Your Check Engine Light: What it Means, and What’s Next

Few aspects of car ownership are as misunderstood as the check engine light. Since trustworthy information is a significant part of what we do, Woodhouse Buick GMC has assembled this short explainer.

How the Check Engine Light is Different Than Other Warnings

There are a few different categories of warning lights. Some tell you something’s engaged, or working as it should, like your airbags.

Others let you know when something is amiss, like your seat belt warning or engine temperature warning. Another class identifies system-specific faults, like your transmission light. Your check engine light, unfortunately, isn’t quite that specific.

Why is Your Check Engine Light Lit?

Each car has a computer called the electronic control unit, or ECU. It communicates with various sensors in your powertrain, and if a sensor detects something wrong, or simply fails to respond, the light goes on.

Reasons include, but aren’t limited to problems with loose wires, clogged injectors, emissions issues, an improper seal, or a failed sensor.

What to Do if Your Check Engine Light is Lit

So far, we have a light that could mean any number of things, and yours is lit. Now what?

One of the most frequent reasons the check engine indicator lights is that the gas cap isn’t secure. Find a safe place to pull over, tighten the gas cap, and then resume driving. If that doesn’t do the trick, visit us for service as soon as possible.

Can I Diagnose My Own Engine Problems?

You can, but that doesn’t mean you should. We’re aware that there are off-the-shelf diagnostic tools that work in tandem with your smartphone, but these aren’t as accurate or informative as the advanced diagnostic tools available at Woodhouse Buick GMC.

Stop by today for trustworthy service backed by genuine GM parts, as well as frequent automotive service specials. We’ll get you back on the road fast.