Why is my check engine light on?

The check engine light usually indicates a need to replace one or more parts of your engine or exhaust system: the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, mass airflow sensor or spark plugs and wires. It can also indicate a loose or faulty gas cap, a vacuum leak, an exhaust gas recirculation valve failure, a dead battery, or a problem with an aftermarket car alarm. A solid Check Engine light should be diagnosed at your earliest convenience. A flashing Check Engine light should send you right to your nearest service station -- the problem may be urgent. Is it OK if my Check Engine light comes on briefly at startup? All dash indicator lights turn on and then off when the car starts as a quick system check. This on-off behavior also shows your service technician which bulbs may be burned out.

What do I do if the check engine light is on?

How to respond to a Check Engine Light depends on your vehicle and how the light behaves:

Check Engine Light

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You’re not always happy to see it, but the Check Engine light is an important cue about a problem in your engine, exhaust system, or battery. You may need help to decipher the cue because it’s part of the OBD System. In modern vehicles, the OBD system monitors your emissions system and triggers the Check Engine light for a variety of issues, from the fuel cap to the catalytic converter.

So don’t ignore the Check Engine light. Midas Technicians speak OBD II, and we’ll translate your Check Engine light’s message. We’ll tell you what’s happening with your engine or emissions system, and provide a written estimate before making any needed repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Engine Repair

That knocking sound in your engine is about as welcome as a brightly lit Check Engine alert. But they’re both warning you about possible engine or exhaust problems. A failed emission test could be in your future, or even a sudden stall on the road, so it’s best to tackle your engine trouble before it gets worse.

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Engine Tune-Up

The tasks involved in a tune-up depend on the age of the vehicle. A traditional tune-up consists of several time-consuming inspections and mechanical adjustments to engine parts such as the carburetor. This style of tune-up applies to vehicles made decades ago. Today, most engine parts are controlled and monitored electronically, leaving little to manually adjust besides the spark plugs. And as technology has evolved, so has the meaning of “tune-up.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Engine Repair

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Engine Tune-Up

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