What To Do When Check Engine Light Comes On

The check engine might be the most misunderstood indicator on the dashboard. Contrary to popular belief, the check engine light turning on does not mean that you need to immediately pull over the car to the side of the road and call a tow truck to go to the mechanic. However, it also doesn’t mean that you have nothing to worry about and you can take your own sweet time before paying a visit to the mechanic to get your car checked out.

The check engine light turning on could be an indication of many different issues, ranging from a loose gas cap to a serious malfunction in the engine. If you aren’t sure about the best course of action, read on to learn what to do when check engine light comes on.

What To Do When Check Engine Light Comes On

Ever since the 1980s, computers have been integrated into vehicles to monitor their performance. They have also been regulating variables such as engine speed, ignition timing, and fuel mixture. The more advanced the car model, the better the onboard diagnostic system. In fact, the computers in modern cars also command the automatic transmission when to shift.

When this computer system encounters a problem that it can’t fix, it turns on the yellow warning indicator. This indicator may be labeled “check engine,” “check powertrain,” “service engine soon,” or simply the word “check” next to a picture of an engine.

When the light is turned on, a “trouble code” is saved in the computer’s memory as identification of the source of the problem. This trouble code can be read with the help of a diagnostic computer or electronic scan tool – both of which are standard equipment in most auto repair shops. You can also get yourself a code reader if you want to be sure of the problem before taking your car to the mechanic.

However, it is important to remember that the code reader doesn’t give you a proper picture of the problem. Instead, it directs you in the direction of the issue. You may be able to evaluate the urgency of the problem with the help of a do-it-yourself code reader, but you will likely still need to take the car to a professional mechanic for a full diagnosis and repair.  

How to Evaluate the Check Engine Light

When the check engine light turns on, it would either remain constantly illuminated or blink consistently. In some models, there would be a red light instead of a blinking light. This is usually an indication that the car engine needs immediate attention. Therefore, you should immediately take your car to the mechanic.

On the other hand, if the light is a steady yellow or orange, it indicates that the issue is not an emergency. However, you should still schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Since modern automotive computers try to compensate for the problem, you may not notice deterioration in the vehicle’s performance. However, it is likely that your fuel mileage will get affected and your car may start emitting high amounts of hydrocarbons and other pollutants.

According to Jim Collins, a national training team leader of Ford Motor Co, the customer is only hurting themselves in the long run by ignoring their check engine light.

Basically, if you leave the steady light on seen, it is only a matter of time before it will start blinking. And when you finally take it to the mechanic, it would have become a much more expensive issue to resolve.

Before you take your car to the mechanic, here are some things to do when the check engine light comes on.

· Examine The Vehicle for Any Serious Problems

If you have enough experience driving cars, you may be able to spot any serious problems that require immediate attention. Your first instinct after seeing the check engine light illuminate should be to check the dashboard lights and gauges for any indications of overheating or low oil pressures.

If you notice any of these issues, pull the car over and shut the engine off as soon as possible. If possible, call a mechanic to the location. If not, arrange a tow truck to take your car to the mechanic. In case of a red or blinking light, you should immediately consult a mechanic irrespective of whether you are able to spot an issue or not.

· Tighten The Gas Caps

You’d be surprised at how often the check engine light is indicating a loose gas cap. If the light is yellow and steady and you aren’t able to spot any other issues in the car, try tightening the gas caps. In a lot of cases, this should cause the check engine light to turn off.

However, it may take several minutes of driving the car for the light to reset. So only try this if the light is yellow. There are some modern car models that have a separate light to indicate a loose gas cap. If your car has this system, you might want to skip this step.

· Make Use of The Built-In Diagnostic Service

Most modern vehicles nowadays come with a built-in diagnostic service. If your car has this facility, make sure to educate yourself about it. Read the instruction manual thoroughly to understand what the check engine indicates and how to make use of the diagnostic services. This can save you a lot of hassle, especially if your car stops in the middle of nowhere.

Final Words

In most cases, a check engine light may not be something to stress about. However, it is always a good idea to take it to the mechanic as soon as possible to rule out any possibilities. If you want a thorough evaluation of why the check engine light is on, consult Kwik Kar today.