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.
What is the most common cause of check engine light?
Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor — a sensor used to optimize a vehicle’s fuel-to-air mixture to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions — is the most common cause for a check engine light. With over 400,000 repairs nationwide, oxygen sensor replacements account for 8% of all check engine light repairs.
Is it safe to drive with 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.
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 it mean when check engine light comes on?
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.
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.
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 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.
Will my check engine light go off by itself?
A check engine light will shut itself off if the condition that caused it is remedied. If you then did a bunch of highway driving before changing the oil, the specs may have dropped back into the normal range, causing the light to go off.
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.
Will a dealership buy my car if the check engine light is on?
Most dealerships will use the check engine light malfunction as an excuse to pay you less than the car may be worth. Be ready for a very low offer for the trade in. Your research will show the dealer you will not be taken advantage of.
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 long does a check engine light take to reset?
The Light Stays On You may think that there is still a problem with the car after the repair, but it’s because the light needs time to reset. The car’s internal computer only resets after a set period where it checks all of its sensors once more. The reset can happen automatically after around 10 to 20 cycles.
How many miles after check engine light clears?
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.
How long does check engine light stay on?
If you are sure that you have fixed the problem causing the check engine light, the engine light will reset itself after 10-20 successful cycles, and as you can imagine – 10-20 successful cycles can take a lot of time. Therefore it’s much easier to reset the check engine light with an OBD2 scanner.
What should you not say to a car salesman?
10 Things You Should Never Say to a Car Salesman “I really love this car” “I don’t know that much about cars” “My trade-in is outside” “I don’t want to get taken to the cleaners” “My credit isn’t that good” “I’m paying cash” “I need to buy a car today” “I need a monthly payment under $350”.
How do I permanently turn off my check engine light?
How to Disable Check Engine Light Permanently? Drive Your Car and Let the Light Go Off by Itself. Turn the Car On and Off Three Times. Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery. Use an OBD Code Reader.
How do you outsmart a car salesman?
Car Buying Tips To Outsmart Dealerships Forget Payments, Talk Price. Dealers will try selling you to a payment per month rather than the price of a car. Control Your Loan. Avoid Advertised Car Deals. Don’t Feel Pressured. Keep Clear Of Add-ons.
How do you beat a car salesman at his own game?
10 Negotiating Tips to Beat Salesmen at Their Own Game Learn dealer buzzwords. This year’s car at last year’s price. Working trade-ins and rebates. Avoid bogus fees. Use precise figures. Keep salesmen in the dark on financing. Use home-field advantage. The monthly payment trap.
Do car dealerships listen to your conversations?
If you somehow manage to get stuck in the salesman’s office haggling over numbers, he may receive a call and leave to let you and your partner “talk it over.” This is an old trick that some dealers use to listen in on your conversation, letting them know instantly just what your bottom line is.
