Catherine Hiles
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What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On

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check engine light dashboard

Most of us have experienced the panicky feeling of our car’s check engine light coming on while we’re going 75 down the highway. But the sudden appearance of the light doesn’t mean you need to stop your car right away and call for help. However, it does signal that something is wrong with your car, so the last thing you should do is ignore it. Instead, read this guide on what to do when your check engine light comes on so you’re fully prepared.


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Get your car inspected ASAP

Your check engine light signifies that something is wrong with your engine. It could be something serious or something trivial, but do you really want to keep driving and run the risk? Call your mechanic and schedule a time to bring your car in ASAP for inspection.


Identifying the cause

The easiest way to identify why your check engine light came on is to take it into the shop. You can also do this yourself at home using an OBD-II scanner. This tool connects to your car’s onboard computer and reads it to identify what, if any, issues are present. The OBD reader will tell you which code triggered the check engine light to illuminate, and you can look it up online. If it’s something simple, you can use the code reader to turn the check engine light off; if it’s a more serious cause, you should get your car into the garage right away.


Common causes

There are several causes of the check engine light illuminating. While some are easy to fix, others can signify a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

Loose or faulty gas cap

A loose gas cap can trigger your car’s check engine light. It could also happen if the seal on your gas cap is faulty. Try tightening the gas cap, and if the check engine light comes on again you can replace your gas cap with a new one.

Faulty oxygen sensor

Another common cause is a faulty oxygen sensor. If you continue driving with this problem it can lead to further (and more expensive problems) such as a busted catalytic converter. If this is the code you get, you need to either take your car into the shop for repair or do it yourself if you are mechanically inclined.


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Worn-out spark plugs

Spark plugs are easy enough to replace at home. You can find an easy-to-follow guide on replacing your spark plugs here.

Catalytic converter needs replacing

A faulty or broken catalytic converter is one of the most expensive reasons for your check engine light coming on. If this is the reason your light came on, you need to address it right away. If your state requires emissions testing, your car will fail with a faulty catalytic converter, as this part is what reduces toxic gases releasing from your engine into the environment.

When your check engine light comes on, it’s best to assume something is wrong and get your car inspected very soon to avoid further issues and expensive repairs.