What is the meaning if the engine light is on?

When your car’s check engine light illuminates your dashboard, it’s usually accompanied by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine.

What is the most common cause of 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. With over 400,000 repairs nationwide, oxygen sensor replacements account for 8% of all check engine light repairs.

What are the reasons for check engine light?

Common Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Might Be On

  • Engine problems. It goes without saying that engine problems can trigger the check engine light.
  • Transmission problems.
  • Emissions equipment problems.
  • Modules and sensors (electronic powertrain controls) problems.
  • Air/fuel delivery problems.
  • Ignition system problems.

Can you drive with engine warning light on?

If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, it can be unnerving. Don’t panic, though. The check engine light means there’s a problem somewhere in your emissions system. Regardless, you’re safe to drive for now as long as the car isn’t performing strangely.

What does orange engine light mean?

The orange, engine-shaped icon on your car dashboard’s instrument cluster is programmed to turn on when the vehicle’s electronic brain detects something is wrong. Don’t panic if you see it — it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to give your next paycheck to the nearest mechanic.

What does a yellow engine light mean?

Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. On some cars, a yellow check engine light means investigate the problem and a red one means stop right now. Try tightening your gas cap.

How long can you drive with engine light on?

When the check engine light is solid, you can typically drive the car for hundreds of miles without an issue. Of course, that depends on which code is stored in the vehicle’s computer. If an engine sensor is faulty, the car will usually use made up sensor values to keep running.

Is a yellow check engine light serious?

In some cars, a yellow check engine light means there is a problem that needs to be investigated and a red or flashing light means there is a serious problem and you need to stop right away. If your car is indicating there is a serious problem you should pull over and turn off your engine as soon as possible.

What does a solid check engine light mean?

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.

What does it mean when the Check Engine light comes on?

The check engine light will usually come up in an orange, yellow or amber colour depending on the manufacturer, and a flashing light usually means there is a more serious issue. A flash when starting the car isn’t an issue, it’s just a check by the ECU to make sure the system is working.

What does a service light on your car mean?

A service light means that you need an oil change or other similar maintenance, bear in mind that if the light is ignored it can easily lead to a check engine light, as your engine will grind to a halt without oil.

Where is the connector for the Check Engine light?

The connector is usually located under the steering column and is relatively easy to access. Before 1996, carmakers had their own engine diagnostic systems, primarily to ensure their cars were compliant with EPA pollution control requirements. Check engine lights come in orange, yellow or amber,…

What does a malfunction indicator light on a car mean?

In many cases, it means that you’ll be visiting the car dealer to repair the issue and get the light turned off. 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.