If your check engine light is on, it’s a sign that something may be wrong with your car. The check engine light signifies many vehicle troubles, from easily solved problems to significant malfunctions.
How to Determine Severity
A check engine light can mean different things. The warning light can flash repeatedly or remain lighted, depending on the issue.
A consistent light signals any number of car problems to address, while a flashing light is a sign that something serious is wrong. If you experience a blinking check engine light, you’ll want to pull over, turn your car off, and have it towed to a nearby mechanic as soon as possible.
Common Car Problems
While an illuminated check engine light could mean a variety of things, these concerns are frequently to blame:
- Spark Plug Issues: From broken wires to general malfunction, a replacement of the failing parts could fix your spark plug problems.
- Loose or Missing Gas Cap: This simple issue can be easily solved by either tightening or replacing the gas cap.
- Defective Catalytic Converter: Problems with your catalytic converter may require a replacement, so have your device checked out by a mechanic to determine how to resolve the complications.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor: A broken oxygen sensor will need to be replaced with a new one. Your car has multiple oxygen sensors, so make sure you know which one is causing the problem before replacing it.
If you have addressed the above issues and your check engine light is still on, run a diagnostics test to find out what else may be wrong with your car.
Finding the Cause of Your Check Engine Light
The computer in your vehicle creates diagnostic trouble codes upon the check engine symbol lighting up that include details of what issues need to be addressed. Most auto parts stores provide diagnostic reports at little to no cost. While they can show the probable cause of the dilemma and suggested solutions, you’ll need to have your car assessed by a professional for a full report.
Another way to determine what these trouble codes mean is to take your car to a trusted mechanic and have them perform a diagnosis of your vehicle. Professional service providers will not only be able to tell you the cause of your check engine light being on but will also administer the necessary services to get your vehicle back in shape.
Is your check engine light on? Don’t wait to find out what’s wrong with your vehicle. Contact Scott DeLong’s Auto Service today, and our trusted Marietta mechanics will determine the reason for your check engine light being on and resolve any issues your car may have.
