What to do when your check engine light comes on?
When the dreaded Check Engine Light (CEL) comes on, it can cause a moment of panic in anyone. It happens to millions of drivers every year. However, it doesn’t always require a visit to the workshop.
Whether your check engine light is on now or you want to know what to do in the future, read on to find out what this light means and what you should do. It could be as simple as a loose gas cap.
What does the “check engine light” mean? It’s the old joke of opening the hood to see if the engine is still running, but it’s important to actually know what the check engine light means. When your vehicle’s check engine light comes on, it means that one of the engine parameters is different than it should be.
Your vehicle uses a variety of sensors to detect all that is going on. If any of these measurements are different than what your vehicle’s computer says, the check engine light will come on. Keep in mind that there are two types of check engine lights: a solid light means that the condition is not too serious, and a flashing check engine light means that you should stop driving immediately.
What should I do if my check engine light comes on?
Every check engine light has an underlying diagnostic trouble code, and the only way to find out what needs to be done is to read the code (or have someone read it for you) using an OBD2 diagnostic tool. The good news is that auto parts stores like AutoZone will read the codes for you for free.
However, be aware that they will often print a message recommending a part to replace, which may or may not fix the problem. These stores make a profit by selling parts, even if it is not the best choice for your car.
Instead, we recommend that you check your engine codes here. They are more likely to have a perfect guide that details everything you need to know.
If you are not very handy and think you cannot solve the problem yourself, it is of course fine to make an appointment with a repair shop and take your vehicle there. Most Common Causes of the Check Engine Light Turning On
There are hundreds of possible reasons why the check engine light may come on, but some are more common than others. With that in mind, here are the 5 most common reasons why the check engine light comes on.
#1 – Loose Gas Cap
If you recently filled up your car with gas and the check engine light came on, the problem may simply be a loose or broken gas cap. The good news is that this is a very easy fix. So make sure you put your gas cap back on, or try tightening it a bit.
#2 – Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Oxygen sensors typically have a lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 miles, and when they wear out, they will turn on your vehicle’s check engine light. Keep in mind that when replacing oxygen sensors, it’s always best to replace them all at the same time.
#3 – Bad Spark Plugs
Spark plugs don’t last forever. Most spark plugs last less than 60,000 miles and are a consumable item. So it’s only a matter of time before you need to replace them. However, you can get a higher quality spark plug and they’ll last a bit longer next time.
Even if you find that your spark plugs aren’t the culprit, it’s still a good idea to have them checked, as one or more of them could burn out quickly.
#4 – Defective/Missing Catalytic Converter
Newer vehicles have much better catalytic converters, but many older vehicles still only last around 100,000 miles. Newer vehicles have twice the catalytic converter lifespan, but it’s only a matter of time before the catalytic converter needs replacing.
If you’re unfortunate enough to be the victim of catalytic converter theft, your check engine light will also come on. While you may be able to drive without a catalytic converter, a check engine light is just one of the consequences.
#5 – Dirty or Damaged Mass Air Flow Sensor
The mass air flow sensor (MAF) is also a consumable item, and if your vehicle has around 100,000 miles on it, it’s likely that your mass air flow sensor needs replacing. The good news is that most MAF sensors are relatively inexpensive and can be easily replaced by most people themselves.