Check Engine Light: What Does It Mean

The check engine light is one of the most ignored parts of any car. Only 36% of drivers go to a mechanic within the first week after it turns on. 29% wait up to a year, and 25% never do. This is a dangerous and expensive way to treat your car.

If the light is telling you to get your oxygen sensor replaced, doing it right away costs approximately $350. Waiting too long can affect the catalytic converter, which is 6 times more expensive to replace at $2,000. A complete engine replacement is $5,500-$8100.

Read on to learn why your check engine light might have come on and how to deal with it.

What the Check Engine Light Means

The check engine light is also known as the MIL or malfunction indicator lamp. It’s part of your car’s diagnostic system and tells its engine computer that there’s a malfunction.

It can be yellow, amber, or orange. It shows an outline of the words “check engine,” “service engine soon” or a picture of an engine with the word check.

If it stays on, the problem is probably small. If it blinks, you may have a serious problem that requires immediate service such as issues with the catalytic converter.

Your car’s engine computer also stores a trouble code when the check engine light comes on. You can get a code reader from an auto-parts store to help you determine what they mean. A few of the most common codes tell you to:

• Replace the catalytic converter
• Replace a faulty oxygen sensor
• Replace the ignition coils and/or spark plugs
• Replace the mass airflow sensor
• Tighten or replace the fuel cap
• Replace the EVAP or evaporative emissions purge control valve or purge solenoid
• Replace the fuel injectors
• Replace the thermostat

The light can also come on when nothing is wrong with your car due to factors such as high humidity. If that’s the case, it should turn off shortly.

What to Do About the Check Engine Light

Turning the light off yourself is a temporary solution because it’s likely to come back on later. You also won’t be able to pass a state inspection if it turns on.

Use a code reader to find out where the problem lies. Check your dashboard for signs of problems such as low oil pressure or overheating. A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the light to turn on, so try tightening it. Even slowing down a bit or detaching a trailer may reduce the demand on your engine enough to make the light turn off.

Finding a place to get proper dealer service for your car is the final step. Check their reviews first to make sure you can trust them.

Where to Find a Car Dealership to Get Service

The check engine light is an essential part of your car’s diagnostic system. It can warn you of anything from a loose gas gap to a dangerous issue with your catalytic converter.

A code reader can help you diagnose the problem, but you should take it to a dealership for service instead of trying to fix it on your own.

At Parks Chevrolet, we’re one of the best car dealers in Wichita and a standout among Augusta car dealers. We’re also just 9 miles east of sky-high prices! Schedule service in your area today.