Check engine light on: What you need to know

Is your car’s warning signal on? Many people mistakenly think that this diagnostic trouble code means that your car will stop working immediately. But don’t panic: on the contrary, you can rest assured that nothing’s going to explode within the next few minutes! 

Nevertheless, this light, commonly known as the check engine light, isn’t something you should ignore. From a simple malfunction to a major problem, it’s important to find the source of the problem that the check engine signal is meant to flag.  

In this article, our trusted Certified Auto Repair technicians explain what to do as soon as your check engine light makes an appearance on your dashboard.    

What’s the purpose of the check engine light?

The check engine light, located on your car’s dashboard instrument panel, is there to alert you when one or more of the vehicle’s components need attention. While the signal is usually triggered by a minor issue, it does sometimes indicate a more serious problem—an engine malfunction, for instance. With so many possibilities (of varying severity), it’s no wonder the check engine light is dreaded by car owners. 

 And did you know that the colour of the warning lights on your dashboard indicates the urgency of the situation?    

• When the warning light is orange, it indicates a danger to passengers: a poorly closed door, an unfastened seatbelt, etc. But it also indicates a moderate danger that requires attention in the near future.  
• When the warning light is red, it indicates an immediate danger: pull over somewhere safe and contact an emergency service. 

 Knowing your dashboard’s indicator lights increases your safety and that of your passengers, and it is essential to your driving! So, it’s important to know what they mean.   

If your engine light is on 

If your car’s check engine light turns on, it means your car’s computerized engine management system has detected a problem. Start by checking the cap on your gas tank: believe it or not, this is often the culprit. Sometimes it’s as simple as a loose gas cap or a faulty sensor. 

 If, after you’ve carried out the checks, your check engine light is still on, visit your nearest Certified Auto Repair repair shop for a full inspection. You may need to have a part replaced.

If your engine light is flashing

It is more worrisome when the check engine light starts flashing: there might be a serious problem with your engine that requires immediate attention. Continuing to use your vehicle could cause further damage. If your check engine light starts to blink while you’re on the road, pull over somewhere safe as soon as you can. 

Once you’re safely stopped, call a towing company and head straight to the nearest Certified Auto Repair repair shop using our repair shop locator. 

 On site, our trusted technicians will pinpoint the precise source of the problem using state-of-the-art tools. To do this, they will use, among other things, a special computer to diagnose the issue and then carry out any necessary repairs to quickly get you back on the road. 

After your visit to the repair shop, you should (finally!) see the check engine light disappear from your dashboard!

What you need to remember about the check engine light

The check engine light can indicate a wide variety of warning signs detected by your vehicle’s computer. Not to be taken lightly, this light groups together a number of engine-related warnings which can indicate anything from a loose gas cap to a permanent engine malfunction. 

 Here’s what to remember :

• If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, the best thing to do is to consult a mechanic as soon as possible, so that the problem can be diagnosed and resolved.  
• If the light flashes while you’re driving, pull over safely as quickly as possible and turn off the engine right away. 

A light you shouldn’t take lightly!

Don’t underestimate the impact a mechanical problem can have on the safety and proper functioning of your car. Ignoring your check engine light could cost you! Imagine having to pay for major repairs just because you let one small issue snowball into a critical one. Avoid escalating the situation by taking action right away. 

 At Certified Auto Repair, check engine light problems are part of our daily routine. Regardless of the model, make or year of your vehicle, our trusted technicians will find the root of the problem. Trust our certified technicians to find the best solution for your vehicle, so you can get back behind the wheel with peace of mind. 

For that matter, did you know that all our repair services are covered by the North American 24-Month Warranty? Find out more about the many advantages of our different warranties!