What does it mean when the yellow engine light comes on?

These conditions mean you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can find a safe place to do so. 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.

Can I drive with yellow engine light on?

The rule of thumb is that if the check engine light is flashing, you can't keep driving the car. It's an emergency. Often it indicates an engine misfire. If you keep driving, you will likely cause irreversible damage, mostly to the (expensive) catalytic converter.

What could cause the check engine light to come on?

The “check engine” light is the on-board diagnostic system's way of telling you something's wrong. But that something could be one of many things, big or small. It could pop on because of something small like a loose or faulty gas cap. It could also mean a major engine failure.

What does a solid yellow check engine light mean?

The steady yellow light is telling you to take a look and fix the minor issue as soon as you can, but it's not usually serious. The flashing light means that your vehicle's engine is misfiring and you should investigate the problem immediately.

Is it OK to drive with check engine light?

Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It's okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you're driving, don't panic! Pay attention and see if the car is driving any differently than normal.

Most Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On

How much does it cost to fix the check engine light?

The average cost to fix a “check engine light” related issue decreased by 10% over the last year, and it's 15% less than in 2006. The national average repair cost linked to a car or truck's check engine light now stands at $357, including parts ($216) and labor ($141).

Will check engine light come on if oil is low?

Low oil pressure: If your car is low on oil, it can cause your check engine light to go off. This is often shown in its own glowing light along with the check engine light on the dashboard. Overheating: If your car's engine temperature is heating up, it can once again trigger the check engine light.

How long can I drive with the engine light on?

Depending on the issue that triggered the Check Engine light, you may be able to continue driving indefinitely or only for a couple of days. Covering a distance between 50 and 100 miles gives the engine computer time to recalibrate certain sensors, which may solve the problem.

How do I know if my check engine light is serious?

Both a solid and flashing engine check light indicates that a problem has been detected. However, a flashing engine check light indicates that it is a serious problem that requires your immediate attention. If you see a flashing light, it's best to contact a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent serious damage.

What is the most common problem when the check engine light comes on?

One of the most common reasons your check engine light may come on is that your oxygen sensor is failing. Your local auto repair shop in Western Washington can replace it for you quickly, which will restore your vehicle's ability to measure unburned oxygen in its exhaust system.

Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?

If nothing seems to be acting strange, then it is probably safe to drive it until you can get it into a mechanic. Sometimes the light may come on after fueling if the gas cap is a little loose. Or it could mean your catalytic converter needs to be inspected.

Can I drive with check engine light on and car shaking?

You should not continue to drive when the car is shaking and the check engine light is on. Such a scenario often indicates that your car is suffering from a severe misfire, which could damage the catalytic converter and other costly components.

What does check engine light usually mean?

CARS.COM — The check engine light on the dashboard is a warning that many vehicle owners dread. The check engine light is a signal that the onboard diagnostics system (or OBD II) has detected a malfunction in the vehicle's emissions, ignition, fuel or exhaust systems.

Does AutoZone check engine light for free?

Does AutoZone Scan Check Engine Lights? AutoZone can diagnose Check Engine Light codes, yes. If your engine light turned on and you are wondering why, head down to your local AutoZone where one of our store associates can help diagnose the issue through our free Fix Finder service.

Can heavy rain cause check engine light?

"I actually had three customers come in," said Kotter. "They all had check engine lights come on." Kotter said drivers complained of misfiring, stalling and other issues that are typical during a heavy rain. "It gets in the belts, gets on the engine, gets the electrical," said Kotter.

Can driving through water cause check engine light?

There are many reasons why the check engine light may occur, including water. It's often a misfire: check your dist cap, check your plug wires, and make sure they are plugged into the head properly. Once you have ruled out the ignition stuff, you may want to check other plugs and connections.

Can a gas cap cause the engine light to come on?

Fuel System Issues

Faulty gas cap - Your vehicle is pretty good at warning you of any potential trouble. Something as simple as forgetting to replace the gas cap could cause your “check engine” light to come on. This is because the gas cap keeps vapors from escaping the fuel tank.

How far do you have to drive to reset the check engine light?

To make sure the check engine light does not reappear, it's recommended that you drive your car 30 to 100 miles. This enables the vehicle's “Drive Cycle” to reset, as the various sensors need time to recalibrate.

Will check engine light go off after tightening gas cap?

The check engine light should go off after you drive for several minutes if the light was caused by a loose gas cap. Pay attention to the dashboard after the check engine light experience. If you find that the light keeps coming on, and goes off again once you tighten the gas cap, then your gas cap is too loose.

How do I fix yellow engine light?

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. This can often solve the problem. Keep in mind that it may take several trips before the light resets.

Why is my check engine light on but everything is fine?

These problems can range from faults within the electrical system, the engine, fluid levels or to problems within the car's emissions system. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.

How do you reset check engine light after gas cap?

Simply remove your gas cap and put it back in place. Turn your car on, and the engine light may already be reset. If not, it might take a few cycles of turning your car off and on to make it reset. In some cases, it helps to drive around for a few miles, too.