The Datsun Go was been given a comprehensive upgrade for the 2019 Model Year. Chief amongst these improvements are the fitting of driver-side and front passenger airbags, and ABS brakes on the two models in the range, the Datsun Go Mid Spec and the Datsun Go Lux spec. These upgrades address many of the controversial issues that surrounded the first Datsun Go launched here about four years ago.
Dashboard warning lights on the Datsun Go Lux launched in late October, 2018
The warning lights on a modern car’s dashboard are worthy of your serious attention. These lights will flash on momentarily as you switch the ignition on, and then they should disappear within a second if all functions are operating normally.
Nissan South Africa’s Datsun division was intent on launching the first Go model for our market at a price of under R100 000 and this was achieved. But meeting this price-promise meant that the first versions were offered without airbags and ABS braking, and this caused lots of controversy. Nevertheless, the Datsun Go has sold well in this country and monthly sales figures are currently hovering around the 600 a month mark
The new model is offered in two trim levels. The Datsun Go Mid Spec costs R184 600 and the Datsun Go Lux costs R196 700. There is also a seven-seater Go+ model offered.
The warning lights on the newly-styled Datsun Go Lux dashboard
Now with this new upgrade, which features comprehensive restyling both inside and out, the Datsun Go is expected to challenge the Renault Kwid as the top-selling entry-level car.
One of the major re-styling exercises has been to the dashboard, with the new Lux spec model receiving a tachometer (rev counter) as an addition to the instrumentation. Here we take a look at the array of warning lights that flash on as soon as you switch on the ignition on the Go Lux.
The majority of these lights should automatically switch off within a second, after twisting the ignition key. Some of the lights will remain illuminated longer, and then switch off.
1. SRS Airbag Warning light
This warning lamp switches on when you turn on the ignition and stays illuminated for about seven seconds. If it doesn’t switch off or doesn’t switch on at all, have the system checked by your Datsun dealer
2. PS – Electric Power Steering light
This power steering light switches on when the ignition is turned on but goes off soon after the ignition has been activated. If it does not switch off, it indicates there is a fault with the electrically-assisted power steering system.
3. Brake Warning Light
The brake warning light indicates that the parking brake is activated, the brake fluid level is too low, or that there is a fault with the ABS braking system. Note that the ABS (anti-lock) braking system has its own system warning light. In general operation, with no faults detected, as soon as the parking brake is released, this light should go off. Note that the light will remain on if the brake is not fully released.
4. ABS warning light
When the ignition is switched on, the ABS light illuminates and then switches off within seconds. This indicates the system is working properly. If the light stays on, drive slowly to the nearest dealership and have the fault attended to.
5. Oil pressure warning light
This light illuminates when the ignition is switched on but should go off as soon as the engine is started. If it does not go off, it indicates low oil pressure. This can cause serious damage, so switch off the engine immediately and call the dealership for assistance.
6. Charge system warning light
This light illuminates when the ignition is switched on and turns off as soon as the engine is started. If this light does not go off, it indicates a fault with the battery-charging system and could lead to the battery being discharged and the engine failing to operate. Have it checked as soon as possible.
7. Door Open
This light illuminates when one or more of the doors is open or is not closed securely.
8. Engine system malfunction.
This light illuminates normally when one of the engine’s electronic systems is malfunctioning. It can also indicate exhaust system problems or indicate excessively high fuel consumption due to the electronic fuel injection and ignition systems not operating properly.
9. Seat belt light
This light will illuminate and stay on after the ignition switch is turned on. It will go off once the seat belts of all front occupants have been clipped into place. If the belt of the driver, or occupied front seat, is not in place, the light will blink and a chime will sound as soon as the speed exceeds 15 km/h.
10. Temperature gauge
This is a very important light. It indicates the engine is running too hot. If it illuminates while driving, stop immediately and switch the engine off. It can often indicate a loss of coolant, and running the engine without coolant can seriously damage the engine and lead to very expensive repairs. Keep an eye out for this one!
