CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES
DIAGNOSE, TEST OR RESET YOUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODES
The Check Engine Light (CEL) and the Check Engine Light Codes are really a simple warning indicator that’s telling you something about the systems on your car.
When your vehicle’s check engine light comes on, it’s telling you that the on-board computer has determined that a component or system is not working properly. Typically, the fault is in your emission control system.
When that happens, one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) get stored in the engine control module (your car’s computer). These DTCs remain stored, even if the light goes out.
To address a Check Engine Light problem, the DTCs are retrieved with a ‘Check Engine Light Scan’. That tells the technicians what to look for and let’s us troubleshoot to find the problem.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSIS – TEST
Understand that the Check Engine Light Test or Diagnosis or Scan does not really tell us exactly what’s wrong with your car. In some cases (and depending on the specific check engine light trouble code that is shown), it merely ‘points’ us in the right direction. But there could still be diagnostic time involved to test and finally determine the actual fault.
WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING WHEN YOUR
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON?
Understand that every vehicle manufactured must pass an environmental test. This testing sets the acceptable limits of wear and/or failure for the emission control system – in other words, that testing determines what conditions will ultimately cause a Check Engine Light to illuminate.
These standards are closely regulated. If the emission control system is faulty and the vehicle is polluting the air, the Check Engine Warning Light comes on to alert the driver of this condition.
As stated earlier, a vehicle in this condition would fail an emissions inspection or smog check.
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Check Engine Light Blinking – Is Your Check Engine Light Flashing On and Off?
CODES FOR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING – CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING ON AND OFF:
One common check engine light code causes Check Engine Light Flashing – The Light comes on in the city but goes off on the highway. That’s an indication that the fault is present during city driving conditions only.
You should pay attention to whether or not the vehicle runs or drives any differently when the Check Engine Light illuminates. If vehicle performance does change, drive the car as little as possible and take it to be checked by a service professional as soon as possible.
If there is no change in vehicle performance, you can drive home, but get your check engine light codes diagnosed and tested as soon as possible.
When the check engine light is blinking or flashing on and off like this, you do run a risk of the vehicle dying or not starting.
Why not book your service right now for your check engine light diagnosis? We can give you the check engine light codes and even reset your check engine light. Book your check engine light diagnosis right now – it’s fast, easy and convenient!
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON – BUT THERE’S NO NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS
If the Check Engine Light stays on when you’re driving but there’s no noticeable driving or performance problems, it usually means that there’s a permanent fault in the emission control system.
When your check engine light stays on, the computer that controls the emission system usually has a backup program that runs while the fault is present.
These backup programs are often referred to as “limp home” mode programs.
When your check engine light stays on, you should get the vehicle serviced as soon as possible, but in most cases, the vehicle will continue to operate, though you run a risk of it dying or not starting.
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CAR SHAKING
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS
PROBLEMS DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON CAR SHAKING
Check Engine Light On Car Shaking usually means that a critical component of your emission control and engine management system has a serious problem. It usually involves a component or system needed for the vehicle to run at all.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF THE ‘CHECK ENGINE’ LIGHT COMES ON?
In some cases, when the ‘Check Engine’ light comes on, customers have told me it’s the most ‘unnerving’ experience they’ve ever had!
I understand, seeing that Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light can be frustrating. But understand that the light is meant to be a ‘warning’ of a potential problem.
It doesn’t always mean that there is a problem. The Most Common Check Engine Light Problem I listed above are the more common ones – but not the only ones.
Nonetheless, you should take the appropriate steps and get your Check Engine Light Diagnosis and deal with it because it’s not going to get better on it’s own.
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