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Your dashboard warning lights illuminate in response to potential issues affecting your Ford's performance or safety. Some lights refer to specific issues, like the brake light, while others refer to more general situations, like the check engine light. As your Ford dealer, we want to tell you more about some of these lights. From Your Ford Dealer: Understanding Your Dashboard Warning Lights ABS Light The ABS light looks like a circle surrounded by brackets with the letters ABS inside it. It refers to your anti-lock braking system that prevents your wheels from locking if your car gets into a skid. You can still drive with an illuminated ABS warning light, but it does make driving more dangerous until the fault is repaired. Battery Light This light looks like a line drawing of a battery. It illuminates if any problem occurs with the battery, alternator, voltage regulator, or any other part of the electrical system. Electrical system problems can result in a dead battery, starting problems, or random electrical issues. Our technicians can easily trace and repair electrical issues and this warning light will go out. Brake Warning Light Depending on your Ford model, this light appears as the word BRAKE or a circle enclosed with brackets with an exclamation point inside. It illuminates if your parking brake is still engaged or if sensors in the braking system detect a problem. Brake system issues can range from worn brake pads to a brake fluid leak. Driving with an illuminated brake light risks an accident. Coolant Temperature Light This light appears as a dipstick with three horizontal bars inserted into wavy lines. It warns that your coolant temperature is hotter than it should be. Coolant is responsible for removing heat from your engine to control the engine temperature. If this light illuminates, pull over ASAP and allow your engine to cool. Contact us right away so we can investigate and fix the problem. Engine Oil Light This light looks like an oil can with a drop of liquid falling from it. It lights up if there's a problem with your engine oil or its circulation through the engine. The oil might be old and need replacement, or the oil pump might have failed. Oil problems can cause your engine to seize up. We'll investigate and fix the problem. Powertrain Fault This warning light is only found on Ford models with a 4WD or AWD drivetrain, and it looks like a wrench. It illuminates if any fault is detected with this system. We advise against driving if this light is illuminated, as controlling your vehicle may be very difficult depending on the problem. Our technicians will find the cause of the trouble and repair it. If you have an illuminated warning light, contact our service department today at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL.

It may be tempting to buy aftermarket parts for your Ford, either to save money or try for a performance bump, but such endeavors can backfire. Your vehicle is carefully designed using OEM parts that work in perfect harmony, extracting the best blend of performance and efficiency. By letting your Ford dealer service your car or truck, you can be sure only the best parts are used. Why OEM Parts Are Crucial for Your Ford's Performance Quality and Reliability OEM components are precisely engineered to meet the specifications and standards set by Ford. They're typically made by companies with substantial R&D departments and/or stringent quality-control procedures. By using original parts, you'll have confidence in their durability and reliability, knowing they are the same parts factory-fitted into your vehicle when it was new. Ford uses numerous OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to supply parts, including its in-house Motorcraft division. Aftermarket parts, not being made or fitted in cooperation with Ford, are often reverse-engineered or poorly made with cheap materials to minimize their price. They could end up costing you far more money than you initially saved, or worse. Compatibility Using original parts ensures they will integrate seamlessly with the existing systems in your Ford. This compatibility is vital for maintaining optimal performance. Aftermarket parts don't always have the same compatibility, which can lead to issues with fitment and functionality. For instance, poorly fitting parts for air intake systems (e.g., air filters, intake tubes), exhaust systems, or suspension systems can seriously harm performance. Aftermarket ECUs are often installed for performance reasons (e.g., enhanced fuel mapping or throttle response, increased power), but that can lead to compatibility issues with existing systems and adversely affect both performance and reliability. Improper tuning can also accelerate wear on engine parts and often increase emissions while reducing fuel efficiency. Safety Concerns Performance and safety are closely linked aspects of driving. Suspension affects the way a car handles, for example, in its cornering, weight distribution, and ride quality. Installing substandard or poorly fitting suspension parts could compromise the vehicle's handling, especially in an emergency when flaws are placed under strain. All parts that influence steering, handling, or the car's ability to stop must fit and work perfectly. Let Your Ford Dealer Service Your Ford A qualified technician at your local Ford center will only ever install OEM components in your vehicle. Not only does that ensure optimum performance and reliability, but it also keeps any Ford warranty valid. You can legally install an aftermarket part without voiding your warranty, the problem being it will invalidate a claim if it's the root cause of a problem. Contact Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL for all maintenance inquiries or to schedule your next service using genuine Ford parts.

