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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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The Ford Bronco in South Carolina: Trims, Features, and What Model Fits Your Driving Needs

With seven fearless trim levels to choose from, the 2026 Ford Bronco lineup gives South Carolina drivers a wide range of options, including three turbocharged engines and the choice of two doors or four. Whether you’re planning a serene day at the beach or are ready to brave challenging off-road conditions, there’s a Ford Bronco for every South Carolina adventure. This capable SUV can even tow up to 4,500 pounds, when properly equipped, making it an even more practical option. If you’re looking for a rugged off-road SUV to take your adventures to the next level, check out highlights from the full Bronco lineup below and see if the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, Heritage Edition, Stroppe Edition, or Raptor is right for you. Can’t decide? The team at Mike Reichenbach Ford is here to help! 2026 Ford Bronco Trim Levels and Key Features Buckle up for a bold adventure. From the Base trim level to the top-of-the-line Raptor trim level, the 2026 Ford Bronco lineup boasts outstanding capability to see you through a range of adventures. Get to know each trim level better below! 2026 Ford Bronco Base Starting off strong, the Ford Bronco Base is equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® inline-four engine that produces up to 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This SUV comes in two-door and four-door versions, and you can also choose between a 7-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Highlights include: 16-inch Bright Polished Silver-painted steel wheels HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 1.0 Up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance Up to 33.5 inches of water fording 5 G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Active grille shutters Hard or soft top 2 front tow hooks and 1 rear tow hook 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic stability control 12-inch digital cluster 6-way manual driver and passenger seats MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) Strap System SoundScreen acoustic windshield 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend Next in line is the 2026 Ford Bronco Big Bend, which is also equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® I-4 engine. This SUV comes with four doors and gives you a choice between a 7-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Highlights include: 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 1.0 Up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance Up to 33.5 inches of water fording 5 G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Second-row and swing gate privacy glass Privacy glass in second row and swing gate Leather-wrapped steering wheel Premium ambient lighting 2026 Ford Bronco Outer Banks Want more power? While this trim level is equipped with the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® inline-four engine, it also offers the option of an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which delivers up to 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This SUV comes with four doors and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Highlights include: 18-inch Bright machined-face wheels HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 1.0 Up to 11.5-inch ground clearance and 33.5" water fording Trailer Tow Prep Package 5 G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Black molded-in-color grille with white "BRONCO" lettering Body color-painted hard top options 10-way power driver seat and 8-way power passenger seat Carpet front and rear flooring 2026 Ford Bronco Badlands This trim level lets you choose between a two-door and a four-door configuration, as well as a 7-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Like the Outer Banks trim level, the Badlands is equipped with the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® inline-four engine but offers the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine if you want more power. Highlights include: 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted machined aluminum wheels HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 2.0 with Bilstein® position-sensitive dampers Up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance Up to 33.5 inches of water fording 7 G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Front stabilizer bar disconnect Carbonized Gray-painted grille with white "BRONCO" lettering Full-vehicle steel bash plates Auxiliary switches in overhead console, with pre-run accessory wires Marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces Washout-capable rubberized flooring with drain plugs 2026 Ford Bronco Heritage Edition The Heritage Edition follows suit with a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost® inline-four engine and an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. If you opt for this trim level, you’ll get a standard four-door configuration and can choose between a 7-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Highlights include: 17-inch Unique White Wheels HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 2.0 Up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance Up to 33.5 inches of water fording with standard 35-inch tires 5 G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Oxford White-painted hard top Front steel bash plates Heritage bodyside graphics Auxiliary switches in overhead console with pre-run accessory wires Plaid cloth seats Unique Heritage Edition console badging 2026 Ford Bronco Stroppe Edition Nearing the top of the lineup, the Stroppe Edition comes in a four-door configuration with the 10-speed automatic transmission and the 2.7-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine as standard. Highlights include: 17-inch unique Matte Black-painted alloy wheels with Gloss Black trim ring HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 3.0 with FOX™ Internal Bypass Dampers HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 2.0 with Bilstein® position-sensitive dampers Up to 11.5 inches of ground clearance Up to 33.5 inches of water fording 7 G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Front stabilizer bar disconnect Frozen White-painted grille with Code Orange "BRONCO" lettering Stroppe Edition Graphic Package Code Orange G.O.A.T. Modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) bezel Leather gear shift knob Code Orange door net top cord Unique black vinyl seats with Code Orange stitching 2026 Ford Bronco Raptor And now for the crowning trim level. The four-door 2026 Ford Bronco Raptor boasts a major power boost with its standard 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine, which gives drivers up to 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Highlights include: 17-inch Black high gloss-painted alloy wheels HOSS (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) System 4.0 with FOX™ Live Valve 3.1 Internal Bypass Semi-Active Dampers Up to 13.1 inches of ground clearance Up to 37 inches of water fording 7 G.O.A.T. Modes® (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Front stabilizer bar disconnect Carbonized Gray-painted marker lamps with black "FORD" lettering Heavy-duty full-vehicle steel bash plates Rock rail with removable running boards Six-way manual driver and passenger seats Sport leather steering wheel with paddle shifters Unique Raptor interior Discover New Adventures With a New Bronco From Your Ford Dealer Near Myrtle Beach! Get ready to expand your horizons with a new 2026 Ford Bronco from Mike Reichenbach Ford, your trusted Ford dealer near Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Columbia. Whether you choose the Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, Heritage Edition, Stroppe Edition, or Raptor, you’ll be in for a thrilling adventure. A great pace to start your Bronco adventure is Gulches Off Road Vehicle Park in Waterloo, SC, which is an official Jeep Badge of Honor Trail. This park offers 80 acres and 50 trails for you to try out in your new SUV. Prefer to shop used Ford Bronco models for sale instead? Check out our affordable used Bronco selection to see if we have what you’re looking for! Whether you call Florence or Sumter home, you’ll love exploring South Carolina and beyond in one of our incredibly capable SUVs!

