Everyone who has ever owned a car has experienced the confusion and even panic which can arrive when your check engine light suddenly comes on. A lot of us immediately think of pulling over and calling for a tow! This is usually not necessary, but what exactly should you do if it comes on?
Most of us simply keep driving for months after the check engine light goes on. A lot of us have heard that it can be something extremely minor (such as a loose gas cap) which can set it off, so we simply keep on driving.
However, a check engine light can also indicate a serious problem. There are many different reasons that it may come on; don’t panic. This light is part of your warning system – and it is just that, a warning that you may need to have something fixed, not that something has already failed.
Take Your Car to the Repair Shop
The best thing to do is to take your car in to have your mechanic assess why the warning light came on. The computer in your car has a component called the ECM (Electronic Control Module) which can assist in diagnosing some of these programs which can cause it to come on. The mechanic at your repair shop can get diagnostic information from the ECM to figure out what is going on with your car.
It really could be something as minor as a loose gas cap. However, it could also be on because your engine is misfiring, something which should be taken care of immediately. It could also be an indicator of overheating or low oil pressure.
The check engine light can also be telling you that some bulbs are malfunctioning – check the other lights on your dashboard to make sure that the bulbs are OK. If they are also lit, you’ve probably found the source of the problem (be sure to have these problems fixed right away).
Of course, you should always try tightening your gas cap. If this does not cause the light to reset, you should take your car in to be examined.
Read Your Owner’s Manual
When you first get a new car, always read the owner’s manual – there will be a section there about what it means if the check engine light comes on. This can narrow down the possibilities, so be sure to read this.
Regular maintenance is the way to prevent it from coming on in the first place. Follow the recommendations of the vehicle’s manufacturer when it comes to servicing your vehicle – an ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure, after all.
Don’t Just Ignore It!
Keep in mind that this warning light can mean that there is a serious problem with your vehicle. Don’t ignore it – your computer tracks how long the light has been on and if it is a problem which is a warranty repair condition, you could be stuck with the bill for the repairs if you were negligent in maintaining your vehicle.
Always have your car checked if your check engine light comes on.
Tags: bulbs, engine, lights, new car