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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.
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 to do if engine light is on?
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 engine light mean in 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.
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.
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.
What does a solid yellow check engine light mean?
The steady yellow light is telling you to take a look and fix the minor issue as soon as you can, but it’s not usually serious. The flashing light means that your vehicle’s engine is misfiring and you should investigate the problem immediately.
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.
What does a solid check engine light mean?
A solid Check Engine Light can mean something like a loose gas cap, or it can indicate a more in-depth problem like a fuel, timing, or transmission issue. Get your car diagnosed, although the urgency isn’t the same as if the light was flashing at you.
Is an engine light bad?
Both a solid and flashing engine check light indicates that a problem has been detected. However, a flashing engine check light indicates that it is a serious problem that requires your immediate attention. If you see a flashing light, it’s best to contact a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent serious damage.
Can check engine light mean transmission problems?
Transmission problems can cause the check engine light to come on as well, however it’s not always as apparent as other components within the vehicle. If there is a transmission issue, this equipment will be able to target where the problem originated, and then supply an error code to help identify the problem.
How much does it cost to get engine light checked?
There’s a lot that goes on inside your engine, and rooting out the problem and fixing it can be a costly proposition. How costly? On average, the fee to have an auto mechanic diagnose a check engine light is $100.
How much does it cost to get your check engine light fixed?
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.
How can I check my check engine light without a scanner?
Flip your car’s ignition on and off a couple of times without cranking the engine and finish with the key in the on position. Your car will then check for any saved trouble codes. All the lights on the dash should light up until one remains on—usually the “service engine” light.
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.