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Test-Driving a New Ford: How to Prepare for a Successful Experience 

Before you buy or lease a new Ford, you’ll want to make sure it’s the perfect fit for you. A test drive lets you do just that, giving you a taste of what life with a new Ford could feel like, whether you’re driving to work in rush-hour traffic or hitting the open road on a family adventure. Committing to a new Ford is a big decision, so before you do, make sure you take the vehicle you’re considering for a test drive and discover how it performs and how you feel in the driver’s seat. We’re here to set you up for success. Before you schedule a test drive in Florence, check out our tips below so you can feel prepared when you stop by Mike Reichenbach Ford. Start at Home: Choose Which Vehicles You Want to Test-Drive One of the first steps in preparing for a test drive is to figure out which type of vehicle you want or need. You’ll also want to determine how much you can afford to spend on a new Ford. Our online inventory makes it easy for shoppers to browse available new Ford models and see what we have currently in stock. As you scroll through our selection of new cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, think about what features you want your next vehicle to have so it fits your lifestyle and enhances your experience on the road. Maybe that’s extra space, a certain towing capacity, strong fuel efficiency, or certain technology such as wireless charging. If you’re looking for a flexible cabin that features extra seating and generous space, the roomy Ford Expedition might be the perfect fit. Or if you’re craving off-road capability, the Ford Bronco was built to deliver the off-roading skills you need for your next adventure. Need towing muscle and truck bed utility? The rugged Ford F-150 pickup truck boasts plenty of power for a successful workday or weekend adventure. Once you know which model(s) you want to try out, it’s time to schedule a test drive, which you can do online. Our team will also be here to provide additional information about any vehicle we have in stock, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions! What Should I Bring to a Test Drive? Now that you’ve scheduled your test drive at our dealership near you, you’ll want to gather a couple of things before you head out the door. First things first: Make sure you bring your driver’s license with you — you won’t be able to test-drive a new Ford without it. Next, make sure you’ve got your phone and a phone cord handy so you can try connecting your phone to the car and trying out features like Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ and the wireless charging pad, if one is included. You might also want to ask a friend to come along for the experience. A friend can help you try out different features and provide a different perspective on the vehicle in question. Your Test-Drive Checklist: What to Look for When Behind the Wheel Once you’re at the dealership, it’s time to discover how the Ford you’re interested in drives. Here are a few things to take note of throughout the test-drive experience. 1. Are You Comfortable in the Driver's Seat? As you get behind the wheel of your new Ford, see if the driver’s seat suits you and if you have enough headroom and legroom. You’ll want to make sure you’re in for a comfortable ride for every mile ahead. Test out the rear seats as well to check passenger comfort. Make any adjustments needed to find the perfect seat position. And while you’re behind the wheel, don’t forget to pay attention to visibility to ensure you’ll have a clear view of the road and your surroundings. In addition, see how easily you can access the touchscreen and various controls. 2. Explore the Features How user-friendly is the technology in the vehicle? Discover how Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ works, and try the wireless charging pad, if available. It’s also a good idea to use the backup camera and inquire about included safety and driver-assistance features. While you drive, try out any drive modes your vehicle may include, too. Consider practical features as well, such as storage solutions, including the number of cupholders. And find out how easy it is to fold down the rear seats to create more cargo space when needed. 3. How Does the Vehicle Drive? What is the actual driving experience like? Is it smooth and quiet? Notice how the vehicle accelerates and handles, and how the brakes respond. Try driving over different types of roads to test out the ride quality, and try various speeds. Shopping for a New Ford? Schedule a Test Drive with Your Ford Dealer Near Sumter Today! Found a Ford that seems like it’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle? Confirm it’s the right choice with a test drive at Mike Reichenbach Ford in Florence! We’ll let you take your time to make sure the vehicle is the right fit for you. If it’s not, we’ll be happy to help you explore the other new Ford vehicles for sale we have in stock. We want you to love your new ride — and your experience here at Mike Reichenbach Ford, a trusted Ford dealer near Myrtle Beach, Conway, and Sumter. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and ensure a stress-free car-buying process. And once you’re the official owner of a brand-new, stylish Ford, you can count on us for quality service, parts, and repairs.

