Your Check Engine Light

The “Check Engine” light can indicate a major problem, like a bad catalytic converter, or it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap. Most times it means you will be visiting the car dealer to locate the malfunction and get the light turned off.

The Check Engine light is a signal from the car's engine computer that something is wrong. Starting with the model-year 1996, automakers standardized their systems under a protocol called OBD-II, and required that all cars provide a universal connector to access information. It's usually located under the steering column and is easy to access.

You can buy an inexpensive code reader and search for the code's meaning on online such as Engine Light Help. The Check Engine light can be turned off by some code readers, but it does not really repair the problem. In many cases the light will come back on again.

Experts have found that many drivers confuse the "service required" light on the gauge cluster for the Check Engine light. These lights are unrelated. The service required light just means the car is due for an oil change or other routine maintenance.

One must promptly address problems indicated by the light. Ignoring them could lead to larger, more costly issues later.

The first thing to check if your vehicle Check Engine light comes on is if the gas cap is loose. A loose cap sends an error message to the car's computer, reporting a leak in the vapor recovery system. If the gas cap is loose, tighten it and continue driving to see if the light then remains off.

Sometimes, the Check Engine light comes on when nothing is wrong with the car. It could be a temporary issue caused by a change in humidity or other factors. If this is the reason, the light should go off by itself after a short time.

CarMD published a list of the five most common Check Engine light codes. In order of frequency, they are:

•O2 sensor (part of the emissions system, monitors and regulates the air-fuel mixture)

 •Loose gas cap

 •Catalytic converter

 •Mass air flow sensor (monitors the amount of air mixed in the fuel injection system)

•Spark plug wires