December 1, 2023

Your Engine light is ON. Now What? Let’s Walk Through it

check engine light Your car’s engine is the powerhouse that drives all of its systems, so it’s important to keep an eye on its health. One way to do that is to pay attention to the engine light.

The engine light is a warning system that comes on when something is wrong with your car’s engine. It’s important to take note of the light and get your car checked out as soon as possible.

There are a number of things that can cause the engine light to come on.  It could be a loose gas cap to something more serious like a problem with the engine itself.

If you’re not sure what’s causing the engine light to come on in your car, it’s best to take it to a mechanic or a dealership to have it checked out. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and let you know what needs to be done to fix it.

Understanding the Causes of an Engine Light

​If your check engine light is on, it’s important to understand the causes and what you should do about it. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be something as simple as a loose gas cap or a more serious issue like a faulty engine sensor. In either case, it’s important to pay attention to the light and take action accordingly.

One of the most common reasons for a check engine light is a loose or missing gas cap. If the cap isn’t tightened properly, it can cause fuel vapor to escape from the tank. This can lead to misfires and a loss of power, and it can also trigger the check engine light.

Another common problem is a faulty engine sensor. These sensors are responsible for monitoring various engine functions and sending information to the computer. If a sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause the engine to run erratically and trigger the check engine light.

If your check engine light comes on, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the problem, it may be something that can be fixed quickly and easily or it may be a more serious issue that requires more extensive repairs. In either case, it’s important to pay attention to the light and take action accordingly.

Source of the Engine Light

First, it’s important to know that not all engine lights are created equal. There are actually different types of engine lights, and each one indicates a different problem. The most common engine light is the check engine light. This light comes on when your car’s computer detects a problem with the engine, emission control system, or transmission.

If the check engine light is the only light that’s on, then the problem is likely with the engine. However, if the check engine light is accompanied by the oil pressure light or temperature light, then the problem is likely with the oil pressure sensor or the coolant sensor.

Once you’ve determined which light is on, the next step is to check the code. Most cars have a code reader that you can plug into the diagnostic port to find out what the code is. Once you have the code, you can look it up online or in a repair manual to find out what it means.

Once you know what the code means, you can start troubleshooting the problem. For example, if the code indicates a problem with the spark plugs, then you know that you need to replace them. Or, if the code indicates a problem with the oxygen sensor, then you know that you need to clean or replace it.

Of course, troubleshooting the problem is not always as easy as it sounds. If you’re not sure what the code means or how to fix the problem, then you may need to take your car to a mechanic or dealer to have it checked out. However, if you’re handy with a wrench and you’re willing to do some research, then you may be able to save yourself some money by fixing the problem yourself.

Identifying Signs of Common Issues

​If you’re driving and your engine light comes on, it’s important to identify the issue as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle. There are several common issues that can cause your engine light to come on, and in this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common ones.

One of the most common reasons for an engine light to come on is a faulty oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust fumes and sending that information to the engine control unit. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to engine damage.

Another common issue that can cause your engine light to come on is a problem with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. The MAF sensor measures the amount of air flow into the engine, and if it’s not working properly, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich.

If your engine light is on, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage.​

Car Diagnostic Tools Needed for an Engine Light

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) codes, specifically OBD-II codes, cover a wide range of issues that can trigger the Check Engine Light (CEL) in vehicles. These codes are standardized and used across various vehicle makes and models. Here’s a general list of some common OBD-II code categories:

    1. Powertrain Codes (P0XXX, P2XXX, P34XX – P39XX)
    1. Chassis Codes (C0XXX – C3XXX)
    2. Body Codes (B0XXX – B3XXX)
    3. Network & Vehicle Integration Codes (U0XXX – U3XXX)

Each of these points to specific issues. For example, a P0301 code indicates a misfire in cylinder 1, and a P0420 indicates a problem with the catalytic converter efficiency. The exact meaning of each code can be looked up in an OBD-II code reference or diagnosed with an OBD-II scanner and relevant software.

Please note, this list is not a complete list, and the specific codes and their meanings can vary depending on manufacturer.

Keeping Your Vehicle in Good Condition with Regular Checks

​Your engine light is on. Don’t freak out! It’s not necessarily a sign that something is seriously wrong with your car. However, it is a sign that something needs to be checked out.

It’s important to keep your vehicle in good condition with regular checks. This will help prevent larger, more expensive problems down the road. Plus, it’ll help keep you safe on the road.

Here are some things you should check on a regular basis:

Oil level and quality: Check your oil level at least once a month. If it’s low, add more. If it looks dirty, it’s time for an oil change.

Tire pressure: Check your tires’ pressure at least once a month. Keep in mind that the pressure will change with the temperature, so don’t freak out if it’s a little lower in the winter.

Brake pads: Check your brake pads at least once a year. If they’re getting thin, it’s time for new ones.

Windshield wipers: Check your windshield wipers every few months. If they’re streaking, it’s time for new ones.

Headlights: Check your headlights every few months. If they’re dim, it’s time for new bulbs.

These are just a few of the things you should be checking on a regular basis. By keeping up with these simple maintenance items, you’ll be keeping your car in good condition and helping to prevent more serious problems down the road.

Final Thoughts

You can also check for recalls with each oil change.  If you have an OBD scanner, you can also check for any problems you can’t yet see.   Find all the OBD codes here.

Is your car also stalling?