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2026 Ford Super Duty Engine Options: Towing Capacity and Power

When you need to move serious weight, you need the 2026 Ford Super Duty F-250. Built with a powerful blend of heavy-duty towing capacity, advanced trailering technology, and a cabin that provides both comfort and capability, the Super Duty sets the standard. In this segment, numbers tell the story. And the 2026 Super Duty's numbers are staggering: engineered from the frame up to pull the heaviest loads on the market, this truck is built for work. If you're shopping for a heavy-duty truck in Florence, you've probably asked yourself: just how much can the 2026 Ford Super Duty actually tow? The answer depends on which engine you choose. For 2026, Ford offers four distinct engine options—two gas engines and two Power Stroke diesels—each built to deliver a different balance of power, efficiency, and pulling strength. Depending on your engine, configuration, and available towing equipment, the 2026 Super Duty can tow up to an incredible 40,000 pounds. Whether you're hauling equipment to a jobsite, pulling a horse trailer, or towing the family camper across the state, the engine makes all the difference. Here's what you need to know to choose the right Super Duty for the job. 2026 Ford Super Duty Engine Options at a Glance Ford offers four engines for the 2026 Super Duty, each providing a different balance of horsepower, torque, and towing capability: Engine Horsepower Torque Maximum Towing 6.8L Gas V8 405 hp 445 lb.-ft. Up to 17,300 lbs. 7.3L Gas V8 430 hp 485 lb.-ft. Up to 18,200 lbs. 6.7L Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel 475 hp 1,050 lb.-ft. Up to 30,000 lbs. 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel 500 hp 1,200 lb.-ft. Up to 40,000 lbs. NOTE: Actual towing capability depends on factors such as cab configuration, drivetrain, axle ratio, trailer type, extra cargo, and passengers. Some maximum ratings require specific towing packages or gooseneck equipment. 10-Speed Transmission Helps Put the Power to Work An engine is only half the equation. Ford's TorqShift® 10-speed automatic transmission is the other half. Every engine in the 2026 Super Duty lineup is paired with this transmission, so no matter which engine you choose, the power under the hood translates into confident, controlled performance on the road. With 10 forward gears, the TorqShift® transmission gives the engine exactly the gear it needs when it needs it. The result is a powertrain that feels effortless in nearly any towing or driving scenario, smoothing out the workload so the engine isn't straining and you’re not second-guessing. For Super Duty owners, that means less shift hunting, more consistent power delivery, and a smooth driving experience whether you're empty, loaded, or pulling max capacity. Which 2026 Ford Super Duty Engine Is Right for You? With four engines to choose from, the right Super Duty comes down to one question: how do you actually plan to use your truck? Here's how to match your workload to the right powertrain. Choose the 6.8L gas V8 if you want a dependable, capable heavy-duty truck for everyday work. It delivers strong performance and provides a solid foundation for those who need Super Duty toughness without maxing out every capability on the spec sheet. Choose the 7.3L gas V8 if you want the most powerful gas engine in the Super Duty lineup. This engine steps things up with more horsepower and torque, making it the right call if you regularly tow heavier loads and need serious capability. Choose the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel if heavy-duty towing is a regular part of your work or lifestyle. This engine delivers substantially more torque than either gas option, so you’ll have the pulling strength you need for demanding jobs, day in and day out. Choose the High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke diesel if maximum towing capability is non-negotiable. With up to 500 horsepower, 1,200 lb.-ft. of torque, and up to 40,000 pounds of available towing capacity when properly equipped (with the available 40K Gooseneck Tow Package), it's the most powerful towing option in the entire 2026 Super Duty lineup. Shop at Your Ford Dealer in Florence for New and Used Trucks for Sale! When the job calls for real strength and capability, the 2026 Ford Super Duty is ready to deliver. From the dependable 6.8L gas V8 to the available High-Output 6.7L Power Stroke® diesel V8, this lineup gives South Carolina truck shoppers multiple ways to match the perfect powertrain to their workload. Ready to find your Super Duty? Explore our 2026 Ford Super Duty trucks for sale. Not looking for something brand new? We also carry a great selection of quality used trucks for sale, so you can find the capability you need at the price point that works for you. Visit us today at Mike Reichenbach Ford of Florence, your trusted Ford truck dealer proudly serving drivers from Sumter and Timmonsville to the coastal communities of Conway and Myrtle Beach. Stop by, take a test drive, and let our team help you find the Super Duty that's built for your next job.