"The Check Engine Light is on again", that's what I told Rick the other day. Fortunately, mine was an easy fix, I had gotten gas the night before and did not put the gas cap on securely enough. You should be able to hear clicking, when you put it on to the right.
- If the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constant, depending on the problem. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by a Qualified Service Technician as soon as possible.
- If the light is steady. The problem is not an emergency, but you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Some checks you can do if the light comes on:
- Check your dashboard gauges and lights—is the oil pressure low, is it overheating. These conditions mean you should pull over and shut off the engine when you get to a safe spot.
- You may still be able to drive to Ricks Auto Service here in Mishawaka, but if it’s running really hot, or the oil pressure is really low(have you ignored this for a while?) then you may not want to drive call us and we can get you a tow.
- Are you noticing serious performance problem, such as loss of power, reduce speed and try to reduce load on your engine.
- Have your code read and get the problem fixed. Your vehicle should be diagnosed by a Qualified Service Technician. Since the code needs to be read, what the code tells us is which system or circuit to test in order to isolate the actual problem
Things to watch for
- The conditions of the battery and charging system are critical to the proper operation of the electronic control system.
- Make sure the battery rating meets at least the minimum cranking amperage required for your vehicle.
- The fan/alternator or serpentine belt on your car is a crucial part of the charging system.
- Loose or corroded cable ends can prevent your battery from reaching a full state of charge.