Table of Contents
The check engine light illuminates when your vehicle’s computer believes there is a problem that could affect — or is affecting — your car’s emissions control system. When the light comes on, one or more diagnostic trouble codes are stored in the car’s computer. These lights illuminate when a routine service is due.
Is it safe to drive your car with the check engine light on?
Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It’s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, don’t panic! Just be sure to have your car inspected as soon as possible after the light turns on.
What could cause the check engine light to come on?
A problem with either your spark plug wires or the spark plugs themselves could cause your check engine light to come on. Ignoring this problem may lead to a clogged catalytic converter, damaged ignition coils, or problems with your oxygen sensor.
How do you fix a check engine light?
If the check engine light comes on, here are some tips on what you should do: Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Try tightening your gas cap. Reduce speed and load. Use built-in diagnostic services, if available.
What does check engine mean on car?
The check engine light is a signal that the onboard diagnostics system (or OBD II) has detected a malfunction in the vehicle’s emissions, ignition, fuel or exhaust systems. All cars and light trucks have onboard diagnostics that are supposed to detect engine-related problems that affect the emissions control systems.
Can AutoZone check engine light?
Does AutoZone Scan Check Engine Lights? AutoZone can diagnose Check Engine Light codes, yes. If your engine light turned on and you are wondering why, head down to your local AutoZone where one of our store associates can help diagnose the issue through our free Fix Finder service.
How many miles can you drive with check engine light on?
In general, you will need to drive between 50-100 miles after you clear your car’s computer. Hopefully, this will get rid of the check engine light once and for all. If it doesn’t, there may be a more critical factor causing this item to turn on.
When should I be worried about check engine light?
Unlike a Temperature or Oil Pressure light, a Check Engine light is usually not an urgent, “Stop right now or you may cause permanent damage!” type of situation, unless it is flashing. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
Is check engine light serious?
When your car’s check engine light illuminates on your dashboard, it’s usually accompanied by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine.
Can low oil cause the check engine light to come on?
Low oil pressure: If your car is low on oil, it can cause your check engine light to go off. This is often shown in its own glowing light along with the check engine light on the dashboard. Overheating: If your car’s engine temperature is heating up, it can once again trigger the check engine light.
How much does it cost to fix engine light?
The costs to fix whatever’s ailing your car — and causing the light to come on — can vary greatly. Repair costs for the most common check engine light problems range from under $20 to almost $1,200, according to CarMD’s analysis of millions of repairs recommended in 2016 in the U.S.
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?
Normally, the appearance of a check engine light indicates a problem somewhere in your vehicle, but nothing seems amiss. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.
How much does AutoZone charge to check codes?
Many drivers don’t realize that AutoZone, the nation’s largest auto parts chain, will do the following services free of charge: Read the codes on your check engine light. Test your battery’s voltage. Check your alternator and starter.
Will check engine light reset itself?
Your car’s check engine light will reset itself after you repair the problem in most car models. But it may take some time. A car usually needs 10-20 successful cycles before it will reset the check engine light by itself. Therefore it’s much easier to reset the check engine light with an OBD2 scanner.
How long does it take for check engine light to come back on?
The reset can happen automatically after around 10 to 20 cycles. A cycle is a phase where you turn on the car and turn it off again. For other vehicles, you’ll have to drive around 50 to 100 miles before it resets. As you can imagine, you can drive the car with the check engine light on for long periods.
How long does check engine light take to reset?
Driving your car continuously for about three days will clear check engine light. Car works in cycles. So after finishing about 10 to 30 cycles, which should take about three days, the light should disappear. As I stated earlier, a cycle is turning on your car, drive until it warms up, then, turn it off again.
How long does check engine light stay off after reset?
So why is the light still on? Here’s something you probably don’t know: after clearing the car’s computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results.
