A check engine light in Austin traffic can strike fear into the heart of any driver. Actually, it strikes fear into the heart of any driver with common sense. After the initial panic subsides upon seeing its dreaded amber glow, you probably have a lot of questions. While the best way to get answers is by bringing your vehicle to a qualified mechanic ASAP, this article can give you an idea of what to expect.

What is a Check Engine Light?

The check engine light lets you know something has gone wrong with your engine (although you probably already knew that). When an engine problem occurs, a signal is sent to the engine computer, which lights up your dashboard, letting you know it’s time to use the f-word.

The check engine light is only slightly less obnoxious than this.

The check engine light is almost always in the shape of an engine, although sometimes you’ll see the words “check engine” or “service engine”. Whatever shape your check engine light takes, the color can differ. Depending on what you drive, the light can be any of a variety of shades of orange or yellow. If everything is fine, the light will illuminate when you turn the car on, but it should turn off immediately.

When the light doesn’t turn off, it will either blink or be constantly on. If the light stays on steadily, the problem may be minor. However, if the indicator is blinking, your vehicle likely needs more serious repairs, and continuing to drive will only make the situation worse. At this point, it’s best to go straight to a mechanic for a diagnostic test. If you see that blinking check engine light in Austin, we’re always happy to help.

Why Is Your Check Engine Light On? (7 Common Check Engine Light Causes)

While we can’t diagnose your issue over a blog post (we’re not that good), we can give you a by-no-means-complete list of possible culprits.

1. Fuel System

If you’re lucky, your check engine light is on because your fuel cap is off. This is a likely culprit if your light comes on directly after filling your tank. Pull over to see if your cap is loose or not there at all. If you left it on your roof and drove off (we’ve all been there), this is still an easy and cheap fix.

2. Oxygen Sensor or Emissions System

Your car’s emissions system is designed to limit the amount of harmful gas released from the car. The system consists of several components, including the catalytic converter and oxygen (or O2) sensors, which detect issues with the exhaust system.

If the O2 sensor determines that your exhaust system isn’t functioning correctly, your check engine light will come on. However, you’ll also see that light if the O2 sensor fails or gives bad readings.

A faulty O2 sensor won’t cause your engine to stop working, but you should still get it replaced as soon as possible. Driving with a bad O2 sensor can damage other components in your vehicle, like your spark plugs. You’ll also get worse fuel economy, as your car will burn more fuel than it should.

3. Spark Plugs/Ignition Coils

Ignition coils and spark plugs work together to produce and use electricity to ignite the fuel and air mixture in your vehicle’s cylinders. Older cars may have only one coil, while newer models usually have one coil per cylinder. Of course, that means more chances for something to malfunction and set off your check engine light.

When spark plugs and ignition coils get worn out or dirty, you might notice engine performance issues. Misfires, especially when accelerating, are a common symptom of spark plug problems. Older cars may also have spark plug wires, which can cause similar issues when they go bad.

4. Problem With Wiring

Even if your car doesn’t have spark plug wires, it does have extensive wiring. Wires are part of your ignition system, battery, and fuel system. Loose or damaged wires in any system can result in a check engine light. You’ll likely need a diagnostic test to determine where the issue is.

5. Transmission

No one wants to deal with transmission issues, but a check engine light could indicate that you have one. Depending on your vehicle, your transmission may have a warning light of its own, but you may see your check engine light come on as well. Transmission problems can range from relatively minor (fluid needs replacing) to needing to be replaced entirely.

6. Engine Oil

Clean oil at the right level is crucial for your car’s health. If the oil gets low or dirty, it can affect your engine’s performance. Regular oil changes can help you avoid problems with your oil or fluid system.

7. Catalytic Converter

If your car runs on gasoline, it has a catalytic converter, which is part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. Regular maintenance can help keep your catalytic converter functioning correctly. You’ll also want to do your best to avoid catalytic converter theft, an issue here in Austin.

Is It Safe to Drive With the Check Engine Light On?

It’s a bad idea to drive with a lit up check engine light in Austin or anywhere else. We know that’s not the answer you were hoping for. A few other sites suggest that you can drive up to 50 miles, but is that worth it if you end up having to replace your transmission?

Whatever the problem, ignoring it will not make it any better and will likely make things worse. While the thought of having to spend a lot of money on expensive repairs isn’t a happy one, you may save a lot of cash by getting your car to a mechanic fast. By addressing the issue promptly, you can feel like a responsible, financially savvy adult, and potentially save on costly repairs.

Even if your check engine light isn’t warning you of impending disaster, it can still cause problems. You won’t be able to pass inspections or emissions tests until you address whatever is causing the light to be on.

How to Fix a Check Engine Light in Austin?

A check engine light indicates something is wrong, but a diagnostic test is needed to pinpoint the problem. During a diagnostic test, an auto tech will use a diagnostic tool to read the error code stored in your car’s computer. This code will provide a starting point for the mechanic to identify the issue.  

We always recommend regular maintenance for your vehicle, which can help you avoid seeing that check engine light. Unfortunately, it’s something you’ll probably encounter over the life of your car, and we’ll be happy to find and fix the problem. Schedule an appointment today to get your check engine light off, and your heart rate back to normal.