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What can cause the check engine light to come on?

What can cause the check engine light to come on?

Spark Plugs Finally, worn spark plugs or plug wires will result in a check engine warning. Just about anything wrong with your vehicle’s ignition system will likely cause your check engine light to come on. Stalls are another indicator of spark plug trouble.

Is it OK to drive car with engine light on?

Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It’s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, don’t panic! Just be sure to have your car inspected as soon as possible after the light turns on.

How do I fix my car engine light?

What to Do About the Check Engine Light

  1. Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating.
  2. Try tightening your gas cap.
  3. Reduce speed and load.
  4. Use built-in diagnostic services, if available.

Is check engine light serious?

The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong. If the light begins flashing, however, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.

Will engine light come on if coolant is low?

Low coolant in the radiator of your car can trigger the malfunction illumination light (MIL), also known as the “check engine” light. Low coolant can affect the internal temperature of the engine, which is protected by the antifreeze.

Why does the Check Engine light come on while driving?

A loose fuel cap is one of the most common reasons why the check engine light turns on. The cap is a crucial part of a car’s fuel delivery system. It notably prevents gasoline fumes from leaving the fuel tank, and it helps keep the whole system under the correct pressure.

Why do check-engine lights come on and go off?

Occasionally, the check engine light comes on when nothing is wrong with the car, said Steve Mazor, chief automotive engineer for the Auto Club of Southern California. It could be a temporary problem caused by a change in humidity or other factors. In such cases, the light should go off by itself after a short time.

What does it mean if the Check Engine Light is flashing?

A flashing check engine light means that the problem occurs at the moment and it’s most likely a more serious problem like a misfire. It’s not recommended to drive with the check engine light flashing or ON. The problem is most likely a misfire, combustion or a faulty engine sensor problem.

What does the malfunction engine light mean?

A malfunction indicator lamp ( MIL ), or check engine light, is a tell-tale that a computerized engine-management system uses to indicate a malfunction. Found on the instrument panel of most automobiles, it usually bears the legend check engine, service engine soon, maintenance required,…