A service engine light (SEL) is a warning signal that typically indicates a problem with one or more components of your car’s engine. Normally, when you take your car in for servicing or repairs, the mechanic will address any issues that are flagged by the SEL. However, in some cases, it may be necessary to disable the SEL in order to pass a private inspection. If you find yourself in this situation, be sure to ask your mechanic about the procedure and whether it’s possible to re-enable the SEL afterwards. Disabling the SEL can often mean a smooth ride through the inspection process, but always proceed with caution—you don’t want to damage your car while trying to fix something that isn’t really wrong.
What is the Service Engine Light and what does it mean?
The Service Engine Light is a warning light on some cars that signifies there may be something wrong with the engine. The most common cause of the Service Engine Light is an out-of-date or defective fuel pump. If you have the Service Engine Light on, your car may not pass a private inspection. The best way to try to fix the problem is to take your car to a mechanic. If the Service Engine Light does not go off after you have replaced or fixed the part that is causing it, your car may need a new engine.
What can be done to fix the Service Engine Light?
If your car has a service engine light on, there are things you can do to fix the issue. In some cases, the service engine light may simply indicate a problem with the car’s emissions system that needs to be fixed. In other cases, the service engine light may be associated with a more serious issue that requires attention.
If the service engine light is simply indicating a problem with emissions, you may need to take your car to an emissions check station and have it checked out. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may only take a few hours or it could take all day. If the service engine light is indicating a more serious problem, you may need to bring your car in for repair. This will likely require taking it into a dealership or some other specialist facility.
How do I know if the car I am looking to purchase has been serviced recently?
If you are in the market to purchase a car, one of the first things you should do is check the service history on the vehicle. Not only will this give you peace of mind knowing that the car has been well-maintained, but it can also help you avoid paying for services that have not been performed recently.
There are many ways to check service history on a car. You can look up the VIN (vehicle identification number) or the make, model, and year of the car on a website such as Carfax or Autocheck. You can also ask the seller questions about any recent repairs or services performed on the car. Additionally, many dealerships now use diagnostic equipment to scan vehicles before selling them so that they are aware of any potential issues with the engine, transmission, or other mechanical components. If you have any doubts about whether a car has been serviced recently, it is always best to take it to a qualified mechanic for an inspection.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing a service engine light on, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Often times, this is an indication that there is something wrong with the car — in most cases, it can be fixed relatively cheaply. However, if the problem is more serious and requires a full engine overhaul or another major repair, it can end up costing quite a bit more. If you’re not sure whether your car qualifies for private inspection, give our team at YourMechanic a call and we’ll help you figure out what to do next.