If you’ve been driving your car for a while and have started to notice that the engine light is on, it might be time to get it checked out. According to the EPA, about one-third of all cars in the United States experience some form of emission problem. If your car fails the smog test, you may be subject to fines and/or other penalties.
What is a car’s “check engine” light?
You may have seen this light on your car dashboard, and wondered what it means. The check engine light is a warning signal from your car’s computer that it needs attention.
The most common reason for the light to come on is because of emissions problems. Polluting emissions from your car can damage the engine, and if the problem isn’t fixed, the check engine light will keep coming on.
There are many things you can do to try to fix the emissions problem, but if that fails, you may need to take your car in for repair. In some cases, the only solution may be to replace the entire engine.
If you have a check engine light on your car, there’s probably a good reason for it – and fixing the issue won’t be easy or cheap. Here’s everything you need to know about this warning light and what to do if it comes on in your vehicle.
What does the check engine light mean?
The check engine light typically means that there is an issue with the engine. Depending on the issue, it may be possible to fix it without needing to take the car in for service. If the problem is more serious, you may need to take the car in for service.
How to clear a car’s check engine light
If your car’s check engine light is on, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem. One common cause of a check engine light being on is an obstruction in the air filter. If the filter is dirty, the car’s computer will think there’s an obstruction and set off the light. In most cases, simply taking the filter off and cleaning it will solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the air filter.
Why does my car have a check engine light on?
If you’re driving a car with a check engine light on, there’s a good chance your engine is emitting unhealthy levels of smog. Here’s why: When your car’s engine is running, it releases gas and oil into the air. These fumes contain tiny particles called hydrocarbons, which can form smog when they react with airborne pollutants.
What are the consequences of having a check engine light on your car?
There are several potential consequences of having a check engine light on your car. First and foremost, if the code is associated with an issue with your car’s emissions system, you may need to take your car in for service. Additionally, if the code is associated with a mechanical issue with your car, you may need to have that repaired. In addition, if the code is associated with a safety issue, like a loose wheel or sudden loss of power steering, you’ll want to take your car in for service ASAP. Finally, if the code is just a warning light and there are no further issues with your car, you can usually just leave it on and ignore it. However, always consult your car’s owner’s manual for more specific information about each code and its associated consequences.
How to fix a car’s check engine light yourself
If you have a car with an engine light on, there is a good chance that the light will eventually go out on its own. This is because the computer that controls the light is usually able to determine that the issue has been fixed and will turn off the light. However, if you are not comfortable working on cars or if the car’s problem is more serious, you can always take care of the issue yourself. Here are four ways to fix a car’s check engine light:
1. Reset the computer that controls the light. To do this, you will need to remove the hood and remove the cover over the computer. Once you have access to the computer, press and hold down the reset button for about 20 seconds. Once it has reset, reattach the hood and cover and restart your car.
2. Clear out the computer’s fuel-injection system. If there are any clogged fuel injectors, they will cause problems with your car’s engine light. To clear out the system, you will need to use a hose to spray carb cleaner into each cylinder and then wait for about 30 minutes for it to work its way through all.