You’re driving along in your car or truck and suddenly a yellow light illuminates on your dashboard telling you to ‘check engine’. When the light blinks, it’s usually not a good thing.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system (OBD). When it finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can’t correct, a computer turns on a yellow warning indicator labelled “check engine’’. Computers have control and monitor vehicle performance, regulating such variables as engine speed (RPM), fuel mixture, and ignition timing.
The check engine light can mean many different things, from a loose gas cap to a seriously misfiring engine.
Common Causes:
- Loose Gas Cap
- Oxygen Sensor
- Spark Plug/Ignition Issue
- Catalytic Converter
Today’s automotive computers often try to compensate when there’s a problem: so you may not notice deterioration in performance, even though your fuel mileage is suffering and your vehicle may be emitting unacceptable levels of hydrocarbons and/or other pollutants.
If your ‘check engine’ light comes on, don’t panic. Here are a few tips that could help:
Reduce Speed:
If the ‘check engine’ light is blinking or you notice any serious performance problems, such as a loss of power, reduce your speed. Have the car checked immediately to prevent serious damage.
Try Tightening Your Gas Cap:
This often solves 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.
Check Dashboard:
Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. These conditions mean you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can find a safe place to do so.
Have The Code Read And The Problem Fixed:
Take the vehicle to a technician. Some automotive parts stores will read and interpret the code for you. However, unless there is an easy solution to the problem, you should have the vehicle diagnosed by a qualified service technician to properly find the root of the problem.
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THE CARS45 INSPECTION, GRADING, AND AUCTION SYSTEM
Cars45 has three major checkpoints before a car is bought:
- Inspection
- Grading and
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Below is a simple graphic explanation explaining how our system works:
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