Your vehicle features a wide range of dashboard warning lights that are managed by the onboard computer. Whenever there is a fault in the connected systems in your vehicle, the computer turns on the related light. What does it mean when the check engine light won’t turn off? What should you do? 

At Auto Dynamic Services, we have created this guide to help you understand what a check engine light means and what you may need to do to turn it off.

Stop Your Vehicle & Turn it Off

The check engine light is a unique light on the dashboard. It covers issues that don’t apply to the other gauges and lights on the dashboard. This light is an indication that there is an issue with one or more of the following systems:

• Ignition system
• Combustion system
• Transmission system
• Exhaust system
• Electrical system

Since the issues associated with these systems can cause serious damage, it is recommended to stop your vehicle immediately and turn the ignition off. You should take your vehicle to the auto service shop.

Consider for instance that the check engine light has turned on because of a fault in the exhaust system. There is an issue with the catalytic converter. The job of this component is to turn carbon monoxide gas into carbon dioxide. If the converter starts malfunctioning, the cabin can potentially get filled with carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and odorless.

So, the moment you notice the check engine light, you should find a safe spot to park your vehicle before turning off the ignition. 

• Check the gas cap to ensure it is tight and sealed
• If you find the gas cap loose, tighten it before turning on the vehicle and checking the ‘check engine’ light
• If the check engine light turns off, you have fixed the issue
• If the light is still on, call for a tow truck to get your vehicle to a service shop for an automotive diagnostics check in Las Vegas

Such diagnostics checks assess the automotive computer programming and determine the underlying cause for the computer to turn on the ‘check engine’ light.

Different Reasons

Sometimes, the oxygen sensor in the exhaust system can cause the ‘check engine’ light to turn on. There are many other issues that can trigger this light to turn on. There may be an issue with the air/fuel mixture during combustion or the mass airflow sensor may not be working. The spark plugs may be misfiring or may have worn out. Sometimes, automotive electrical problems cause the light to turn on.

Some of these additional reasons are described here and you should ensure your vehicle is turned off and sent to the nearest auto service shop:

Engine Issues

If there is any engine problem, the ‘check engine’ light will be turned on. It is the control module that monitors the operation of your engine with the help of a series of sensors. Whenever a problem is detected, it will turn on the light.

Emissions System Issues

There are different types of emissions components on your vehicle. This includes:

• Catalytic converter
• Exhaust gas recirculation system
• Evaporative emissions system

And many more. These components are there to reduce emissions and environmental impact. If any of these numerous components fail, the check engine light will turn on.

Transmission Issues

The transmission system is designed to use the engine’s power to drive the wheels. Since the transmission system works closely with the engine, any issues with it can affect the emissions. When the control module identifies an issue with the transmission, it will turn on the ‘check engine’ light.

Sensors & Modules Issues

Modern vehicles use a large number and a wide range of modules and services. These modules communicate with each other using a data network. When problems occur with modules, sensors, data networks, and wiring, the ‘check engine’ light can get turned on.

Air-Fuel Mixture Issues

The engine requires air and fuel in the right proportion and volume to run effectively and efficiently. When there is a variation in these factors, the control module detects it and turns the ‘check engine’ light on.

Ignition System Issues

Your vehicle’s ignition system includes different components that produce the air-fuel mixture and ignites it inside the engine. This also includes coil packs and spark plugs. The control module is constantly monitoring the ignition system when it is operating. The ‘check engine’ light comes on whenever the module detects an issue with this system.

Many times, the check engine light comes on because of an automotive programming issue. If that is the case, you can bring your vehicle to Auto Dynamic Services. To learn more about your dashboard lights and to avail of our services, feel free to contact us at 702.439.6083 or write to us.