The Check Engine or Service Engine Soon light is one of the more misunderstood of the dashboard lights. Your vehicle, with all its computer controls, is continually performing various self-tests to make sure the engine is running optimally while also giving off the least amount of pollutants in the exhaust. As you drive, the computer system will adjust the engine response to factors like speed, engine temperature, the mixture of fuel and air, to name a few. When the Check Engine light or Service Engine Soon light comes on, there’s something happening within the engine that is causing a problem with performance and emissions.
What causes the Service Engine Soon or Check Engine Light to come on?
In the simplest of explanations, this dashboard light comes on to alert you to a problem with the emissions. That means your vehicle isn’t running its best and it’s also polluting the environment. The important thing to know about the Service Engine Soon or Check Engine light is that it usually comes on at the first sign of a problem. That’s good because it means you can have it fixed before something more serious occurs.
When the Check Engine light comes on, you may wonder how quickly you need to have the situation addressed. While it’s not a major emergency, you should have the problem checked out right away. If you wait, the engine will begin to run rougher and you will risk further damage to your vehicle’s emissions system. You may even end up having to replace the catalytic converter – an expensive job that could have been avoided if you dealt with the problem when the light first came on.
Contact us to schedule an appointment to have us diagnosis and fix a check engine light problem.
Bring your vehicle to Colonial Service Station in Staten Island, NY, if the Check Engine light won’t turn off
Quite frequently, the Check Engine light comes on because of a loose or broken gas cap. The simplest way to find out if the gas cap is causing the problem is to make sure it is properly tightened or to replace the cap with one that is meant for your vehicle. Once you tighten or replace the gas cap, you will need to drive at least 50 miles so the onboard computer can go through all its self-tests. If the gas cap was causing the problem, the light will turn off. If it stays on, you know you need to schedule an appointment to have the problem diagnosed and fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions on Check Engine Light Issues
Can a loose gas cap cause the Check Engine light to come on?
Yes. A loose, damaged, or incorrect gas cap can cause the Check Engine light to illuminate. Make sure the cap is properly tightened. If it is damaged, it may need to be replaced with the correct cap for your vehicle.
How long does it take for the Check Engine light to turn off after tightening the gas cap?
The light may not turn off immediately. Your vehicle needs to complete its onboard computer self-tests. Colonial Service Station recommends driving at least 50 miles after tightening or replacing the gas cap to see if the light turns off.
Should I keep driving if my Check Engine light is on?
A Check Engine light should not be ignored. Even if your vehicle seems to be running normally, having the problem diagnosed promptly can help prevent additional damage and more expensive repairs.
Can ignoring the Check Engine light damage my catalytic converter?
Yes. Continuing to drive with an unresolved engine or emissions problem can potentially damage other components, including the catalytic converter. Addressing the cause of the warning light early may help prevent a more expensive repair.
Can Colonial Service Station diagnose my Check Engine light?
Yes. Colonial Service Station can diagnose Check Engine and Service Engine Soon light problems in Staten Island and determine what is causing the warning light before recommending the appropriate repair.