Fords are built to last, but regular maintenance is still essential to keeping your vehicle in great shape for the long haul. Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, and other Ford maintenance services ensure that your vehicle runs well and safely on the road. Here's why working with your local Ford dealer to have these services performed is so important. Importance of Regular Ford Maintenance From Your Ford Dealer It Extends the Life of Your Vehicle Routine maintenance extends the life of the major components of your vehicle as well as the vehicle itself. Small mechanical issues will be addressed early, and everything on the vehicle will last longer. This means you'll spend less money on major repairs, and you'll be able to look forward to enjoying your vehicle for years to come. Having a well-maintained vehicle puts you in a great position. It Gives You the Best Performance Possible Keeping the fluids in your vehicle topped off, regularly changing the oil, and staying on top of other preventative maintenance checks guarantees the best possible performance by your Ford. It also ensures that your vehicle is operating efficiently and that you're not wasting fuel. It Minimizes the Risk of Unexpected Breakdowns There's nothing more frustrating or dangerous than being stranded on the side of the road by an unexpected breakdown. By proactively adhering to a schedule of regular vehicle maintenance, you'll minimize breakdowns because you'll be addressing potential issues before they become big problems. Having service performed at our dealership is a lot easier and more convenient than dealing with a maintenance issue on the side of the road. It Helps Build a Complete Vehicle Maintenance Record Consistently coming to our dealership for service is a great way of documenting your vehicle's complete service history. Each time you come, we'll make a note of the service performed. The records we keep on your car will help us make recommendations about needed services. And if you eventually decide to sell the vehicle, you'll have a complete maintenance history to share with potential buyers. It Means You're Getting Top-Notch Service When you bring your Ford in for service at our dealership, your vehicle will be in the hands of one of our factory-trained technicians. Our technicians are highly qualified, undergo continuous education, and know everything there is to know about Ford models. You can rest assured that your vehicle will receive expert service. If you love your Ford and want to keep it on the road long-term, commit to a schedule of regular maintenance at our dealership. Doing so ensures that you'll get the best performance out of your vehicle, and you'll save money in the process. When you're ready to schedule your next service appointment, give us a call at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL.

You'll typically get service at your Ford dealer on a regular schedule, but sometimes your car will let you know that it's time for a trip to the dealer in between regularly scheduled appointments. When your car needs transmission service, symptoms of the problem will be largely gear-related, though there are other issues that can crop up alongside problems with your gears that you need to be aware of. Recognizing When It's Time for Transmission Service for Your Ford From Your Ford Dealer Slipping Gears When your gears get slippery, it's a sign that your next stop should be your dealer. The gears will typically slip while your car is accelerating, resulting in too much revving from your engine while moving up a gear. When the gears slip while you're moving down a gear, the changing gears may feel harsh and happen later than expected. Because you never know when you're going to slip out of gear, it can be harder than normal to control acceleration and deceleration. This difficulty controlling your car can be very dangerous. Trouble Changing Gears Sometimes when your transmission isn't working correctly, you'll be completely unable to change gears. It can also be harder than usual to shift gears. Usually, this is a very easy problem to rectify, as it may just be caused by a problem with your transmission fluid. Delayed Gear Changes Your gears should change reliably right when you tell them to. The second you put your car in drive, you should be able to drive away, for example. However, when your transmission system is in disrepair, you might notice that your car takes a little longer than it should to respond when you change gears. As a result, it might be a few seconds before you can drive away after shifting from park to drive. Unexpected Noises When your car starts making new sounds, it's a sign you need to take a trip to the dealer ASAP. The sounds associated with a faulty transmission usually happen when your car is in neutral. There could be bumping noises or grinding noises coming from under the hood. You might also hear noises when you're changing gears, such as grinding sounds. Burning Smell When you don't have enough transmission fluid in your car, the fluid can start to burn up, or your transmission may overheat. Both of these issues result in a burning smell. Even if you don't notice the burning smell while you're driving, you may notice it when you check on your transmission fluid if your transmission fluid needs to be flushed. Swing by Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL if you experience any of the issues above. Our technicians can help you out with any problem your car is having, so schedule service online today.

Your vehicle is not only a significant investment, you rely on it to get you where you need to be when you need to be there. It may be difficult to find room in your schedule to have it serviced, but a breakdown can be much more inconvenient, possibly even dangerous. Engine issues aren't always noticeable before they're serious problems. The best way to prevent that from happening is to get regular engine diagnostics at your local Ford dealership. 4 Benefits of Getting Engine Diagnostics at Your Ford Dealership Save on Repairs A diagnostic can reveal problems too small to even cause your Check Engine light to turn on. Your dealership service technicians are experts on your Ford model. So minor issues are often much easier and quicker for them to fix, which will usually bring your repair bill down. Having a diagnostic run on your vehicle once a year should keep any repairs to a minimum and can even extend the life of your car, keeping it running well for years. Improve Your Car's Performance Naturally, you'd bring your vehicle in for service if it started running rough or stalling out. Sometimes, though, there is nothing so glaringly wrong. You may start noticing that your car just isn't working as well as usual. Maybe it's handling differently or not getting as much gas mileage as usual. There may be unfamiliar sounds, even unusual smells. All those things can be fixed right up because a diagnostic will very likely find the problem and whatever is causing it. Making Your Vehicle Safer Engine problems related to critical systems like airbags or brakes can pose real safety risks. Safety-related issues like these and more can be identified during diagnostic testing, which will allow you to have them fixed promptly. Alternatively, a positive diagnostic report will give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your vehicle is as safe as you can make it. Increase Resale Value Thinking about selling your car or trading it in for a new one? You'll want to get the best possible price for it and having a diagnostic performed on it can go a long way to helping you get it. Service technicians at the dealership where you plan to purchase your next vehicle will quickly be able to tell what shape your engine is in, which will influence the trade-in value. Potential buyers may pay more for a positive diagnostic report. Schedule a diagnostic at Bill Jackson Ford in Troy, AL to make sure your vehicle doesn't have any hidden issues that could cost you dearly. You can request an appointment on our website or call the Service department at (334) 482-9004. Our master technicians will make sure you're aware of any issues that you might want to address and can give you an estimate for what any repairs would cost.