What is a Check Engine Light?

Let’s get into 6 things to know about check engine lights

1. How do you turn off the check engine light?
Luckily, turning off the check engine light is not as difficult as it may seem. The first step is to identify the problem by using a diagnostic tool that can read the trouble codes. Once you know what’s causing your car’s check engine light to come on, you can make necessary repairs.
In most cases, fixing the underlying issue will automatically turn off the check engine light. But if it doesn’t, the good news is that you can manually reset the light using either a scan tool or by disconnecting your car’s battery for a few minutes.
Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a major repair, don’t let the check engine light get the best of you. With a little bit of know-how and some simple tools, you can take control of the situation and get your car running smoothly again.
2. Why is my check engine light flashing?
To diagnose the issue, a mechanic will use a diagnostic tool to access the OBD system’s trouble codes. The trouble codes will provide insight into the problem and help the mechanic determine the best course of action to fix it.
3. How long can I drive with the check engine light on?
It’s important to keep in mind that the longer you drive with the check engine light on, the higher the risk of causing more significant damage to your engine or emissions system.
If you need to drive your vehicle with the check engine light on, it’s recommended to avoid accelerating aggressively or driving at high speeds.
It’s also essential to have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure safe vehicle operation.
4. How can I reset the check engine light without removing the battery?
Resetting the check engine light without removing the battery can be done using an OBD-II scanner. Here are the steps to reset the check engine light using an OBD-II scanner:
1. Locate the OBD-II port in your vehicle. This port is typically located under the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle.
2. Plug in the OBD-II scanner to the port. The scanner will power on and communicate with the vehicle’s computer.
3. Follow the scanner’s instructions to read the trouble codes stored on the computer. The scanner will display the codes on its screen.
4. Once you have read the codes, select the option to clear the codes. This will reset the check engine light.
5. Disconnect the scanner from the OBD-II port.
It’s important to note that simply resetting the check engine light without addressing the underlying issue that caused it to illuminate will not solve the problem. If the check engine light comes back on after resetting it, you should have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause of the issue and have it repaired.
5. How can I reset the check engine light without a scanner?
1. Turn off your vehicle’s ignition and remove the key.
2. Locate the positive and negative battery cables. You will need a wrench or pliers to loosen the cable connectors.
3. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery and wait for about 15 minutes.
4. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery and tighten the connector.
5. Turn on your vehicle’s ignition, but do not start the engine.
6. Wait for about 1 minute and then start the engine.
7. Check to see if the check engine light is still on.
It’s important to note that disconnecting the battery can also reset other systems in your vehicle, such as the radio, clock, and power windows. Additionally, resetting the check engine light without addressing the underlying issue that caused it to illuminate will not solve the problem.
If the check engine light comes back on after resetting it, you should have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to determine the cause of the issue and have it repaired.
6. Why does my check engine light come on and off?

1. Loose or damaged gas cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause a fuel vapor leak, which can trigger the check engine light. This issue can often be resolved by tightening or replacing the gas cap.
2. Faulty oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust and sends data to the engine control module. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the check engine light to come on and off.
3. Malfunctioning spark plugs: Spark plugs ignite the fuel in your vehicle’s engine. If they are worn or damaged, they can cause a misfire, which can trigger the check engine light.
4. Faulty catalytic converter: The catalytic converter converts harmful emissions from your vehicle’s engine into less harmful gases. If it is faulty, it can cause the check engine light to come on and off.
5. Wiring issues: Wiring problems in your vehicle’s electrical system can cause intermittent check engine light issues. This can be caused by damaged or corroded wiring or a faulty sensor.
At Romita Auto, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing check engine light issues for all makes and models of vehicles. Our team of experienced technicians uses the latest diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately diagnose problems and provide reliable solutions. We are committed to providing exceptional customer service and high-quality workmanship to ensure your complete satisfaction.
If you are experiencing check engine light issues or any other automotive problem, we invite you to visit us at Romita Auto. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you with all your automotive needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or for more information.