Steve's Auto Repair & Tire
Check Engine Light
Ugh Why is my Check Engine Light coming on? It's a beautiful day, the sun is out you pull out of your driveway and realize that the check engine is on and is not turning off.
Your vehicle's check engine light is controlled by an onboard computer and alerts you when something is wrong. The check engine light does not tell you what is wrong but is created as a signal that the vehicle must be checked.
Reading the computer code generated and conducting additional diagnostics allows a technician to assess what is wrong and how the problem can be fixed. It is not necessary to panic when the light comes on- however make sure that you have your car checked as soon as you are able.
Even a loose gas cap can activate the check engine light. The following are some common reasons that may cause the check engine light to come on:
- A wet engine
- Cylinder misfire
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- Bad catalytic converter
However, there are literally 100s of codes that can cause the check engine light to come on.
In the state of Virginia you will not pass the emissions test with the check engine light on. Aside from that, if you don't notice any visible signs of a problem your car can still be wasting fuel or causing engine damage. Bottom line, when you see that light, take your car in as soon as you are able to. Your car and your wallet will thank you later.