Check Engine Lights Are Warning Signs


Car dashboard showing a warning light, speedometer at 0 km/h, fuel gauge slightly below half, and odometer reading 70,045 kilometers.

A car’s check engine light is a warning of something wrong in the car — and should be paid attention to — but isn’t a very specific warning. The light can be triggered by a wide range of conditions, from simple fixes like needing the gas cap screwed on to much more severe problems, so it’s important to take dashboard warnings seriously, particularly if your light is blinking. A solid check engine light is considered an alert, while a blinking check engine light is a warning of a serious problem or potential danger.

Advanced Diagnostics

We’ll Find What’s Wrong

There’s no need to panic, though. Your check engine light, no matter the severity, doesn’t have to stay a mystery. Your ASE-Certified auto technicians use our top-of-the-line diagnostic technology to talk with your car’s internal computer and access the error code that triggered the engine light. This tells us exactly what the problem is.

Icon representing the "Check Engine Light."

Common Causes for a Check Engine Light

There are many potential causes for a check engine light turning on, but here are a few of the most common:

Loose Gas Cap

If your gas cap is not fully screwed in, it can trigger your check engine light. Try unscrewing and retightening the gas cap to fix this issue.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

If your oxygen sensor is not working, it can lead to your car burning too much fuel.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

Dying Battery - A battery that will no longer hold a charge will trigger your check engine light

Catalytic Converter Problems

Problems with the catalytic converter could lead to excess pollutants being released from your exhaust.

Spark Plugs

If your spark plugs have worn out, they can lead to misfires or other engine problems.