What to Do If Your “Check Engine” Light Comes On
Seeing the glow of your check engine light is undoubtedly an unsettling feeling, as there are so many reasons to cause this. It is prudent to understand the possible causes as well as have an understanding of what to do in this situation. Portsmouth Used Car Center wants you to be an informed and confident driver, so check out the best course of action to handle that pesky check engine light.
What Is The Check Engine Light
The “check engine” light is part of the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system – the computer within the vehicle that monitors performance such as engine speed (RPMs), air to fuel ratio, and ignition timing. When an issue within the system is internally detected, such as engine misfires, deteriorating spark plugs, evaporative issues, or fuel mixtures running rich (less oxygen) or lean (more oxygen), the “check engine” light or “service engine soon” light will illuminate.
Here’s What You Should Do If Your “Check Engine” Light Comes On:
1. Observe your vehicle for any unusual activity. If you have noticed a reduction in performance, reduce your speed, and avoid towing or carrying heavy loads.
2. Check the gauges on your dashboard. If there are indicators regarding your oil pressure or temperature, pull your vehicle off the road as soon as it is safely possible, and turn off the engine.
3. Check your gas cap, as a loose gas cap is one of the most common causes of your check engine light illuminating.
4. Avoid emissions testing until you are able to determine the reason why your “check engine” light is on, as some states will automatically fail your vehicle for the illuminated light.
5. If the “check engine” or “service engine soon” symbol lights up, take notice of whether the light is constant or flashing. A solid glow indicates your vehicle should be inspected soon, as there are many different causes. However, a blinking “check engine” light is cause for concern and indicates that your vehicle needs immediate attention. It is highly recommended that you bring your vehicle in for further inspection by a trained professional. Your Portsmouth used Ford destination urges you not to delay seeking attention for your vehicle. This could cause further damage to your engine such as damage to the catalytic converter or burning a valve within the engine, resulting in an overall loss of power.
If your “check engine” light or “service engine soon” light comes on, don’t wait! Visit us at Portsmouth Used Car Center, and let our highly trained, professional technicians perform the proper diagnostics to determine the cause of your engine issues and get you back on the road.