You’re on your way to work, to a wedding or graduation, or other important event, when all of a sudden the “Check Engine” light illuminates on the dash. You don’t want to be late, so you keep on driving. This little warning light can mean several things, from simply a loose gas cap, or a more serious misfiring engine. Do you know the things to check when the check engine light comes on? The important concern is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that you aren't compromising the safety of your vehicle.
Do you know how the “check engine” light works? When the electronic-control system finds a problem it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer turns on a yellow warning indicator light and stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory. This code helps your mechanic pin point the source of a potential problem. It may simply indicate a malfunctioning sensor, or something more serious, such as low oil pressure. If there is trouble in the engine, it could mean that your vehicle is getting poor fuel economy and polluting the environment more than approved limits.
Here are three things to check if your “Check Engine” light comes on:
- First, stop your vehicle, remove the gas cap, and then re-tighten it. If it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions.
- Second, reduce your speed, especially if you in a mountainous area.
- Third, lighten your load. If you’re pulling a trailer, or the trunk is loaded down, it may be causing the engine to work harder than it is designed for.
A word to the wise: If the “check engine” light remains illuminated after applying the above three things, then drive to an auto shop for a engine diagnostic test. Pay attention to this warning light as it could mean that the components in your engine are being damaged, potentially resulting in a costly engine repair.
Are you asking, “What are the things to check when the check engine light comes on?” Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil's Service today to find out more about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.
wondering about things to check when the “check engine” light comes on? Call your auto repair shop to schedule an engine service, including an engine diagnostic test.
You’re on your way to work, to a wedding or graduation, or other important event, when all of a sudden the “Check Engine” light illuminates on the dash. You don’t want to be late, so you keep on driving. This little warning light can mean several things, from simply a loose gas cap, or a more serious misfiring engine. Do you know the things to check when the check engine light comes on? The important concern is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that you aren't compromising the safety of your vehicle.
Do you know how the “check engine” light works? When the electronic-control system finds a problem it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer turns on a yellow warning indicator light and stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) in its memory. This code helps your mechanic pin point the source of a potential problem. It may simply indicate a malfunctioning sensor, or something more serious, such as low oil pressure. If there is trouble in the engine, it could mean that your vehicle is getting poor fuel economy and polluting the environment more than approved limits.
Here are three things to check if your “Check Engine” light comes on:
- First, stop your vehicle, remove the gas cap, and then re-tighten it. If it’s loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions.
- Second, reduce your speed, especially if you in a mountainous area.
- Third, lighten your load. If you’re pulling a trailer, or the trunk is loaded down, it may be causing the engine to work harder than it is designed for.
A word to the wise: If the “check engine” light remains illuminated after applying the above three things, then drive to an auto shop for a engine diagnostic test. Pay attention to this warning light as it could mean that the components in your engine are being damaged, potentially resulting in a costly engine repair.
Are you asking, “What are the things to check when the check engine light comes on?” Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil's Service today to find out more about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.
