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Shine Bright: A Quick Guide to Your Ford Dashboard Warning Lights

Many different car dashboard lights with warning lamps illuminated.

We’ve all been there, cruising carefree when a warning light appears on your dashboard. Panic typically sets in soon after as you wonder what the symbol means – and how serious the warning is. 

Because your next steps are key, our service team at Mike Reichenbach Ford has compiled this helpful guide. While some symbols are easier to decipher than others, we’ve provided everything you need to know! Keep reading to learn more, then stop by our Ford Service Department for a maintenance check today. 

Your Ford & Its Dashboard: What You Need to Know 

 Whether you're exploring behind the wheel of a rugged Ford F-150 or navigating downtown streets in your Ford Escape, your vehicle is designed to let you know when there’s an issue. Familiarizing yourself with your vehicle’s premium dashboard features is the first step.

Learning Your Ford’s Interior Features and Symbols 

Safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warnings, will appear to alert you to other surrounding vehicles. Other features, such as cruise control and headlights, will appear to indicate that they are currently in use. 

Differentiating Between Colors

Choosing the perfect exterior paint color is important, but when it comes to safety, understanding the colors of dashboard symbols is even more crucial. The colors often vary by vehicle, but here are the most common dashboard Ford warning light meanings: 

  • Green/Blue: Lets you know that the system or feature is on and operating 
  • Orange/Yellow: Indicates that it may be time to stop by a Ford dealer near you for repairs or maintenance
  • Red/Flashing: Means that action is required immediately. When you see a warning symbol appear that is red and/or flashing, pull over right away and contact a Ford dealership near you. An urgent mechanical issue could cause your vehicle to stop working or become damaged.  

Ford Dashboard Warning Lights: What Do They Mean? 

With multiple moving components at work under the hood and below the frame, new and used Ford vehicles are complex pieces of machinery. When issues arise, your vehicle will let you know – but it’s up to you to take notice and schedule Ford service near you! Here we’ll explore the most common dashboard warning lights and the meanings behind them. 

Check Engine

The check engine light is one of the most dreaded, partially because of its ambiguity. This light indicates that the problem relates to the motor and emissions system, including anything from a loose wire to an ill-fitted gas cap. When you see this light appear, visit our Ford Service Center in Florence as soon as possible for an engine check-up! 

Battery 

The battery light is one of the easier symbols to understand because it looks exactly like the problem it's trying to warn about. While it tends to accompany the heart-wrenching “whir” sound of an engine trying to start, it is entirely possible for the vehicle to start and run normally. If this is the case, it could indicate a long-term issue with the battery itself or a potential wiring issue. 

Coolant Temperature 

The coolant temperature appears as a thermometer dipped in liquid and illuminates to let you know that your car is running too hot as a result of low coolant levels, a leaking coolant hose, or a more serious issue. Choosing to ignore this sign could not only cause permanent damage to your Ford, but a serious blow to your finances.

Transmission Temperature

A thermometer housed in a gear, this light indicates that the internal gears are reaching their breaking point. For those hauling construction equipment or recreational vehicles, excessively heavy towing could be the cause for this warning light. Other concerns could be low transmission fluid levels or excessive wear on the transmission itself. 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

New Ford models include a display on the infotainment system that lets you know the exact pressure of each tire, but some older Ford owners aren’t so lucky. If your tire pressure warning light appears, stop the car and check all tires – and refill the ones that are low. If corrected, the warning light should disappear in a few minutes. If not, stop in to Mike Reichenbach Ford in Florence for a quick tire check. 

Brake System

This warning light can appear as a result of human error, like leaving the parking brake engaged as you are backing out of a parking spot. A more troubling culprit could be low brake fluid, a problem with the anti-lock braking system, or worn brake pads. It is recommended that until your brake issues are diagnosed and corrected, avoid driving your vehicle. 

Questions? Stop By Our Ford Service Department Today! 

Fords are built to last, but routine maintenance is required to keep your vehicle running right. But even with regular service, you may notice a warning light. When you spot it, our Ford service specialists are here to help! Whether you need a full maintenance check or a simple Ford oil change, we’ve got you covered. Be sure to ask about Ford service specials!

As locals’ trusted Ford dealership near you, we’re proud to be your one-stop shop for all things automotive! From finding and financing the perfect Ford to keeping it properly maintained, locals know where to go: Mike Reichenbach Ford in Florence! Stop by our Service Center today! 

