Interpreting Check Engine Light Warning
Why It Happens, What It Means, And How To Get Advice About It From An Expert Mechanic For Free
The check engine light which is also known as a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is used as an early detection system in a vehicle to signal the driver that there is something wrong with the engine management system. Now, the problem is that sometimes a check engine light can mean a serious problem for your car, and sometimes its something as simple as a cap coming loose. Why is that a problem? Because studies show that 6 out of 10 mechanics will tack on additional, unnecessary charges, and the check engine light is one of their favorites to attack because it is so vague as to what it could be.
So, if you want more information about the check engine light, keep reading because we have a comprehensive review, but we are going to give you something else too – a free way to avoid (1) taking your car in to get it fixed or (2) getting overcharged if you DO have to take your car in to get it fixed.
How To Talk To An Expert Mechanic About Your Check Engine Light For Free
1. You see the handsome dude in the photo right here? (Its also the guy at the top talking about the check engine light stuff) That’s James, one of our ASE certified master mechanics (he hates being in the spotlight which is why we decided to tease him by putting him front and center on this page). He’s an expert with check engine lights AND he is great at explaining in plain English what is happening with your car. You can have James be your personal mechanic to give you advice FOR FREE, talk to the other mechanics at the repair shop so that they don’t overcharge you FOR FREE, and audit your repair so that you know you got the correct repair at a fair price FOR FREE (are we seeing a theme?)
2. Not all mechanics are like James. In fact, only 1/3 of mechanics are actually ASE certified (can you imagine if it was like that for doctors? We’d demand that they get their act together!) But lucky for you, we know who those top mechanics are. We have 45,000 auto shops in our network throughout the US that we know are good, honest mechanics. We can find a repair shop near you that is actually certified to do this type of work. Now you don’t have to go to one of our shops (James will still call in and make sure there isn’t any funny business going on regardless), but its nice to know that the guy working on your car isn’t just a guy off the streets who fixed a few cars as a teenager.
Here’s how it works in awesome animated video speak
So let us help you. Get free access to James and our 9 other ASE Master mechanics who will make sure that the guys down at the shop charge you the right price, for the right repair, and that they finish it when they say they will. That’s all yours for free so try it out by using the form below.
Now, you’re probably still going to want to arm yourself with as much information as possible about the check engine light so read the next few paragraphs carefully. This indicator signal is normally positioned in the instrument panel of the vehicle in order to make it visually available to the driver in case it turns on. Usually when it turns on it takes on a red or amber color to attract attention.
It is equally important to understand that the installation of the check engine light is not the same for all vehicles. For those that are based on the OBD-II it makes use of a two-stage indicator: steady (for minor faults) and flashing (to signal severe problems). The fault code that is associated with a particular problem is stored in the engine control unit so that it can be used to diagnose the cause of the problem to come to an accurate solution.
Introduction of the Check Engine Light
The check engine light or MIL made its initial appearance in vehicles during the early part of the 1980s together with the introduction of computerized engine controls. This was a time when extensive computerization was being undertaken in virtually all sectors of society including business and automotive manufacturing. The introduction of the check engine light was part of the self-diagnosis function of the computer controlled engine system.
Initial versions of the MIL were fairly simple and straightforward. When a fault was detected by the engine computer, the MIL indicator on the instrument panel turned on. This was until the introduction of the OBD-II system which added signaling codes to the check engine light using flashing codes similar to the Morse code system. This was achieved by jumping two pins on the ALDL allowing the system to use different flashes for every code.
Common Check Engine Indicators
As part of the electronic control system of the vehicle, the indicator turns on every time it thinks it finds something wrong with the operation of the vehicle. Common MIL indicators included service engine soon, check engine, or check powertrain.
Sometimes the check engine light indicator showed just a picture of an engine which represents the International Check Engine Symbol. In some vehicles only the work check is displayed on the instrument panel.
It is important to understand that the check engine light indicator is just an outward manifestation of a trouble code that represents the specific problem of the vehicle. An electronic scan tool or perhaps a diagnostic computer is used to retrieve the code that has been stored. Therefore, to correctly identify the meaning of the check engine light indicators, the services of a qualified mechanic or electrician would be required.
The OBD Check Engine Light system
The original intention for the OBD system was to assist technicians to specifically pinpoint automotive malfunctions to simplify troubleshooting. The system was reserved primarily for the problems associated with the powertrain which can cause a significant impact on the emission system. The OBD system troubleshoots problems based on the specific model, make, and year of the vehicle making their capabilities widely varied.
By 1996 the OBD-II was introduced based on regulations imposed on car manufacturers. This standardized the check engine light system using a more sophisticated method that functions as a built-in emission testing station. It monitors as well as adjusts various functions and components like the fuel system and exhaust system among others.
When a problem is identified it allows self-correction before alerting the driver of a problem. More modern OBD systems have become so efficient that they are checked for trouble codes instead of using traditional tailpipe emission testing procedures.
What Should Be Done When the Check Engine Light Turns On
Despite the seeming usefulness of the MIL system it is a pity that many drivers are unaware of exactly what the light is attempting to say, therefore they do not know how to react. Some car manufacturers have even referred to the check engine light as the most misunderstood indicator on the instrument panel of the vehicle primarily because it can reflect a variety of problems from a loose gas cap to a comparatively serious misfiring engine condition.
According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, when the check engine light indicator turns on, the driver does not necessarily have to pull over immediately to the side of the road. It also does not mean that a tow truck needs to be called and discontinue the use of the vehicle. What the check engine light indicator means is that the vehicle should be checked out as soon as possible by a qualified automotive technician or mechanic.
How NOT to React to a Check Engine Light Indicator
Without a question only a qualified automotive technician or mechanic will know what is exactly wrong with the vehicle as well as how to resolve it. In this context, it is very important that drivers understand not what to do in case the check engine light turns on.
- Never ignore the indicator warning because it may result in completely damaging expensive vehicle components.
- Do not attempt do a self-diagnosis like adding an extra quart of engine oil for example. Undoubtedly conditions like low oil pressure can trigger the check engine light but it do not necessarily mean it is the cause.
- If you are not a qualified automotive technician or mechanic never attempt to troubleshoot check engine light associated problems despite having a tool that can read the stored codes.
Without a doubt a vehicle represents one of the most expensive investments that any person can have. Therefore, it is important to value it by giving it adequate attention and care. A check engine light problem is not something that should be left to chance because it may represent a deeper and bigger automotive problem that can permanently ruin your vehicle. So let us help, you can get our private access number for free by using the form below.
