Steps to Take When Your Check Engine Light Turns On

The Check Engine Light is On, Now What?

When the dreaded check engine light turns on, many auto owners are left with a feeling of dread or panic. However, the cause of that fearful dashboard light turning on might be something that’s relatively easy and simple to fix. Continue reading below to find out what you should do if this light turns on in your vehicle.

Although it may seem like the end of the world, your check engine light illuminating could indicate something that’s not as bad as you may think. If your dashboard light has come on, come see us at Austin's Pro Max in Spanaway, Washington, today to find out how we can assist you.

What You Shold Do if Your Check Engine Light is On

The glow of the check engine light can make even the most seasoned driver uneasy. This is understandable given the variety of reasons why the light may illuminate. This dashboard light is part of the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system, which is a computer that monitors performance such as engine speed, air/fuel ratio, and ignition timing. The service engine’s lights will illuminate when an issue within the system is detected, such as engine issues, faulty spark plugs, or incorrect fuel mixtures.

What happens if you keep driving while your engine light is on? It's possible that you won't notice your vehicle's performance deteriorating right away. However, your fuel mileage may not be as good as it could be. You could be emitting a lot of pollutants into the atmosphere. If your car’s dashboard light comes on, be sure to follow these steps:

Make Certain There Isn't a Serious Issue

Fortunately, your car's onboard diagnostic system will notify you if your engine has a serious or emergency problem. If this is the case, you should immediately stop driving your car and have it inspected by a professional technician. If the vehicle's dashboard light is simply illuminated and not flashing, you may be able to investigate the problem further before contacting a technician.

Have a Professional Read the Diagnostic Code

If a diagnostic code causes the light to illuminate, so be sure to take your car to a local auto shop and ask for assistance reading your car's diagnostic trouble code to find out what it means. A skilled mechanic will use a specialized tool to determine which code is causing the light to illuminate and provide you with insight into the repair process.

Start with the Most Affordable Repair

The dashboard light illuminating is frequently the result of a simple and inexpensive repair, such as a loose gas cap or faulty spark plug. So, before you spend a lot of money on repairs for your vehicle, try a few simple tricks or fixes first.

Check Engine Light Diagnostic Services in Spanaway, Washington

If your check engine light has come on, a complete auto inspection will ensure that nothing serious is wrong with your vehicle. At Austin's Pro Max, we offer a variety of engine diagnostic services in Spanaway, Washington, to ensure all of our customer’s cars are running the way they should be. Call us today to schedule an appointment or stop by and speak with one of our associates about the problems you're having with your vehicle.