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Is Your Brake Light On? What Your Vehicle Is Trying to Tell You

Since you rely on your brakes to slow and stop your vehicle, it’s essential to have a properly working braking system. If a brake light warning appears on your Ford vehicle’s instrument cluster, it’s letting you know that there’s an issue — and your vehicle may not be safe to drive. Because brakes are crucial for safety, you should never ignore a brake warning light. We’ll highlight some of the common reasons a brake light might appear on your dashboard below. If you see one pop up, you can schedule an appointment at Mike Reichenbach Ford and let our service techs handle it! more Common Reasons for a Brake Light Warning If you see a warning light appear on your dashboard, the cause could be as simple as an unreleased emergency brake or a more serious issue such as low brake fluid. Emergency Brake Is On Did you forget to release the emergency brake? If so, you may see a brake system warning lamp illuminate when you start driving. Thankfully, that’s a simple fix — just disengage the brake and be on your way! However, if the light stays on after you do this, have one of our service experts take a look to discover what the issue may be. Anti-Lock Braking System Issue Your Ford model’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is responsible for keeping the wheels from locking up when you have to brake hard and quickly. This helps you avoid skidding and stay in control of the vehicle. The ABS also comes in handy when you’re driving on slippery road conditions. If you see the ABS warning lamp turn on, it may be telling you that there is an issue with the system. Your brakes will continue to work, but you risk driving without the added protection of the ABS. Bring your Ford to us, and we’ll take a look! Low Brake Fluid An illuminated brake system warning lamp may indicate that the brake fluid level is low, which could be caused by a leak. Your brakes need brake fluid to function properly, so be sure to have one of our experts perform an inspection as soon as possible. Brake System Sensor or Electrical Problem A brake warning light could also be caused by sensor or electrical problems. Schedule an appointment with our service team and let our technicians diagnose the issue. Other Brake-Related Warning Lights Worn Brake Pads Brake pads wear out eventually, and you may hear squealing, screeching, or grinding sounds as an indicator that it’s time to replace them. But your Ford may also come with a helpful brake pad wear warning lamp. If you see it turn on, you’ll know the brake pads have worn down, so you can bring your Ford in for a brake pad inspection and replacement. Don’t wait too long because worn-out brake pads can cause damage to the rotors and calipers. Brake Light is Out Your Ford may also be able to tell you when a brake light is out and needs replaced. If you see the exterior bulb failure warning lamp turn on, be sure to check which exterior lightbulb is out. Schedule Ford Brake Service and Repairs with Mike Reichenbach Ford of Florence If your vehicle’s brake system warning lamp, anti-lock brake system warning lamp, brake pad wear warning lamp, or exterior bulb failure warning lamp is on and you’re not sure of the cause, schedule an appointment with our Ford service center. We offer quality brake service and repairs for Ford cars, SUVs, and trucks. Whether it’s time for new brake pads, the brake fluid is low, or the rotors need replaced, you can trust our committed team of certified auto technicians to keep your Ford running — and stopping — smoothly. Mike Reichenbach Ford is proud to serve locals in Sumter, Lake City, and Darlington, and we look forward to serving you, too. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Your Buyer's Guide to Finding a 2026 Ford SUV in South Carolina

