Causes and fixes for when the 'check engine' light goes on 10 Articles

by Sarah Sanuth - Buying and Selling Cars Steward

The "check engine" light... also referred to as a malfunction indicator light (MIL) doesn't always mean that there is a serious problem. It is always seen, but not always understood. This system, the MIL system, is mon...read more

by Tiffany Belle

Your vehicle's check engine light is probably one of the most understood indicator lights on the dashboard. This is mainly because when the light comes on your vehicle is usually still running fine. Chances are that there...read more

by Amanda Lee

The "check engine" light can come on, in some model vehicles, for over 100 different reasons varying from the gas cap not being properly tightened after re-fueling to a bent valve or worse. In some model vehicle...read more

by Mobile Mechanixx

There are a variety of reasons that the check engine light comes on. In cars after 1996, and a select few before, OBDII is the system that checks and finds "problems" that set the light off. OBDII stands for On Board D...read more

by Jia Yee Ho

There are various reasons why the engine check light will come on. When it comes on, it usually means there is something wrong with your car engine, intake, exhaust or even the ECU. Usually, the last modification d...read more

by Joslyn Stark

On a modern car a check engine light can come on for hundreds of different reasons. It regulates every part of the emissions system. A loose gas cap will trigger the light on almost any car. Some will go off on their own a...read more

by Sherry Bentley-Short

There are many reasons that a persons check engine light may come on. In reality there are likely 50-60 reasons that your check engine light may come on and it can range in seriousness from something as simple as forge...read more

by Kevin Bechtel

As a MasterMechanic for over 20 years, my advise is to have your check engine light checked as soon as possible. The check engine light will only come on if a problem within your engine or trans or related systems will cau...read more

by Juanita Gumm

I have two subaru's one is a 1994 the other a 1996 which I use for delievery the mail. My problem is that the check engine light comes on when I try to climb a steep hill it acts like it is staved for air, now I m...read more

by Matt Fanslow

In reality, this is a silly question. It cannot, within the confines of the space provided here, be properly answered. The true answer? Take it to a qualified repair facility (IE trusted auto tech) have them attach a sc...read more