If you’re like most drivers, you check your engine light every few months just to make sure it isn’t something serious. And if it is, you take care of it as soon as possible. But what about when the engine light is actually on? In a word: don’t worry. In most cases, your car can still be driven. Here are a few tips to help you along the way.
What is the engine light and why is it on?
If your car’s engine light is on, there’s probably a problem with the engine. The light might mean that: the air filter needs to be replaced
the spark plugs need to be replaced
the fuel injectors need to be cleaned or replaced
the engine oil needs to be changed
How to turn off the engine light
If your car’s engine light is on, there are a few things you can do to turn it off. Some cars have a button you can press to turn the light off, while others require you to take your car into a dealership and have it fixed. In any case, here are some steps you can take to try and fix the problem yourself:
First, check all of your vehicle’s electrical connections. Make sure there aren’t any loose wires or corroded connectors that could be causing the light to come on.
Next, try resetting your car’s computer. Open the hood of your car and remove the cover over the engine. Find and remove the battery (if possible). Follow these instructions to reset your car’s computer:
The scary thing is that if you don’t have this repair done within 12 months of your vehicle being built, it may not even start! Go ahead and get it checked out by a mechanic if you’re not sure how to do it yourself.
If those two fixes don’t work, then you’ll need to take your car into a dealership for repairs. But don’t worry – there are usually some other options available as well!
What to do if the car won’t start
If you have a car that won’t start, there are a few things you can do to try and get it going. Try one of the following methods:
-Check the battery cables to make sure they’re plugged in securely.
-Check the fuel gauge. Make sure there isn’t anything blocking the fuel line or injectors.
-Try jumpstarting the car. Put one end of the jumper cables into both cars’ battery terminals and connect the other end to a good, healthy source of electricity like a vehicle with a working engine.
What to do if the car starts but won’t move
If your car starts but won’t move, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, make sure all of the fluids in the car are at their proper levels. Check the brakes, oil, coolant and transmission fluid levels. If one of these fluids is low, it could be causing the car to not start. Second, try looking for any problems with the electrical system. Is there a blown fuse? A loose wire? A malfunctioning starter? Try swapping out parts of the electrical system in order to see if that fixes the issue. Finally, check to see if any debris or rocks have lodged in the engine or transmission. If so, trying to remove them using a plunger or vacuum cleaner may help get your car moving again.
Conclusion
If your car’s engine light is on, it means that there is a problem with the engine. Depending on the issue, you might need to take your car in for repair or have the issue fixed by a technician. If you think you can fix the issue yourself, follow these instructions to see if you can fix it yourself. Otherwise, you should take your car in for service.