Why Is Your Check Engine Light On?
What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On in Boston
You're driving through Boston when you notice a yellow light out of the corner of your eye. A quick glance at the dash confirms your fear. It's the dreaded Check Engine Light. If you're like most car owners, you're not sure if you should panic or not, and you have little idea what that light is trying to tell you or how you should react.
What Does Your Check Engine Light Mean?
The often misunderstood Check Engine Light or “Service Engine Soon” message can mean many different things. It could be a misfiring engine, a faulty oxygen sensor, or simply a loose gas cap. When you see this light, it doesn't necessarily mean you need to pull the car over to the side of the road and call a tow truck. However, it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning could lead to poor gas mileage, high levels of pollutants, and potentially cause further, more expensive damage.
In any case, if the Check Engine Light is on in your car, it's time to schedule a service appointment. At Parkway Honda Boston, we have factory-trained technicians who can easily check and diagnose what's behind your Check Engine Light message.
What Should You Do When your Check Engine Light Comes On?
While extreme problems like low oil pressure or an overheating engine will trigger your Check Engine Light, your dashboard has other dedicated lights and gauges for those critical issues.
Follow these steps when the light first appears:
- Check for Serious Problems: Look at your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. If you see these, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can find a safe place. On some cars, a yellow "Check Engine" means investigate the problem, while a red "Check Engine" means stop right now.
- Tighten Your Gas Cap: This often solves the problem as a loose cap can affect the fuel vapor system. It may take several driving trips before the light resets after tightening.
- Reduce Load and Speed (Especially if Flashing): If the Check Engine Light is blinking, or if you notice any severe performance issues (such as a significant loss of power), reduce your speed immediately and try to reduce the load on the engine (for example, stop towing if applicable). A blinking light usually indicates a serious engine misfire that could damage your catalytic converter. Have the car checked as soon as possible to prevent costly damage.
Even if you don't notice an extreme problem, you should still have the Check Engine code read and the issue fixed promptly.
Get a Diagnosis in Boston
If your Check Engine Light is on and you're in need of a diagnosis, contact our service department for a fast and cost-efficient solution. Our team uses the latest diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the exact issue, getting you back on the road in and around Boston quickly and safely.