Whether you need a vehicle for your daily commute, something that can handle the whole family, or an off-road-ready ride, Ford has an SUV built for your lifestyle. With so many strong options in the 2026 lineup, picking the right one isn't always easy, though. That's where we come in. We've put together this guide to make your 2026 Ford SUV search easier. Here, you'll find a breakdown of each model's standout features and the type of driver it's built for, so you can quickly narrow things down to the SUV that fits you best. more 2026 Ford Escape: Compact, Efficient, and Practical If affordability, efficiency, and convenience are your top priorities, we recommend checking out the Ford Escape. This compact crossover is built for daily driving, and its compact size makes navigating busy streets and squeezing into tight parking spots a breeze. Whether you're running errands in Florence or loading up for a weekend road trip, the Escape pairs style with function. Second-row seats slide and feature a 60/40 split-fold design, giving you the flexibility to prioritize passenger space or cargo room as needed. Behind the wheel, you'll find standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, along with standard SYNC® 4 and an 8-inch touchscreen. You can also step up to available SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition and a 13.2-inch display for an even more connected experience. If fuel efficiency is a priority, the Escape lineup includes both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, so you can choose a model that delivers real savings mile after mile. All of these features make the Escape an excellent match for first-time car buyers, college students, young professionals, and small families looking for a practical, well-equipped SUV without stretching their budget. 2026 Ford Bronco Sport: Adventure-Ready Icon Looking for a compact SUV that's ready for wherever the trail leads? The Ford Bronco Sport lineup delivers four smart, sporty trim levels that all come standard with SYNC® 4 with Enhanced Voice Recognition, a 13.2-inch center display, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and Alexa Built-in. Off-road capability comes standard thanks to the Terrain Management System™ with G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain). The first three trims come with five drive modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Off-Road. The top-tier Badlands trim adds two more: Rock Crawl and Rally. Each mode fine-tunes the Bronco Sport's performance to match the road (or trail) conditions. When properly equipped, the Bronco Sport backs up its rugged looks with real capability: available all-terrain tires deliver up to 8.8 inches of ground clearance, and the SUV can handle up to 24 inches of water fording so you can venture even further off the beaten path. 2026 Ford Bronco: The Most Capable Off-Road Companion This year marks the Bronco’s 60th anniversary, and the 2026 model is ready to carry that legacy forward. This incredibly rugged SUV comes with three engine options—a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6—along with several trim levels to choose from. In addition to several trim levels, you’ll be able to choose from a two-door or four-door model. The two-door comes with a standard hard top, while the four-door features a standard soft top. Either way, you can remove the doors entirely for a true open-air experience, whether you're cruising the highway or traversing trails. Adventure further with up to 13.1 inches of ground clearance and up to 37 inches of water-fording capability. And with available Trail Control™, which is essentially off-road cruise control, you can take in the scenery at a slower pace while the Bronco handles the terrain. Inside, the cabin is built for real life with marine-grade vinyl and washable floors featuring built-in drains that make clean-up simple. Inside and out, the 2026 Ford Bronco is engineered to take on your wildest adventures. The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E: The Stylish EV If you want an all-electric SUV without sacrificing excitement, the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E delivers sharp styling and engaging performance. This EV can go from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 320 miles with the extended-range battery, depending on your configuration. Horsepower varies by trim, but if you’re a performance seeker, you’ll want to look at the Mustang Mach-E® GT or Mustang Mach-E® Rally. Both models deliver 480 horsepower when equipped with the extended-range battery and eAWD. Behind the wheel, technology stays right at your fingertips with a 15.5-inch center display and standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, keeping you connected on every drive. 2026 Ford Explorer: Stylish & Versatile Mid-Size SUV The Ford Explorer is a three-row, mid-size SUV that seats up to seven and offers a flexible cabin with up to 85.8 cubic feet of available cargo space. A 50/50 manual split-fold third-row bench seat comes standard, while PowerFold® third-row seats are available on higher trims, and an available 35/30/35 split-fold-flat second-row bench adds even more flexibility. With six trim levels and two engine options—a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine and an available 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine—the Explorer is built to keep up with your life. It offers up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity for hauling extra gear, plus the convenience of available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving for longer trips. The spotlight of the 2026 lineup is the all-new 2026 Ford Explorer Tremor. Instantly recognizable by its rugged styling, the Tremor rides on 18-inch Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and stands out with accent-colored tow hooks, Tremor badging, a Tremor-exclusive grille, and off-road auxiliary lighting. 2026 Ford Expedition: Full-Size Comfort for Large Families If you want maximum passenger room and cargo capacity, look no further than the 2026 Ford Expedition. With seating for up to eight passengers across three spacious rows, this full-size SUV is designed for large families, group travel, and anyone who needs to comfortably haul both people and cargo. To top it off, you’ll have an available max towing capacity of 9,600 pounds. Inside, advanced technology and eye-catching displays take center stage, starting with a standard 24-inch panoramic display paired with a sleek 13.2-inch center stack display to keep you informed and connected on the go. The standard six-speaker audio system can also be upgraded to a B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 10 speakers and a subwoofer, or the top-tier B&O® Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® with 22 speakers and a subwoofer. For even more enjoyment on the road, an available panoramic Vista Roof lets in extra light and fresh air. The 2026 lineup also introduces the off-road-ready Expedition Tremor, featuring 33-inch all-terrain tires, Black Raptor®-inspired platform running boards, front skid plates, and Amber Active-painted tow hooks. It’s built for families who want full-size capability without giving up adventure. Shop New and Used Ford SUVs at Mike Reichenbach Ford of Florence Today! From the efficient Escape to the rugged Bronco, the all-electric Mach-E to the family-friendly Expedition, the 2026 Ford SUV lineup has something for everyone, and you can buy or lease yours right here at our Ford dealership in Florence. Browse our current inventory of new Ford SUVs for sale, and stop by to test drive your favorite models. Don't see the exact SUV you're looking for on our lot? No problem! We can help you place a custom factory order to get the trim, color, and features you want. We're proud to be your one-stop shop for all things Ford in Florence, supporting you from the buying process through auto service and genuine Ford parts and accessories. We're also happy to serve drivers throughout Sumter, Conway, and the surrounding areas. Visit us today to find your perfect 2026 Ford SUV!

