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How do you feel when you know that something is amiss but are not sure what exactly? I know it’s annoying. This is what happens when the seemingly innocuous check engine lights on your dashboard do to you that keep you restless throughout the time. But, once that check engine light in the car illuminates, you shouldn’t wait long to diagnose the problem.
If check engine lights illuminate, it doesn’t always mean there is a serious problem. Sometimes, it is some minor irregularity that your Engine Control Unit (ECU) has sensed. But you’ll never know unless you get your engine diagnosed for the problem.
What to do when the check engine light comes on?
I. Keep Your Calm While Checking Your Engine Light.
First things first, don’t panic! Your check engine lights don’t always mean that your car is going to explode. It could be something minor. But that does not mean that you should ignore it. Bear in mind that the check engine light in a car only warns you about some potential problem but never specifies what that problem is. So, it is best that you don’t ignore it and start searching for “free check engine light near me.”
II. Look for Obvious Signs.
Now that you are all in your zone, pop up that hood and look over your engine for obvious signs such as loose gas caps. Sometimes, such a minor irregularity can trigger your check engine lights. Also, keep an eye on your dashboards for other warning signs.
III. Look for Deeply Rooted Problems.
If you find no obvious signs of trouble, it’s time to start looking for underlying issues. If your car has computer systems, check for the Onboard Diagnostic System (OBD-II) for trouble codes. The OBD-II is a tool that connects to your car’s computer and informs you of the detected issue in the form of trouble codes. These codes are in the form of a letter followed by four numbers. To decipher the code, you can search online.
The check engine light scanner is another handy tool that can help you decipher the trouble codes, and it doesn’t even cost much. However, the trouble codes do not always pinpoint the issue. In fact, at times they indicate a broader problem area. That is why it is always a good idea to consult a professional.
IV. Assess the severity of the problem
Once you have uncovered the issue, assess its severity. As mentioned earlier, not all check engine lights indicate an emergency, so checking the severity will help you take timely corrective measures to avoid panic and harm to you and your vehicle. For instance, if you notice signs of overheating or electric malfunction, then you should safely pull over and call for assistance.
V. Look over the engine again.
Now that you know the exact problem, you should go back to running your eyeballs over your engine to see if there is something that can be detected by the naked eye that could have contributed to that problem. This step can save you time and money because in this way you will know if the problem is something that you can fix yourself.
But do seek professional help if required, because some issues are deeply rooted and have to be addressed to avoid further damage or recurring problems.
VI. Monitor the Engine Lights After the Problem Has Been Fixed.
Even after the problem has been resolved, do not manually erase the trouble code. Monitor your car’s performance for a few days. If the check engine lights turn off on their own, it is a good sign that the issue does not exist anymore.
Final Word
That little red/orange dashboard icon might be perceived as annoying or unsightly. But, the fact is, whether you are driving a Honda or a BMW, the check engine light in the car is the car’s way of telling you, “Hey! I need your attention.” Sometimes the problem is minor, but other times you need a professional. Check engine light on but car runs fine? Still, don’t ignore the diagnostics. You never know; your car might ruin your drive in the middle.
If you are in Delaware, swing by Autoworxde. We’ll get your check engine lights sorted so that you can get back on the road stress-free.