Posted: 04/28/2022
Don't panic if you see the check engine light come on in your car! It doesn't mean that your car is about to break down. In fact, most of the time it just means that there is a problem with one of the sensors or a similarly minor issue causing the check engine light to come on. The best thing to do is to pull over and check the owner's manual to see what the code means. In this blog post, we will give you 10 tips for what to do when the check engine light comes on, how to check engine light codes, and suggest possible answers for the question "why is my check engine light on?"
Before we get into the tips, let's first go over what the check engine light means. A check engine light means your vehicle detected a problem, and the next step is finding the code behind it. Many drivers start by searching how to check engine light codes so they can understand what the warning may point to before buying parts or booking service. A scan tool can read the code stored by the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. That code gives you a starting point for the issue, and the vehicle's symptoms help narrow the repair.
You can find this code in the owner's manual, which will identify the specific problem. While there are other lights for more specific systems, the check engine light is a catch-all for other issues that can come up. For instance, if it's the check engine light and not, say, the battery light, you can rule out that it's a battery issue.
A check engine light tells you the vehicle found a problem. The code behind the light gives you the first clue. Many drivers start by searching how to check engine light codes because the warning alone leaves too much room for guesswork.
Most 1996 and newer vehicles use an OBD-II diagnostic port, usually under the driver-side dash. Plug in an OBD-II scan tool, turn the key to the correct position, and follow the scanner prompts. Write down any stored codes and pending codes. Stored codes connect to a problem the vehicle has already recorded. Pending codes can point to an issue that may return.
The code will usually point to a system, like ignition, fuel, emissions, air intake, or sensors. It may not name the exact part that failed. A sensor code could come from the sensor, a loose connection, a vacuum leak, or another related issue. That part can trip people up at the parts counter.
Once you have the code, match it with your vehicle’s year, make, model, engine, and symptoms. Then use the Arnold Motor Supply Parts Catalog to search for the right parts. Your local store can help you compare options for spark plugs, ignition coils, sensors, filters, emissions parts, and other repair items before pickup.
The check engine light can blink or be steady. If it's a blinking check engine light, that means that the problem is urgent and you should pull over and turn the car off.
A flashing check engine light indicates that the issue could quickly lead to much bigger problems. If the check engine light is steady, you can drive to a safe place and check the owner's manual for the code. This rule of thumb applies for all the other indicator lights on the dash as well, with steady indicating a problem that you can probably drive home on, whereas a blinking light is for more urgent issues.
Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. If you see any of these, pull over and turn the car off. These are serious problems that need to be addressed immediately. Otherwise, you should be fine to finish your current trip, if it's a short trip, but you should still investigate as soon as possible.
One of the most common reasons for the check engine light to come on is a loose gas cap. If you're sure that the gas cap is tight, then you can check the owner's manual for the code.
If the check engine light comes on and you're driving on the highway, reduce your speed. This will help to prevent the car from overworking itself. If you're towing or carrying a lot of weight, try reducing the load. Your engine might be telling you it's had enough.
If you're not sure what the code means, you can check other engine lights. These might include the brake light, the airbag light, or the seatbelt light. If you're not sure what to do, you can clear the codes by turning the car off and then back on again. This resets your car's systems so you'll know you're getting a reliable reading of the codes. If a light comes back on, that's a good sign that something is wrong. Check your owner's manual for more information.
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have locations all over the Midwest, and for many customers, Arnold Motor Supply is one of the best auto parts stores near them.
Order your parts today and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply parts store.
