Typically, when you start your vehicle, you’ll notice all the warning lights come on your dashboard. That’s normal. What’s not normal is when one of those lights, like the Check Engine light or Service Engine Soon light comes on and stays on. This light isn’t there to tell you the oil needs to be changed. Instead, it’s alerting you to a problem with your vehicle’s emission system. That’s the system that limits the amount of noxious gases generated from the combustion of air and gasoline as they leave your vehicle through the exhaust system.
Several computers work together to control your car engine’s operation. One of the computer systems handles all the onboard diagnostics (known as the OBD system). The OBD goes through certain tests to make sure the engine is running its best and is emitting the least amount of pollutants into the environment. The OBD is quite sophisticated and can provide our certified technicians with real-time data so they can identify and remedy any emissions malfunctions within your vehicle.
As you are driving, the OBD is going through a series of tests and is adjusting how the engine is responding to external factors – like the speed you are driving, the temperature of the air outside, the engine temperature and more. If the OBD identifies a problem with the vehicle’s emission system, the Check Engine light or Service Engine Soon light will come on.
Click here to learn more about the Check Engine and Service Engine Soon warning lights.
Why did the Check Engine light come on?
In the simplest of explanations, the Check Engine light or Service Engine Soon light comes on when there is a problem with the amount of emissions leaving your vehicle. The nice thing about this light is that it will identify a minor emissions problem so you can have it fixed before it becomes a major repair. Before the light comes on, you may have noticed the engine was running roughly. Perhaps you were getting less in gas mileage. It’s also quite possible that you may not have noticed any difference in the way your vehicle was driving. Just because there are no symptoms, doesn’t mean you should delay getting it looked at and repaired. If you wait, what might have been a simple repair to a leaking hose could end up being an expensive repair like replacing a catalytic converter.
Check Engine light or Service Engine Soon light on? Click here to schedule an appointment with the engine diagnostic professionals at Country Road Automotive in Lincoln Park, NJ.
Take your car to Lincoln Park, NJ’s, Country Road Automotive if the Check Engine light won’t turn off
When you first notice the light stays on, there’s something simple you can do – check your gas cap. Many times, the “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine” light is illuminating because of a loose or faulty gas cap. Tighten or replace the gas cap (make sure it’s one designed for your vehicle) and then drive your car for a few days. If the gas cap was the cause, the “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light will turn off. If it doesn’t turn off, schedule an appointment with our auto repair shop in Lincoln Park, New Jersey. Our ASE-Certified technicians will perform computerized diagnostic testing to identify why the light is on and fix it for you.
Don’t delay in getting your “Check Engine” light problem fixed. Click here to contact Country Road Automotive today for issues with your “Check Engine” and “Service Engine “Soon” light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a loose gas cap cause the Check Engine light to come on?
es. A loose or faulty gas cap can cause the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light to illuminate. Make sure the cap is properly tightened and designed for your vehicle. If the gas cap caused the warning, the light may turn off after driving the vehicle for a few days.
Can I keep driving if my Check Engine light is on?
Even if your vehicle seems to be running normally, you should not ignore a Check Engine light. A minor problem can potentially become a more expensive repair if it is left unresolved. Country Road Automotive recommends having the vehicle diagnosed if the light remains on.
Why is my Check Engine light on if my car seems to be running fine?
Some problems detected by your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system may not cause noticeable driving symptoms. Your vehicle may seem to operate normally even though the system has detected an emissions-related malfunction that should be diagnosed and repaired.
Can a Check Engine light affect my gas mileage?
Yes. Some of the problems that trigger a Check Engine light can affect how efficiently the engine operates. You may notice reduced fuel economy or a rough-running engine, although some vehicles may show no noticeable symptoms at all.
How does Country Road Automotive diagnose a Check Engine light?
Country Road Automotive’s ASE-certified technicians use computerized diagnostic testing and information from your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to determine why the warning light is on and identify the appropriate repair.