What to do when check engine light comes on?

6 things to know about check engine lights

What is a Check Engine Light?

A Check Engine Light is a warning sign that many of us dread seeing light up on our car’s dashboard. It can cause instant panic and worry, but what exactly does it mean? The Check Engine Light is an indicator that something within the engine or emissions system is not functioning correctly. It can be triggered by a wide variety of issues, ranging from minor to severe, but it’s essential to have it checked out promptly to prevent further damage to your vehicle. While it may be tempting to ignore the light and hope it goes away, it’s crucial to address the issue head-on and seek a professional diagnosis to ensure your safety and the health of your car.

Engine malfunction warning light control in car dashboard. 3D re

That infamous Check Engine Light, warning you that something is not working properly under the hood can be frustrating. Many people tend to ignore this light, thinking it’s just a minor inconvenience or that their car is still running well enough. However, the truth is that that tiny light could be the key to preventing major engine damage and costly repairs. The Check Engine Light serves as an early warning system, alerting you to potential issues before they turn into crises. So, the next time that little light pops up, be sure to heed its warning and get your car checked out – your wallet (and your car) will thank you!

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

Worker checks and adjusts the headlights of a car's lighting system. Auto repair service.

1. How do you turn off the check engine light?

The dreaded check engine light can be a frustrating thing to experience. It can come on suddenly and leave you wondering what’s wrong with your car. While it’s tempting to ignore it and hope it goes away on its own, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.

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?

There are several reasons why your check engine light may be flashing, including a faulty ignition system, a clogged fuel injector, a damaged catalytic converter, or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. It’s best to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to determine the root cause of the problem and prevent further damage to your engine.

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?

Let’s face it, ignoring the warning light can be tempting. But don’t be fooled, it’s not worth the risk. The truth is, driving with the check engine light on can cause serious damage to your car, or even put you in danger.

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?

It can be tempting to simply disconnect the battery to reset the light, but this can cause more harm than good. There are a few ways to reset the check engine light without removing the battery, such as using a code scanner or disconnecting the engine control module fuse.

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?

Resetting the check engine light without a scanner can be a bit more challenging, as it requires a manual process that varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, here are a few steps you can try to 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?

Engine malfunction warning light control in car dashboard. 3D rendered illustration.

Your check engine light can turn on seemingly out of nowhere and disappear just as mysteriously. This inconsistency can make it difficult to determine what is causing the problem. There are a variety of reasons why the check engine light might turn 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.

In conclusion, the check engine light is an important indicator that should not be ignored. It can signal a wide range of issues that need to be addressed to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. Driving with the check engine light on can potentially cause further damage to your vehicle, leading to more expensive repairs down the road. Therefore, it’s essential to have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

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.