Check Engine Light FAQs
If you live in North County San Diego and your Check Engine Light comes on, Call On The Go Garage to run a full diagnostic test of your vehicle.
Why did my Check Engine Light Come On?
Your check engine light can illuminate for numerous reasons, primarily indicating issues with your engine or emissions system. When your vehicle’s computer, the Engine Control Module (ECM) or the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), detects an issue that can affect your vehicle’s performance, the orange check engine light will turn on. The light serves as a warning to get your vehicle checked promptly to avoid further damage. Common causes can include any of the following:
- Loose Gas Cap
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter
- Emission Leaks
- Mechanical Issues
- Fuel System Issues
- Issues with the Mass Air Flow Sensor.
- Electrical Malfunctions
- And more…
Can I Drive with the Check Engine Light On?
It depends on the severity of the issue. If the check engine light is steady, it’s generally safe to drive to a nearby mechanic, but you should avoid long trips. A flashing check engine light indicates a serious problem, such as a misfire, and you should stop driving immediately and seek professional help. It is important to address the issue(s) associated with the check engine light as soon as you possibly can. A lack of urgency in fixing the problem can lead to decreased vehicle performance, failing of emission compliance tests, safety issues, and potential further vehicle damage.
What do I do if my Check Engine Light Comes On?
There are some universal, precautionary steps you should take if/when your vehicle’s orange check engine light illuminates. The 1st step is stay calm. Often, the check engine light signals an issue that is not immediately urgent to address. Continue driving to your destination unless there are unusual noises or changes in the vehicle’s performance that are significant. If this is the case, pull over to a safe spot on the road immediately and call On The Go Garage immediately to have a mobile mechanic meet you at your location to diagnose and repair the issue. Once you arrive at your destination and confirm there is nothing unusual happening to your vehicle, check the gas cap. A loose gas cap is the most common cause for the check engine light to turn on. You should avoid long road trips or panic stops and accelerations during this time. Finally, call a mobile mechanic like On The Go Garage to meet you at your location, perform a full diagnostic assessment of your vehicle, and determine the repairs needed to get your vehicle back up and running to its former self.
What does a Flashing Check Engine Light mean?
A flashing check engine light typically indicates a severe problem, which can cause extreme damage to your vehicle if not immediately dealt with. You should stop driving, contact On The Go Garage, and have one of our professional mobile mechanics come to your vehicle’s location for diagnostics and repairs.
How do you Diagnose a Check Engine Light Issue?
Our certified mechanics at On The Go Garage will come to your location and use an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes stored in your vehicle’s computer. These codes provide us with information about the specific issue causing the check engine light to come on. Once our mechanics have the codes, they can use their expertise and conduct additional research to determine the necessary repairs.
What are the most Common Check Engine Light Codes?
- P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- The engine is experiencing multiple and random misfires usually caused by faulty spark plugs/wires, defective ignition coils, or other fuel system issues.
- The engine is experiencing multiple and random misfires usually caused by faulty spark plugs/wires, defective ignition coils, or other fuel system issues.
- P0171: System Too Lean (Bank 1)
- The air-to-fuel mixture in the engine is off because of a leak in the vacuum or a weak fuel pump.
- The air-to-fuel mixture in the engine is off because of a leak in the vacuum or a weak fuel pump.
- P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- The catalytic converter is malfunctioning and needs to be assessed and repaired.
- The catalytic converter is malfunctioning and needs to be assessed and repaired.
- P0440: Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction
- The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system in the vehicle has a problem due to a loose or broken gas cap or a damaged EVAP hose.
- The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system in the vehicle has a problem due to a loose or broken gas cap or a damaged EVAP hose.
- P0455: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Large Leak)
- A significant leak has been detected in the vehicle’s EVAP system caused by the same issues present in the P0440 error code.
- A significant leak has been detected in the vehicle’s EVAP system caused by the same issues present in the P0440 error code.
- P0101: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Circuit Range/Performance Problem
- The MAF sensor is dirty, faulty, or needs to be replaced.
- The MAF sensor is dirty, faulty, or needs to be replaced.
- P0113: Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor 1 Circuit High Input
- There is a higher then normal temperature detected by the sensor in the intake air usually because the IAT sensor is faulty or some air leak in the intake system.
- There is a higher then normal temperature detected by the sensor in the intake air usually because the IAT sensor is faulty or some air leak in the intake system.
- P0128: Coolant Thermostat Temperature Below Regulating Temperature
- The temperature of the engine coolant is at a suboptimal temperature due to a broken thermostat or sensor or a coolant level that is too low.
- The temperature of the engine coolant is at a suboptimal temperature due to a broken thermostat or sensor or a coolant level that is too low.
- P0141: O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 2)
- The heater circuit in the oxygen sensor after the catalytic convertor has a problem because the oxygen sensor is faulty or this is a blown fuse from a wiring issue.
- The heater circuit in the oxygen sensor after the catalytic convertor has a problem because the oxygen sensor is faulty or this is a blown fuse from a wiring issue.
- P0133: O2 Sensor Circuit Slow Response (Bank 1, Sensor 1)
- The oxygen sensor located in the exhaust system is responding too slowly due to the same reasons that caused the P0141 error code.
Is it Safe to Ignore the Check Engine Light?
No. You should NEVER just ignore a check engine light. Ignoring a check engine light can lead to more severe problems and extremely costly repairs. Even if the vehicle seems to be running fine, it’s essential to have a professional and certified mechanic diagnose and address the underlying issue(s) promptly.
How Much does it Cost to Fix a Check Engine Light Issue?
The cost varies widely depending on the issue. Our team at On The Go Garage will provide a fair and honest assessment after we complete our full diagnostic test. Simple fixes like purchasing a new gas cap cost anywhere from $10 – $100, while more severe problems like a failing catalytic converter can cost over $1,000. Diagnostic fees vary from mechanic to mechanic. On The Go Garage strives to provide the most affordable prices with dealership quality prices. Give us a call to get a 100% FREE quote online and over the phone.
Can I Reset the Check Engine Light Myself?
You can reset the check engine light using an OBD-II scanner, but if the underlying issue isn’t fixed, the light will likely come back on. It’s best to just fully diagnose and repair the problem so the check engine light doesn’t come back on.
How Long can I Drive with the Check Engine Light On?
If the light is steady and the vehicle shows no symptoms such as loud and abnormal sounds, unusual smells, or a lack in driving performance, you can usually drive your vehicle if extremely necessary. However, driving for extended periods with the light on isn’t recommended, as it could cause further damage. To promptly address the issue, it is advisable to contact a mobile mechanic who can diagnose and repair your vehicle at your location.
Understanding the common causes and appropriate responses to a check engine light can help you maintain your vehicle’s health and avoid costly repairs. If your check engine light comes on, don’t ignore it. Use this guide to help identify potential issues and seek professional diagnostics and repairs promptly. For reliable, honest, affordable, and high quality auto repair services delivered to your location in North County San Diego, contact On The Go Garage today for a 100% FREE online quote!