Taking Care Of Your Check Engine Light

Getting a check engine light is every driver’s nightmare, accompanied by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The first time you notice the check engine light on your dashboard, the first question that hits your mind is, “How serious is it?” followed by, “Will it be a costly fix?”. The check engine light is an automobile’s way of communicating to the driver.

When this light ignites, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the problem is terminal. However, it could mean that your vehicle needs immediate attention to continue operating properly.

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

Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to point out exactly what triggered your check engine light by just looking at it. Your check engine light may be as minor as a loose gas cap or as serious as a faulty mass airflow or oxygen sensor.

Your vehicle sensors monitor the operation of several systems within your vehicle. These sensors are connected to an On-Board Diagnostic II System (OBD-II). When the check engine light is triggered, it’s communication to the driver that something in the system is not working properly. The moment you notice this alert, have a professional mechanic perform a diagnostic test on your vehicle. This test is fast and will give an accurate idea of the extent of the problem so that you can solve it immediately.

Common Issues When the Check Engine Light Is Triggered

The moment your check engine comes on, what’s not safe to do is panic. If possible, pull over to a safe place and perform a quick assessment. Several issues can cause your check engine light to come on. The following are the most common reasons:

Faulty Oxygen sensor
Loose gas cap
Faulty Catalytic converter
Problem with spark plugs of lead wires
Faulty mass airflow sensor

Engine lights differ from one manufacturer to the next. Depending on your vehicle, the check engine light will be yellow, red, or orange, with or without “Check Engine” wording.

There are two types of warnings:

Flashing check engine light: If your vehicle’s check engine light is flashing, it’s a sign that the problem is serious. When this happens, look for a safe place and pull over. Shut off your engine and contact your local Boise car repair service. If possible, have your vehicle towed to an auto repair shop.

Check engine light is on: If the check engine light comes on and stays steady, it could mean a wide range of problems. Consider taking it to a repair shop soon.

It’s important not to confuse a service light for a check engine light. Depending on your vehicle, the service light will come with a wrench sign or “service now/ service soon” wording. What this means is your vehicle is ready for routine maintenance.

What Do I When the Check Engine Light Is Triggered

Unless your vehicle is smoking or stalling, the first thing you need to do is drive to an auto service shop and perform a diagnostic test to determine the problem. Since there are so many reasons why the light might be triggered, it’s important to consult the services of a professional mechanic.

It’s also important to note that the check engine light is often not an emergency. Therefore, there’s no need to panic. However, you shouldn’t ignore the light either. You can also invest in an inexpensive portable OBDII code reader and turn off the check engine light yourself. it will still pop back again if you fail to visit your local repair shop.

Fixing issues that trigger the check engine light vary greatly — most repairs related to this issue range from under $20 to $1200.

Our Services

Noticed a check engine light on your dashboard? Our professional mechanics at AAMCO Boise & Nampa are qualified in diagnostics and repair of Check Engine related issues. Our professional mechanics will perform a diagnostic service to figure out what triggered the light and perform the necessary repairs.

AAMCO Boise & Nampa is a leading car repair service specializing in Check Engine Light Services and Diagnostics, Transmission Repair and Service, Engine Tune-ups, Oil Changes, Clutch Repairs, Brake Repairs, and many more.

Schedule an appointment today! Remember, the longer you wait, the more complicated the problem under your hood becomes. Contact us today for a free quote. Our customer service representatives will be more than glad to hear you out!

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