Things Aren't Always What They Seem
December 15, 2024
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 FL 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 Ron's Auto Service

Ron's Auto Service Radiator Service
August 16, 2026
The coolant system is a vital part of your vehicle. It is also the second most common cause for vehicle failures. Even though coolant system failure is fairly common in Cape Coral, it is easy to prevent. The most recognizable part of the coolant system is the radiator. It is connected to the eng... More

Brandy Wants To Know, Is Your Los Altos Driving Severe?
August 9, 2026
Hello Brandy here and did you know that people near Los Altos, CA, often ask Allied Auto Works how often they should have a particular service done. It's a great thing to ask. You can look at your owner's manual or have your Los Altos, CA, service advisor at Allied Auto Works look up your vehicl... More

Line Them Up: Wheel Alignment Service at Ron's Auto Service
August 2, 2026
Hello Cape Coral! Let's talk about alignment. One of the most important parts of preventive maintenance for your vehicle is keeping the wheels in alignment. Poor alignment causes your tires to wear unevenly, which can significantly reduce their lifespan. This means you will have to replace them... More
