CLICK HERE to Download Topic as Printer Friendly PDF

Learn not to panic and what to do when the dreaded light pops on!

One of the most common car questions we receive as an technicians is why is my check engine light on. This is a simple question that may have a complicated answer. The check engine light may be on for a thousand different reasons. One reason related to each possible code that the computer would set. The vehicle manufacturers, along with the federal government have made this check engine light warning system very sensitive.

A minor malfunction, or even an intermittent problem or temporary glitch can turn on the check engine light. Unfortunately, if the problem is intermittent or a temporary malfunction that disappears the light will remain on. The check engine light will have to be reset.