What Do You Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On?

There are a few things that most people do not want to experience while driving: the gas tank nearing empty, the tire pressure monitor showing you may have a flat, and the engine light turning on. Now, the first two are things you can remedy on your own, even while you’re out and about, but what about the third one? What happens when the check engine light requires your immediate attention? What do you do? How do you fix the situation, and is there anything you can do while you’re driving?

Those are some of the common questions you might have if the light turns on in your vehicle or if you’re curious about preparing beforehand what solutions you can employ before the light turns on. We can run you through a few of the basics of getting check engine light diagnostics and what might be the cause of the light in the first place. The first thing to do is to understand what the light actually means and how it’s being displayed.

What Does the Check Engine Light Represent?

The check engine light is a diagnostics-related indicator attached to various operations of the drivetrain, which includes both the engine and the transmission. The light is part of a complex network of sensors that monitors various types of operations related to the engine, including but not limited to the emissions, fluids, spark plugs, battery, temperatures, alternator, and exhaust. These sensors relay operational information to the computer system that tracks a checklist of vehicle functions. So long as those functions are operating properly, then the light will not come on.

However, if the sensors detect that a vital vehicle function is no longer operating as intended, then it will log that operation and reflect it in the check engine light turning on. This could be due to a number of potential component or sensor failures. The purpose of these sensors is to give drivers and technicians a heads-up that there is some measure of component failure related to proper engine operation, and it needs to go through a proper diagnostics process. However, the way light displays can also express the importance and urgency of the engine’s need for inspection.

Is the Check Engine Steady or Flashing?

The check engine light may indicate something is wrong, but how it indicates that something is wrong is based on the light that it displays. Is it flashing consistently? Is it intermittently blinking? Or is it solid? These indicate the severity of the issue and what sort of measures should be taken in order to potentially rectify the problem. The different lights also relate to what kind of engine problems you may be looking at.

A solid light means that there is a problem, but it may not be as bad as you think. It could be as simple as a loose cap or a bad sensor, or the engine having some issues due to a lack of voltage. Basically, a solid light means that there is an issue, and it does need to be diagnosed as soon as possible. However, it is generally safe to drive while a steady check engine light is on, but it means that it’s time to schedule an appointment to see what the issue is.

If you have an intermittent light, it could mean there is a wiring issue and you should make an appointment to get it checked out anyway. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

A fast-blinking light is a sign of urgency, as it means that your vehicle needs immediate mechanical attention. It could be a sensor failure causing the system to think that there are catastrophic exhaust problems, or it could be due to spark plug failures, engine misfiring, timing belt problems, or issues within the combustion chamber. If the light is rapidly flashing, then it means there is something seriously wrong and that you need to schedule to have the vehicle serviced immediately. It is also generally not safe to drive the vehicle when the check engine light is flashing like this, so you should pull over and get it towed to the service center.

What Should You Do When You See the Check Engine Light Come on?

As noted, it’s important to first determine what the state of the light is, whether it’s blinking or solid, and for how long it stays on. Sometimes, the light will come on and then go off, and other times, it will stay on indefinitely. Obviously, if it stays on indefinitely, then you have a serious problem on your hands with the engine, whether it’s a lack of voltage from the battery, lack of fuel from the fuel line, bad spark plugs, cracked headers, or a failing catalytic converter. Either way, once the light is on and stays on, then it means you need to start thinking seriously about getting your vehicle serviced.

Depending on the vehicle and the issue, a solid light may indicate that you are able to drive your vehicle to a dealership for service. If the vehicle is operational enough to do so when the light comes on, that should be a priority. However, if the light is flashing, then it means the vehicle needs immediate attention and is not safe to drive. In this case, you may need to call a tow truck to have your vehicle towed to a service center.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the system records these instances in system failure codes, and it will require a certified and knowledgeable technician to understand what these failure codes represent in relation to the operation of your vehicle. Sometimes it’s related to faulty electrical output from the alternator, or it could be faulty oxygen sensors misreading what the actual problem may be.

In any case, it will require deciphering the system failure codes and understanding what is causing the check engine light to come on. The best case scenario is that it’s a simple sensor going bad, in which case you may not have to worry much and simply have a certified technician to replace the sensor. In the worst-case scenario, there is a component failure resulting in the engine no longer doing what it is supposed to do. At that point, you will need to seek a replacement for the component to get the engine working again.

Is There Anything You Can Do to Resolve the Check Engine Light?

On your own, it may be difficult to address any issues if you get the check engine line warning. However, there are some tests you can perform if you have the right tools to check a few things. The most basic is testing if the car can turn on and off without any problems. If you can turn the vehicle on and off without any problems, then it at least gives you an idea that the alternator is doing the basics and charging the battery to start the vehicle. However, there could still be faults in the electrical systems that prevent the vehicle from maintaining power.

You can also test the alternator and battery with a battery tester to see if it holds and maintains charge and if the voltage is consistent. This will give you an idea of whether the check engine light is related to a faulty battery or alternator. You can also check if the spark plugs are bad by seeing if there is damage or cracked components, as that could also be what is causing the problem. Of course, if you don’t have the tools to do any testing or diagnostics on your own, it’s completely fine. That’s what the professionals are for, and it’s important to schedule a time to bring your vehicle to a certified mechanic who can give your vehicle a proper inspection and diagnosis.

The Next Steps You Should Take if You Have a Check Engine Light Problem

If you have encountered or think you might be encountering problems with the check engine light, then it’s important to bring your vehicle in if the light frequently comes on, is blinking, or is steadily illuminated, and you’re beginning to notice any issues with the performance or behavior of the vehicle. The professionals at Loganville Ford can run proper check engine light diagnostics and have all of the training and certification to thoroughly examine what the problem may be, whether it’s as simple as a loose cap, a broken sensor, or a shortage, or something more serious such as a bad alternator, electrical shortage, or component failure, our technicians can help you identify and resolve the problem. So, if you notice the check engine light being on, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle to us.