Uh oh. The Check Engine light just came on. What does that mean? Do I stop driving? Do I go directly to the shop? Or can I ignore it?First let's be sure we are looking at the Check Engine light. It is yellow/orange. It looks like an engine or says: "CHECK ENGINE" or "SERVICE ENGINE SOON." Now that we are sure we have the correct light we can go further. When you turn the key in the ignition to start your car, the Check Engine light will come on for 3 seconds, then go out. This is a test of the light bulb, to be sure it is working.
If you are driving and the Check Engine light comes on this can mean many different things because your car's computer is constantly testing all its systems from the ABS brakes to the seatbelts and air bags to the engine and transmission. Also, all the pollution systems are monitored. There are hundreds, sometimes thousands of system pieces being monitored.
Click here to learn about On Board Diagnostic codes so you have an idea of what the Check Engine light is telling you.
In fact these tests are called monitors and when the tests are run for each system the monitor is called READY. These are your readiness monitors. This is what they look for at inspection to be sure all the monitors are READY (passed).
Now the question is, do I need to stop when the light comes on?
No, most the time if the only light to come on is the Check Engine light you do not need to stop. If you have other lights on like the Oil light or an Alternator light you should get it looked at immediately.
The Check Engine light is a warning that the car is not running properly. It is to forewarn you before the car stops.
Do I need to get to a shop to check it out? Yes, many times the engine is starting to loose a critical signal from a sensor that tells the injectors or the spark plugs when to fire. If that signal deteriorates the car will die or not restart. This is also true on temperature sensors that regulate fuel. There are also sensors that measure the air intake of the engine that can short out and leave you stranded.
Finally, if the check engine light starts to flash, this is a serious condition that may destroy your catalytic converter. Believe me, this is a part that you do not want to pay to replace. They are very costly, starting at about $1000.00 and going up from there depending on your car. So if you see the check engine light flashing, get your car serviced as soon as you can.
