What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On

Your vehicle’s dashboard is full of lights that go on from warnings to reminders. When these lights illuminate, few people understand the full meaning of them. The check engine light can be caused by many different things. But this warning sign should never be ignored. So, what should you do and what does the check engine light mean? Here are some reasons the check engine light comes on and what to do when it does.

What does the check engine light on your dashboard mean?

Just because the warning of the check engine light comes on doesn’t always warrant immediate concern. If it turns on when you’re driving, you typically don’t need to pull over and call for help. This light serves as a sign that it’s time to get to a mechanic soon. The check engine light is a part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system, which monitors different variables like engine speed, fuel mixture, and ignition timing and when it detects a problem it responds by turning on the check engine light.

Reasons the check engine light comes on

Engine issues
Your check engine light may be caused by several reasons, but if you have been experiencing issues with your car's engine then there is probably an issue. There can be minor problems such as misfires in the short term which will cause poor fuel economy and performance however it might develop into engine failure later down the road if left unchecked.  

Transmission issues
Your vehicle’s transmission is the master of its engine’s power output and can trigger the check engine light to come on if it malfunctions. Transmission and engine problems can lead to an increase in tailpipe emissions.

Damaged or loose parts
Any vehicle parts that are loose, damaged, worn, or missing will trigger the check engine light to come on. Loose gas caps are a very common example of this, but it does not pose any problems to your vehicle.

Sensor issues
A vehicle’s engine has many sensors such as airflow sensors and oxygen sensors. If your diagnostics system detects faults in any of them, the check engine light will come on.

Overheating
To ensure your car’s engine stays cool, your coolant should be changed properly, or it can cause your engine’s thermostat to eventually degrade, which can overheat the engine. When it overheats your check engine light will activate.

What to do when the check engine light comes on

Turn your car on and off
You can try to reset your vehicle’s trouble codes by turning the car on and off three times consecutively to see if it works. This is worth a try before taking your car in for service.

Check for a loose gas cap
This common issue is the easiest to fix by simply checking and tightening your gas cap. After doing this it may require several trips before the light resets and turns off.

Perform a diagnostic test
Many newer model cars come equipped with onboard remote diagnostics systems. When problems are detected, the system can report trouble codes and schedule service appointments accordingly.

Lower your speed
If the check engine light blinks on while driving, your first response should be to reduce the strain on your engine. Try lowering the speed to help. This is extremely important if the check engine light is blinking or is red, which indicates a more urgent issue.

Reduce load
You can lower the strain on your engine by reducing the haul it’s carrying or by stopping any towing.

Visit a reliable mechanic
If you are unable to figure out the reason your check engine light is on, then you should take your vehicle in for a diagnosis as soon as possible to a reliable shop.
 
If your check engine light comes on, don't panic. There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue and determine if it's something you can fix yourself or if you need to take it to a repair shop. The most important thing is not to ignore the light, it means there's an issue that needs to be addressed. So, if you see the warning light come on and you don’t know what to do, call us at Best Western Transmission today.  We can help you diagnose and fix the problem so you can get your car back on the road.