Check Engine Light Tutorial

It can be a startling thing when you turn on your car and see the check engine light on. It can happen for a number of reasons, and in this article we'll take a look at those causes as well as the best course of action to take when you see that little trouble lamp light up. If you are driving down the road and the Check Engine light starts to flash, pull over immediately and get the vehicle towed. The flashing light represents a real safety problem for you and others when you are on the road.

The best course of action when your engine light is on is to go in to your dealership's service department. Unfortunately there is no actionable information provided when the light comes on, so it is best to let a professional diagnose the problem.

- If the first thing you see starting your vehicle is the check engine light, it could be as simple as a loose gas cap. Check this first; if the gas cap is loose, tighten it properly. Note that it may take a few ignition starts after this before your car dash clears itself and turns the Check Engine light off. - The oxygen monitor might need replacing. These sensors keep track of how much fuel is being burned, and faulty ones can cause increased emissions and reduced mileage. It can also threaten the integrity of your catalytic convertor in time. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for information on the location of your O2 sensors and how to replace them. - Spark plugs in your car might be worn out or misfiring. Spark plugs help initiate combustion in your engine, so malfunctioning ones can cause problems with your car's acceleration. If this is one of your car's symptoms, get them replaced. It is an easy and cheap solution and should be part of your regular car maintenance. Of course, one of the best ways to avoid having your engine light come on is prevention. Vehicles with properly maintained engines and emission control systems pollute less and are more fuel efficient, and will cause you less trouble in the future. Make sure to follow your manufacturer's guidelines for engine maintenance, change your vehicle's oil regularly, change the air filter when recommended, keep your tires in check, your coolant levels healthy, and keep your brakes maintained. All these things help keep an engine running optimally.