How Serious is a Check Engine Light?
When you are driving your car and you notice that your check engine lights comes on, it can be alarming. All sorts of thoughts might pop into your head like “Is my engine okay?” “Is my car going to stop running?” It is natural to assume the worst, but its important to see how the car is driving. People always want to know how serious a check engine light is, but it depends on how your car is acting while you are driving it. If the car is driving normally and there are no strange noises coming from the car, then you can continue to drive the car. If there is a lot of smoke coming from the tailpipe of your car, that might be a time where you should stop driving your car.
A big question that people ask when their check engine light comes on is, “What should I do if my check engine light comes on?” and the answer is to get a check engine light diagnosis. what does check engine light diagnostic entail? What will happen is an auto mechanic will use a diagnostic tool to scan the codes that are in the car. Whatever code is popping up will need to be checked on the car. Once the auto mechanics know why the check engine light has come on, they can make the necessary repairs or replace any components that are damaged.
Check Engine Light Diagnostic Codes
Because codes are used to perform a check engine light diagnostic, many people want to know, “What are the codes for check engine light?” There are a ton of different codes that are stored in the car, but there are some pretty common ones. Here is a list of common car parts that can cause your check engine light to come on.
- Catalytic Converter: The code for this issue is P0420 and the types of issues that the catalytic can exhibit are overheating or your car might not be performing like it once did.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): The code for this issue is P0401 and with EGR issues, you can expect carbon buildup when the oil hasn’t been changed in a while.
- Gas Cap: The code for this issue is P0411 and when you have issues with the gas cap, you can lose fuel and you’ll have to go to the gas station a lot more frequently.
- Oxygen Sensor: The codes for this are PO171 through P0175 and oxygen sensor issues include damages to the spark plugs, burning more fuel than needed, and won’t get great gas mileage.
To find out if any of these components are causing problems with your car, it is important to get a check engine light diagnostic.
Will Check Engine Light Come On If Transmission Fluid is Low?
If there are issues with your transmission, then the check engine light will come on. There are many reasons why the check engine light would come on. Low transmission fluid can be a reason that your check engine light comes on, so its important to make sure that your transmission fluid isn’t low. Other reasons why your check engine light might be coming on because of your transmission is because the transmission is slipping, it’s too hot, or you can’t shift gears easily.
Will My Check Engine Light Come On If I Need an Oil Change?
Typically when you need to get your oil changed, the oil change indicator light will pop up on your dashboard. When your car is in need of an oil change, the check engine light will not come on. It will only come on if something is wrong with your oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or even your transmission. Watch out for your oil change indicator light to see when you need to get your oil changed.
Check Engine Light Diagnostic Procedure
How Much for a Check Engine Light Diagnostic
Whenever your check engine light comes on your dashboard, its important to take your car in as soon as you can. When you tell your auto mechanic that your check engine light is on, they will perform a check engine light diagnostic test. What will happen during a check engine light diagnostic is that the mechanic will use a tool to interpret the codes that are stored in your car. There can be a lot of codes in your computer, so the codes that point to different areas of your car will be thoroughly checked to see if there are any issues. The cost of a check engine light diagnostic test can be between $80 to $100, which doesn’t include the cost of repairs to fix the issue. If you think you need a check engine light diagnostic in Venice, FL, please call Rolling Auto Service. We can perform the diagnostic test and determine if you need auto repair or replacement. We can perform anywhere from exhaust leak repair to transmission repair. Give us a call today at 941-493-6511 to get your car checked out!