The check engine light can come on for many different reasons, and the necessary auto repair may be small or large. The light comes on when your car's on-board diagnostic computer detects a problem. Many mechanics offer free diagnostic scans to find out what the problem is.
There are many types of auto repairs that may be necessary when your check engine light come on. The light may illuminate for a number of different reasons, some of which are very simple and easy fixes. When you see the light come on, there is no reason to panic about your vehicle's performance or the expensive repairs it may need. While the light can signify a major, costly issue, this is not always the case. The problem is often as simple as a loose gas cap or some other inexpensive fix. You will not know what type of issue exists or how much it will cost you until you get a diagnostic test.
Since there are so many possible reasons for the check engine light, it is important to get a diagnosis as soon as you can. Even a small problem can turn into something much bigger if it is not fixed right away. To find out why your check engine light is on, you will need a scan tool to connect to your vehicle's on-board diagnostic computer. This ODB computer detects many different types of problems in your vehicle and stores a unique trouble code for each problem. Your check engine light comes on when the computer has detected a problem. The scan tool is used to retrieve the stored code from the computer. You can then determine what issue corresponds with that code by looking in your vehicle's service manual.
You can purchase a scan tool yourself, but it may be more beneficial to take your car to an auto repair shop for the diagnostic test. Many shops offer this service for free, and some others charge a fee which will be waived if you let them complete the necessary repairs. If you purchased your car from a dealership, you can also take it there for the diagnostic test. However, the dealership may charge a fee for the test and the needed repair work may be more expensive there if your car is not under warranty. Some auto parts stores also offer free diagnoses, but they may not diagnose the problem correctly if the scan tool detects several different fault codes.
Taking your car to a trustworthy auto repair shop is the most reliable option. A knowledgeable mechanic can provide you with an extensive diagnosis and repair estimate. If a major problem that requires immediate attention is detected, the mechanics may be able to fix it right then and there. Some of the simpler possible issues include bad spark plugs, a loose gas cap, and water in the engine. When spark plugs go bad, small cracks can form in the wires and release small bursts of electricity. If the gas cap is loose, it may cause a change in the pressure inside the gas tank. Rain water or water from a pressure washer can drip onto a spark plug and cause a short. Any of these small issues can make the check engine light come on. However, the light will also come on when a much larger problem exists, such as emission control malfunctions and transmission issues.
With such serious potential issues, it is extremely important to find out why the check engine light is on as quickly as possible. By giving the problem some immediate attention, you may keep a small auto repair from becoming a much bigger and more expensive repair.
