indicate a significant problem or a component failure. When driving on slick roads, yellow or amber lights often signal a lower-level danger or warning, such as activating the traction control system. White, blue, and green lights indicate the activation of a device, such as cruise control or headlights.

Engine Check Light

One of the most frequent and least detailed dashboard warning lights is the check engine light or CEL for short. The check engine light will indicate any engine-related problem. Simple problems like a loose gas cap or more significant ones like a misfire, or loss of compression, which might cause premature engine wear or failure, can fall under this category.

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The check engine light may be red or amber, and it often has the words "check engine" in bold type beside the shape of an engine and the phrase "service engine soon." It is sometimes referred to as the malfunction indicator light, or MIL, in particular owner's manuals.

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When you turn the key in the ignition, the check engine light may briefly flash; however, it should go off as soon as the Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck starts to move. If not, a problem is detected by the system. Driving your Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck with the check engine light on is not advised due to the risk of severe engine damage. Request a tow truck, then have a diesel repair shop diagnose and resolve the problem.

Engine coolant light 

When the red thermometer on the engine temperature light is on, the engine is overheating. If you notice this warning light, you should always pull over and switch off your Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck since this is a significant issue that might lead to catastrophic engine damage. A damaged water pump, a jammed thermostat, a leak in the radiator or one of the coolant hoses, or a cracked head gasket are just a few of the problems that might make the engine overheat.

Oil temp light 

The words "AT OIL TEMP" or a yellow or red thermometer encircled by a gear frequently represent the oil temperature light. This light illuminates to indicate that the gearbox is overheating. Like previously, if you notice this warning light, you should stop and switch off your Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck when it is safe to do so. Low fluid levels, damaged internal parts, excessive mileage, and continuous heavy hauling are common causes of an overheated gearbox.

Oil pressure warning light

The engine oil pressure indicator often looks like a red oil can and indicates that the oil is too low or that it is not flowing through the engine adequately. This is a severe problem since low oil pressure may lead to premature engine wear or engine seizing. Low oil levels, a worn oil pump, and other worn internal parts are common causes of low oil pressure. Regularly checking the engine oil level and changing the oil according to the manufacturer's recommendations are wise.

Oil change warning light

The oil change light operates as expected. Based on the number of miles traveled, it informs when the engine oil should be changed. Due to the widespread use of synthetic oil, manufacturers have increased the recommended oil change interval from the conventional 3,000 miles to as much as 15,000 miles in certain situations. Instead of a light, this signal may be presented as text, such as "Service Engine Soon" or "Oil Change Required." Certain manufacturers also refer to this function as the oil life indicator.

Battery warning light 

The shape of a battery with plus and minus marks may be seen on the red battery indicator light. This light illuminates to indicate that the vehicle's charging system is malfunctioning. A worn alternator, a worn auxiliary belt, a loose or corroded battery cable, or another electrical failure in the system might also be to blame in addition to the battery.

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This light turning on and off when you start your Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck is entirely normal. However, if the light comes on while you're moving, you should make immediate plans to have your Peterbilt serviced. If not, the engine may possibly stall as you likely will not be able to restart your truck. 

Warning light for tire pressure

An exclamation point in the center of a yellow tire represents the tire pressure warning light. This warning light indicates that one of the Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck's tires is underinflated, and on some more recent models, it may even specify which tire it is.

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This light is brought on by the tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS. If it starts while you're driving, you must stop as soon as possible to check your tire pressure. It is dangerous to drive with a flat or underinflated tire since it may significantly change how the Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck handles. If any tire is completely flat, call a tow truck or, if your Peterbilt 379 heavy-duty truck has a spare, replace the tire. Drive to the nearest service facility to check the tire pressures and add air if required if all the tires are still filled.

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A puncture, a malfunctioning tire pressure sensor, and seasonal weather changes—which may cause a tire to lose pressure gradually—are common causes for this light to come on.

Final words

Now you are aware of the standard warning lights that would appear on the dashboard of your Peterbilt 379 truck. When you see any of these, you should bring your truck to a repair shop and get the problem addressed as soon as possible. 

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