Why is my engine indicator light on?

Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. 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.

What is the most common reason for check engine light?

The top 25 repairs account for 62% of all check engine repairs in the United States. 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.

Is it OK to drive with check engine light?

In conclusion. Don't let the Check Engine Light make you panic and ruin your drive to work. Just remember: When the check engine light is flashing, it's an emergency and you need to safely pull over and then tow your car to the mechanic.

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.

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

Check Engine Light False Alarms

Sometimes you'll notice a check engine light even though the car runs fine. There are a couple of reasons why this may be. If there is a problem with the car, it's probably the O2 sensor. This is an extremely common problem with modern cars and a relatively easy one to fix.

Most Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Is On

How long can you drive with check engine light on?

If your Check Engine light comes on for any reason, it's still possible to drive your vehicle, but it is only recommended to drive another 50 to 100 miles before scanning your car's computer for error codes. This process allows you to identify the issue at hand and address it as you see fit.

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

Repair costs for the most common check engine light problems range from under $20 to almost $1,200, according to CarMD's analysis of millions of repairs recommended in 2016 in the U.S.

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.

How much does it cost to diagnose check engine light?

On average, the fee to have an auto mechanic diagnose a check engine light is $100.

Is check engine light serious?

Most of the time, however, the check engine light is an indicator that there is a serious problem with your car that needs to be addressed. Regardless of the issue, the first step is to take your car in to get diagnosed by a professional car care expert.

What does orange engine light mean?

A flashing orange light means that there is a problem that could affect how the car drives or handles, such as an engine misfire. You might be able to feel your car shake, or the engine could suddenly sound different.

Can low oil cause the check engine light to come on?

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.

Can coolant cause engine light come?

The engine coolant is overheating if it's around 240 to 250 degrees. This is a critical light! It means your engine is beginning to overheat. In addition to the check engine light, you might also see some other type of warning on the dashboard, such as a red temperature gauge or maybe the words “engine hot.”

Where can I get a free diagnostic test on my car?

But you may not realize you might be able to get that problem checked for free at AutoZone or your other local auto parts stores. Many drivers don't realize that AutoZone, the nation's largest auto parts chain, will do the following services free of charge: Read the codes on your check engine light.

How do you check engine light code?

Can I drive with orange engine light on?

An orange or amber light doesn't usually mean you should stop immediately, but some cars have a red warning light for more serious issues. A red engine management light means it's time to pull over and call your breakdown service, or at least check the meaning of the light in your vehicle handbook.

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?

The water is probably what caused this to happen and it will probably resolve itself as the engine heat dries things out. The check engine light detected a misfire caused by the wet ignition. You can scan for codes to get more specific.

What are the signs of low coolant?

Will check engine light reset itself?

Your car's check engine light will reset itself after you repair the problem in most car models. But it may take some time. A car usually needs 10-20 successful cycles before it will reset the check engine light by itself.

How do I clear my engine light?

An even simpler way to clear the engine management light is to turn the ignition on and off. This approach achieves the same outcome as the previous step, but without disconnecting the battery. Turn the ignition on and off three times, pausing a second between each cycle. The engine management light should go off.

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.

Can I just add coolant to my car?

If the coolant level is low, add the correct coolant to the reservoir (not the radiator itself). You can use diluted coolant by itself, or a 50/50 mixture of concentrated coolant and distilled water. When the coolant rises to the cold fill line, replace the cap and tighten it until you feel it click. Close the hood.