What is the most common reason for check engine light?

What is the most common reason for check engine light?

Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor — a sensor used to optimize a vehicle’s fuel-to-air mixture to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions — is the most common cause for a check engine light.

What does it mean when your check engine light comes on Chevy?

A check engine light indicates something is wrong with your engine system. While some issues are less concerning than others, ignoring your check engine light could damage your engine components and lead to more expensive repairs and replacements.

Is it safe to drive your car with the check engine light on?

The rule of thumb is that if the check engine light is flashing, you can’t keep driving the car. It’s an emergency. Often it indicates an engine misfire. If you keep driving, you will likely cause irreversible damage, mostly to the (expensive) catalytic converter.

Is a solid check engine light serious?

Both a solid and flashing engine check light indicates that a problem has been detected. However, a flashing engine check light indicates that it is a serious problem that requires your immediate attention. A flashing light conveys an urgent issue that needs to be taken care of right away.

Can low oil cause the check engine light to come on?

Low oil pressure: If your car is low on oil, it can cause your check engine light to go off. This is often shown in its own glowing light along with the check engine light on the dashboard. Overheating: If your car’s engine temperature is heating up, it can once again trigger the check engine light.

Where can I get my engine light checked for free?

Some of the ways will even be free.

1. At a local auto parts store.
2. Check the codes yourself.
3. Go to your local mechanic.
4. Go to a dealership.
5. My check engine light – no repairs required.

Does AutoZone check engine light?

Does AutoZone Scan Check Engine Lights? AutoZone does. If your light is on, and you are wondering why, head down to your local AutoZone where one of our store associates can help diagnose the issue through our free Fix Finder service.

What does it mean when your check engine light flashes then stops?

A flashing check engine light usually refers to cylinder misfiring. Misfiring should be investigated and resolved promptly – that’s why the light flashes versus simply staying steady – because misfiring can damage the catalytic converter which can result in additional costly repairs.

How serious is check engine light?

The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong. If the light begins flashing, however, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.

What does a solid check engine light indicate?

A solid Check Engine Light can mean something like a loose gas cap, or it can indicate a more in-depth problem like a fuel, timing, or transmission issue. Get your car diagnosed, although the urgency isn’t the same as if the light was flashing at you.

Where can I take my car when the check engine light is on?

Bring your car to an auto parts store and have the code read for free. The free check engine light diagnosis is good because if the code turns out to be for something minor, you might even be able to fix it yourself. 3. Buy an inexpensive scanner and read the code yourself.

Can low oil cause misfire?

While what happened is interesting, going a long time between oil changes won’t cause a misfire. A misfire is an electrical problem, something caused by an oil problem is mechanical. As long as the oil level didn’t drop to some dangerously low level, there would be no mechanical problem.

What to do if the Check Engine light comes on?

If the check engine light comes on, here are some tips on what you should do: Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. These conditions mean you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can find a safe place to do so.

What can cause a check engine light to come on?

A loose gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on. A problem with a spark plug can cause the check engine light to come on.

What does the Check Engine light actually mean?

The check engine light is a signal that the onboard diagnostics system (or OBD II) has detected a malfunction in the vehicle’s emissions, ignition, fuel or exhaust systems. It could be caused by something as simple as a loose gas cap or a faulty oxygen sensor or spark plug or something as severe as…

How do you check the Check Engine light?

Put your key in the ignition and switch the vehicle to “on.” Do not start the vehicle. Once the lights on the dash come on, turn off all the vehicle’s accessories, like the radio. Then, press the “read” button on the scanner to access the check engine light code.