As a car owner, you may have experienced the anxiety-inducing feeling of seeing the check engine light suddenly appear on your dashboard. It can be tempting to ignore it, hoping it will go away on its own or assuming it’s a minor issue. However, this warning light is not something to ignore, as it is often an indicator of a problem that needs to be addressed by a professional auto repair technician. We will dive into the world of auto diagnostics and provide you with all the information you need to understand why the check engine light is on and what to do next.
What is the Check Engine Light?
The check engine light is a warning indicating a problem with your vehicle’s technology. It often illuminates your dashboard as a light with the words “Check Engine” or a symbol that looks like an engine. This light is a broad indicator of any issues under the hood, and you should be cautious.
Why is the Check Engine Light On?
There are dozens of reasons why your check engine light may be on. It may be something as simple as a loose gas cap or a warning related to the air-fuel mixture in your vehicle, or it may indicate a more complex issue such as a faulty oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or transmission problems. Other reasons that cause the check engine light to illuminate are worn-out spark plugs, engine misfires, fuel system problems, or vacuum leaks.
How is the Check Engine Light Diagnosed?
The cause of the check engine light can only be diagnosed through auto diagnostics. For many auto repair shops, this process involves using a scanning tool that plugs right into your vehicle’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) system. This diagnostic tool retrieves the error codes recorded in your vehicle’s OBD system and provides extensive diagnostic documentation. The technician then uses this documentation to isolate the issue and develop a plan of action to address the problem.
What Happens if You Ignore the Check Engine Light?
Ignoring the check engine light is not the best option, as it could cause further damage to your vehicle. Ignoring the issue may lead to lower gas mileage and poor engine performance. Over time, the problem can become more serious, resulting in a more expensive repair service. Additionally, if your check engine light is on or flashing, your vehicle has put itself into a safe mode or ‘limp mode’ designed to limit the engine’s power output. In such cases, drive your vehicle to the auto repair shop for assessment.
Now that you understand the check engine light, why it’s on, and how it’s diagnosed, you can rest assured that the issue will be handled with the utmost expertise. At the first indication of the check engine light coming on, schedule an appointment with your local auto repair shop. A quick diagnosis and repair not only ensure safe driving, but could save money in the long run. Your vehicle is a significant investment, and by taking issues like this seriously and bringing them to the attention of a professional auto technician, you’re helping to protect that investment.
