My Check Engine Light is On - What Should I Do?
While your vehicle can’t talk, it can still communicate with you through other means. And one through its check engine light.
Most of the time, an illuminated check engine light may not be anything serious. However, it could be your vehicle letting you know it needs attention before a molehill turns into a mountain.
Let’s look at what you should do if you see your check engine light turned on.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light is your vehicle’s most misunderstood indicator. While the implications of an illuminated brake light are relatively straightforward, those of a check engine light can mean several things that may or may not involve your engine.
This indicator light is a key part of your onboard diagnostics system. This cutting-edge system works to scan your vehicle’s key components continuously. If it discovers a problem within the electronic-control system that it can’t fix, you will notice the check engine light turned on.
If this indicator light is lit, you will most likely need to do comprehensive diagnostics to determine the source of the problem.
Help! What Should I Do If My Check Engine Is Light On?
If this happens, you should be concerned. A solid yellow light, though, doesn’t mean that you must pull over and stop driving.
On the other hand, a blinking, solid-orange, or solid-red light could mean your engine needs immediate attention. If this is the case, have vehicle diagnostics performed immediately. Failure to do so could cause many thousands of dollars of repairs.
Understanding the Common Causes of an Illuminated Check Engine Light
Vehicle diagnostics is the best way to determine what’s causing the problem. Here are three common causes of an illuminated light:
Loose Gas Cap
If your indicator light is on, the first step is to check your gas cap.
The valves and lines in your gas tank system are designed to recirculate gas vapors and prevent them from escaping. When your case cap is loose, it can trigger the check engine light.
If you check your gas cap is indeed loose, tighten it and see if it remedies the problem.
Bad Spark Plugs
If your spark plugs are not properly firing, it can trigger this warning indicator. You will need car diagnostics to attribute the diagnostic code to the spark plugs accurately.
Catalytic Converter
Your vehicle’s catalytic converters are tasked with converting carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide, which protects the environment.
If your catalytic converter is faulty, it can decrease your performance, reduce fuel efficiency, and increase your emissions. A bad catalytic converter can also cause the warning indicator to turn on.
Contact Accelerate Auto Repair in Rowlett, TX for Check Engine Light Issues & Vehicle Diagnostics
If your check engine light is on, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Doing so can turn minor, easy-to-fix problems into much more expensive repairs.
The best solution: schedule vehicle diagnostics at Accelerate Auto Repair. As the best auto repair center in Rowlett, TX, we leverage state-of-the-art tools to diagnose codes quickly and accurately.
Schedule an appointment by calling 469-501-5115 or completing this form. You can also drop by our shop at 5201 Grisham Dr., Rowlett, TX 75088.
Had An Awesome Experience With Us Recently?
Have you recently brought in your vehicle to be serviced or repaired with us? We would love to hear all about it! Click the button below to leave your review.
