Why Does My Check Engine Light Come On?
You’re out with your family enjoying a serene drive in the country when all of a sudden the “Check Engine” light illuminates on your dashboard. This pesky warning light can mean various things, from a loose gas cap to a more serious misfiring engine. It also indicates that your vehicle is getting poor fuel economy and polluting the environment more than approved limits. The important concern at this time is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that you aren't compromising the safety of your vehicle.
The ‘check engine’ light works like this -- when the electronic-control system finds a problem it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer turns on a yellow warning indicator light and stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory. This stored DTC helps your mechanic pinpoint the source of a potential problem. It may simply indicate a sensor is malfunctioning, or it could be more serious, such as low oil pressure or engine overheating.
If the “Check Engine” light illuminates, do the following:
- Tighten the gas cap. If it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions.
- Reduce speed.
- Lighten your load.
- Drive to an auto shop for a diagnostic test.
Tips to Remember: Pay attention to this warning light as it could mean that the components in your engine are being damaged, resulting in a potentially costly engine repair.
Are you asking, “Why does my check engine light come on?” Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
You’re out with your family enjoying a serene drive in the country when all of a sudden the “Check Engine” light illuminates on your dashboard. This pesky warning light can mean various things, from a loose gas cap to a more serious misfiring engine. It also indicates that your vehicle is getting poor fuel economy and polluting the environment more than approved limits. The important concern at this time is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that you aren't compromising the safety of your vehicle.
The ‘check engine’ light works like this -- when the electronic-control system finds a problem it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer turns on a yellow warning indicator light and stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory. This stored DTC helps your mechanic pinpoint the source of a potential problem. It may simply indicate a sensor is malfunctioning, or it could be more serious, such as low oil pressure or engine overheating.
If the “Check Engine” light illuminates, do the following:
- Tighten the gas cap. If it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions.
- Reduce speed.
- Lighten your load.
- Drive to an auto shop for a diagnostic test.
Tips to Remember: Pay attention to this warning light as it could mean that the components in your engine are being damaged, resulting in a potentially costly engine repair.
Are you asking, “Why does my check engine light come on?” Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Cannon Auto Repair today for more information about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Cannon Falls, MN, and the surrounding areas.
