{"id":3412,"date":"2024-06-28T06:17:00","date_gmt":"2024-06-28T11:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/going-places.thegeneral.com\/check-engine-light\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T10:03:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T15:03:27","slug":"check-engine-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/check-engine-light\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you\u2019re a car owner, you\u2019re probably familiar with the pit you get in your stomach when you see the infamous check engine light turn on. Unfortunately, while we may be tempted to ignore it, that can lead to costly repairs or even a damaged engine down the road. The check engine light is an important part of your vehicle\u2019s onboard diagnostics system. When this light turns on, it means something is not working correctly in your car&#8217;s engine or emission control system. Therefore, it\u2019s important for drivers to learn what it means when the check engine light turns on and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/what-is-car-maintenance\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">when to visit a mechanic<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Don&#8217;t Ignore the Light:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\"> Address the check engine light promptly to avoid costly repairs and ensure your vehicle runs efficiently.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Common Causes:<\/strong> Your check engine light may be caused by a loose gas cap, faulty oxygen sensor, or issues with the mass airflow sensor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seek Professional Help:<\/strong> Visit a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue, especially if the light is flashing, which indicates a severe problem.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-causes-the-check-engine-light-to-turn-on-nbsp\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Causes the Check Engine Light to Turn On?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When the dreaded check engine light turns on, it means that your vehicle&#8217;s computer system detected a problem with one or more of the components that make up your car&#8217;s engine or emission system. While you may be tempted to start panicking, it\u2019s worth noting that the check engine light can turn on for a variety of reasons, and not all of them are worse-case scenarios. For example, it could be a loose gas cap or a minor issue with your engine that\u2019s easily fixable. However, it\u2019s still important to investigate the problem so you can find a solution.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-possible-reasons-for-the-check-engine-light-turning-on\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Possible Reasons for the Check Engine Light Turning On<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There are many possible reasons why your check engine light turns on. Some of the most common reasons include:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Faulty oxygen sensor<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Your car\u2019s oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and sends the information to your car&#8217;s computer. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause a decrease in fuel economy and an increase in emissions, so your OBD system turns your check engine light on when it detects a problem with it. Think of it as your car\u2019s way of saving you money in the long run!<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Loose or damaged gas cap<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. If the gas cap is damaged or doesn\u2019t fit properly, dirt and debris can enter your vehicle, fuel vapors can escape, and the emissions system can report an error to your car\u2019s computer, triggering the check engine light.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Malfunctioning mass airflow sensor<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and helps determine the correct fuel-to-air ratio. Problems with your mass airflow sensor can decrease fuel economy and increase emissions. Like a faulty oxygen sensor, this can cause your check engine light to turn on.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Faulty spark plugs<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">. Spark plugs ignite the air\/fuel mixture in the engine, so it\u2019s important that they\u2019re operating in top shape. Faulty spark plugs can cause misfires, reduced power, poor fuel economy, and a visit from the check engine light.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/what-is-a-catalytic-converter\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Broken catalytic converter<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. This important piece of machinery reduces harmful emissions by converting them into safer gases. If it breaks, your engine\u2019s performance can take a hit and start emitting dark exhaust smoke with a funny odor. To prevent this, your check engine light will activate on your dashboard if it senses a gas leak or a damaged converter. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-4014 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/GettyImages-1181260178-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Depicted: Check Engine Light on Car Dashboard. What does the check engine light mean?\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-i-ignore-the-check-engine-light-nbsp\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Can I Ignore the Check Engine Light?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ignoring the check engine light can have negative consequences for your vehicle. Like any mechanical problem, the sooner it\u2019s addressed, the less time it has to snowball into a more expensive problem. Even if the issue seems minor, your vehicle and your wallet will thank you for bringing it to a qualified mechanic if needed. A minor issue could be a symptom of a more significant problem and catching it early can save you a lot of money.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Additionally, if the check engine light is on, it could cause your car to fail its <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/emissions-testing\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">emissions test<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, which you need to pass in order to drive legally and register your vehicle in some states.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-consequences-of-ignoring-my-check-engine-light\"><strong>What Are the Consequences of Ignoring My Check Engine Light?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ignoring the check engine light can lead to serious consequences for your vehicle, like costly repairs. For example, a simple fix like a faulty sensor could turn into a damaged catalytic converter, which is much more expensive to repair. It&#8217;s best to address the issue promptly to save time, money, and stress in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-i-drive-with-my-check-engine-light-on\"><strong>Can I Drive with My Check Engine Light On?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s possible to drive with the check engine light on, it\u2019s not advisable. The light is a warning that something isn\u2019t right with your vehicle. If the light is steady, it usually indicates a less urgent issue, but you should still have it checked as soon as possible. However, if the light is flashing, it signals a severe problem, such as a misfire, which can damage the catalytic converter. In this case, stop driving immediately and have your car towed to a repair shop. Driving with the light on can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-reset-my-check-engine-light\"><strong>How to Reset My Check Engine Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Resetting your check engine light should only be done after addressing the underlying issue. If the problem has been fixed, the light may turn off automatically after a few driving cycles. If it remains on, you can reset it using an OBD-II scanner, which connects to your car\u2019s diagnostic port. Follow the scanner\u2019s instructions to clear the code. However, if the light turns back on after resetting, it indicates that the problem still exists and needs further attention. Always ensure that any necessary repairs are completed before attempting to reset the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-to-visit-a-repair-shop\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">When to Visit a Repair Shop<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your check engine light turns on, experts recommend taking your car to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. During the visit, your repair person will check your computer\u2019s OBD system to find and fix the issue that turned the check engine light on.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Look for a repair shop that specializes in your car&#8217;s make and model and has a good reputation for quality work and customer service. If you have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/what-is-roadside-assistance\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">roadside assistance<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, this is a great time to take advantage of it.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your check engine light turns on because of a covered incident, you\u2019ll need a quality insurance policy to help cover the cost of repairs. That\u2019s where The General comes in. Check out our affordable rates when you get a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/quote\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">car insurance quote<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in under two minutes or read more on our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/blog\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">insurance blog<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn what the check engine light means with The General. The next time your check engine light turns on, you\u2019ll be prepared with this advice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3413,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-and-driving-basics"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.6 (Yoast SEO v27.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Does the Check Engine Light Mean? | The General<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what the check engine light means with The General. 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The next time your check engine light turns on, you\u2019ll be prepared with this advice.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/check-engine-light\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/check-engine-light\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/check-engine-light\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/EngineLight_1200_675_080924.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/EngineLight_1200_675_080924.jpg","width":1200,"height":675,"caption":"Learn what the check engine light means with The General. The next time your check engine light turns on, you\u2019ll be prepared with this advice. Common reasons for the light: loose or faulty gas cap, oxygen sensor issues, mass airflow sensor issues, catalytic converter problems, or spark plug or ignition coil problems. What to do if it comes on? Check the gas cap, get a diagnostic test, look for other warning signs."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/check-engine-light\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Car &amp; Driving Basics","item":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/blog\/car-and-driving-basics\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/","name":"Going Places","description":"News &amp; Articles from The General","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/#organization","name":"The General Insurance","url":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/TG_logo_black_RGB.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/TG_logo_black_RGB.png","width":1149,"height":283,"caption":"The General Insurance"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/TheGeneralAuto\/","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@thegeneralauto","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-general","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thegeneralauto"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/#\/schema\/person\/ee18b484a79eeadcbe365de7b5c65ec1","name":"The General Insurance Team"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3412"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3412\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5346,"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3412\/revisions\/5346"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thegeneral.com\/going-places\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}