What's the Difference Between the 2026 Ford Expedition and Expedition MAX?

When it comes to large SUVs, cargo space is a given. But how much cargo space you need and how much you’ll actually get are different conversations. From road trips to weekend sports tournaments and last-minute Costco runs, having the right amount of cargo space can make or break your day. For families near Sumter who need room for both people and gear, the Ford Expedition has long been a go-to choice. But with the 2026 lineup, the question isn't just, “Should I get an Expedition?" Instead, you should be asking, "Which Expedition is right for me?" more Both the standard Expedition and the longer Expedition MAX share the same powerful performance, three-row seating for up to eight, advanced technology, and premium materials. Where they differ is size: overall length and cargo capacity set these two apart, and that can make all the difference. So, do you need the extra space the MAX provides, or does the standard Expedition cover all your bases? Our team at Mike Reichenbach Ford put together this three-row SUV comparison to break down exactly how the 2026 Expedition and Expedition MAX compare on size and cargo capacity so you can feel confident in your decision. Expedition Cargo Space Comparison Every Expedition model comes with a power-folding third row you can operate right from the cargo area or the back seats. In addition, both the second and third rows fold completely flat, giving you a level load floor when you’re packing up luggage or supplies from the home improvement store. Seating is just as flexible: both SUVs seat up to eight across three rows with the standard second-row bench, or seven if you upgrade to second-row captain's chairs. Now let's talk numbers. Here's how much maximum cargo space each model offers with the second and third rows folded flat: Standard Expedition: Behind the 3rd Row: 22.9 cubic feet Behind the 2nd Row: 69.9 cubic feet Maximum (behind 1st row): 108.5 cubic feet Expedition MAX: Behind the 3rd Row: 37.4 cubic feet Behind the 2nd Row: 84.5 cubic feet Maximum (behind 1st row): 123.1 cubic feet That's 14.6 additional cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the MAX. If hauling capacity is a high priority, the Expedition MAX offers one of the most spacious cargo areas in the full-size SUV segment without sacrificing the comfortable seating or premium features you’ll get with the standard Expedition. 2026 Ford Expedition Size and Length Comparison Simply put, the Expedition MAX is a stretched-out version of the standard Expedition. It’s the same core SUV, just more of it. 2026 Ford Expedition (Standard) With an overall length of approximately 209.9 inches and a wheelbase of 122.5 inches, the standard Expedition is easy to maneuver around town while still offering plenty of room for passengers and gear. 2026 Ford Expedition MAX The long-wheelbase Expedition MAX stretches things out with a 131.5-inch wheelbase and an overall length of approximately 221.7 inches, about 11.8 inches longer than the standard model. That extra length translates directly into more cargo space behind the third row, making the MAX a great fit for road trips, camping adventures, or hauling larger items, all without sacrificing comfort. At the end of the day, it comes down to two simple questions: how much cargo space do you really need, and how comfortable are you behind the wheel of an extra-large SUV? Is a 2026 Ford Expedition Right For You? Practicality, performance, and capability come together in the 2026 Ford Expedition and Expedition MAX. If you're in the market for a full-size SUV that can truly do it all, the Expedition delivers. That winning combination is exactly why the 2026 Ford Expedition earned Kelley Blue Book's Best Buy Award, with judges citing standout strengths like: Powerful engine options Excellent towing capacity Off-road capable trims Class-leading tech Family-friendly features Refined and spacious interior Expansive cargo space Shop and Compare the 2026 Expedition Models at Mike Reichenbach Ford of Florence! We encourage you to browse our Expedition inventory online, then stop by Mike Reichenbach Ford of Florence to compare trim levels, explore the interior, and see the difference in cargo space firsthand. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and help you find the SUV that fits your family's needs. We proudly serve drivers throughout Florence, Sumter, Hartsville, Darlington, and the greater Pee Dee area.