Every time the check engine light comes on there tends to be a pretty universal feeling of panic. So we worry about this light coming on, but what does it mean? Well, the check engine light is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) system. Computers have control and monitor vehicle performance, regulating such variables as engine speed (RPM), fuel mixture, and ignition timing, and may even tell the automatic transmission when to shift.
Your check engine light has two speeds- constant and blinking. The light will either flash or stay constant depending on the severity of the problem. If the light is steady the problem is not an emergency, but you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. A blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire. If this happens, stop your vehicle and get it checked as soon as possible. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by one of our qualified service technicians at Harchelroad Motors as soon as possible.
So now that there is a way to identify the severity of the problem, so what do you do when the light does come on? The first and most logical step is to stop driving as soon as humanly possible. Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. See if there are any indications on your dashboard that there is low oil pressure or overheating. If you see these things, please don’t try to drive your car and call to have it towed.
If none of those indicators are present, try tightening your gas cap. This will typically solve the problem. Keep in mind that it may take several trips before the light resets. Some vehicles have a separate indicator that warns of a loose gas cap before the condition sets off the check engine light. If tightening the gas cap fails, try to reduce your speed and load. If the check engine light is blinking or you notice any serious performance problems, like loss of power, reduce your speed and try to reduce the load on the engine. If for example, you are towing something, it may be best to unload. Have the car checked as soon as possible to prevent expensive damage.
Take the vehicle to a professional. When your check engine light comes on it will generate a code that, when scanned, let you know where the source of the issue is. While there are ways to scan the code yourself, the solutions to the problems indicated are not always easy fixes. To get the best care and certified parts and service you should have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified service technician directly who can tell what’s wrong and fix it.
So now we have a bit of a better understanding of what your check engine light means. So if you want to avoid a situation like this, you can stay ahead of vehicle problems by having these things checked regularly:
• The conditions of the battery and charging system are critical to the proper operation of the electronic control system. Both should be routinely checked by measuring cranking and engine running battery voltage
• Make sure the battery rating meets at least the minimum cranking amperage (CA or CCA) requirement for your vehicle
• The fan/alternator or serpentine belt on your vehicle is an integral part of the charging system. Belts should be inspected for signs of wear and proper adjustment
• Loose or corroded cable ends may prevent your battery from maintaining a full state of charge
Connect with us
