Check Engine Light Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a Check Engine Light?
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, engine, automatic transmission and emission control systems. If any of these systems require service the light will illuminate. Malfunctions will often be indicated by the system before any problems are apparent. The system also stores diagnostic codes and other information to assist your technician when making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
The light is on steady what should I do?
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, changing brands of fuel, battery failure/replacement, or driving through a deep puddle and getting the electrical system wet may illuminate the light. In most situations the vehicle will drive normally. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. A service technician will be able to run diagnostics on the vehicle and determine if there is a problem.
Also if the Check Engine Light is illuminated your vehicle will not pass the required Pennsylvania Emissions testing. The light must be serviced prior to the test.
**Prolonged driving with the “Check Engine Light” on can cause further damage. If the light remains on after several typical driving cycles please have the vehicle serviced **
The light is flashing what do I do?
The light flashes to alert you to serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or engine damage. If the light is flashing you should
1. Reduce vehicle speed
2. Avoid hard accelerations
3. Avoid steep uphill grades
4. If you are towing a trailer reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
A dealer should service the vehicle as soon as it is possible.
My light was on two weeks ago; I had a sensor replaced now the light is on again, why?
The system monitors MANY different sensors within the vehicle any of which can trigger the light to illuminate. Please keep in mind that your light can come on multiple times each for different monitored sensors. It is also possible that the first problem “hid” a second problem with the vehicle that wasn’t detected by the system until after the first problem was repaired and the system reset or simply another sensor had failed in a different circuit unrelated to the first problem.
For more information please see your vehicle’s Owners Manual.
Why is there a Check Engine Light?
Your vehicle is equipped with a computer that monitors operation of the fuel, ignition, engine, automatic transmission and emission control systems. If any of these systems require service the light will illuminate. Malfunctions will often be indicated by the system before any problems are apparent. The system also stores diagnostic codes and other information to assist your technician when making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually be drivable and not need towing, see your dealer for service as soon as possible.
The light is on steady what should I do?
Certain conditions such as a loose or missing gas cap, poor fuel quality, changing brands of fuel, battery failure/replacement, or driving through a deep puddle and getting the electrical system wet may illuminate the light. In most situations the vehicle will drive normally. The vehicle should be serviced if the light stays on through several of your typical driving cycles. A service technician will be able to run diagnostics on the vehicle and determine if there is a problem.
Also if the Check Engine Light is illuminated your vehicle will not pass the required Pennsylvania Emissions testing. The light must be serviced prior to the test.
**Prolonged driving with the “Check Engine Light” on can cause further damage. If the light remains on after several typical driving cycles please have the vehicle serviced **
The light is flashing what do I do?
The light flashes to alert you to serious conditions that could lead to immediate loss of power or engine damage. If the light is flashing you should
1. Reduce vehicle speed
2. Avoid hard accelerations
3. Avoid steep uphill grades
4. If you are towing a trailer reduce the amount of cargo being hauled as soon as it is possible.
A dealer should service the vehicle as soon as it is possible.
My light was on two weeks ago; I had a sensor replaced now the light is on again, why?
The system monitors MANY different sensors within the vehicle any of which can trigger the light to illuminate. Please keep in mind that your light can come on multiple times each for different monitored sensors. It is also possible that the first problem “hid” a second problem with the vehicle that wasn’t detected by the system until after the first problem was repaired and the system reset or simply another sensor had failed in a different circuit unrelated to the first problem.
For more information please see your vehicle’s Owners Manual.
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