In most cases when something goes wrong the car has a system to let you know. The “check engine” light is one such communicating method that the car uses when something is wrong in the engine compartment. All this was said by the head of the mechanical department of the Liberty Lake check engine light service center.
The check engine light is one of those indicators that appears on the dashboard either in a yellow or orange color. The light will also read the outline of the phrase “Check the Engine” on the dashboard. This light is supposed to come on automatically only for a few seconds when you start the car for the first time and then disappear. But if it stays on, know that the car is indicating of a problem that has taken place either directly in the engine compartment or somewhere that is related to the engine.
What the Car Wants to Communicate
Through the check engine light, your car is in fact complaining to you about something which is not right under its hood. The light that usually turns on with all other lights every time you start the car, now refuses to go, as it wants to communicate with you regarding the issues it is facing on the mechanical side. It might simply stay on or might starts flashing or blinking if things get seriously wrong.
Usually it could be a simple repairable thing like a loose gas cap, a faulty oxygen sensor, a fused Spark plug, or a disconnected wire. But not always. The issue can be serious if there is something wrong with the rotor, the ignition and exhaust systems or when the emission is not clean.
DIY Techniques You Can Try
When your car turns on the “check engine” light, and let it stay on, but it isn’t yet flashing, there is still ray of hope that you can try out a few DIY techniques to resolve the issue and ditch your visit to the auto repair shop.
It is better to look for the gas cap, tighten it up as that is the most common trigger for turning on the check engine light. If the “check engine” light goes off after you try this, you are narrowly saved.
Next try fixing back the spark plug , or the oxygen sensor, if you find them in a damaged condition. Follow the instructions given on the owner’s manual to access these parts and replace them, if you have the required amount of energy, patience, or experience. Otherwise you can simply surrender to a mechanic and auto repair shop to save yourself from all these hazards.
When to Call a Professional
After trying out all possible DIY techniques, if the “check engine” light still stays on, know that there shouldn’t be any delay in calling out a mechanic or taking your car to an authorized auto repair shop. The departmental head of the check engine light Liberty Lake service centerinsists that by avoiding a professional assistance when the car intimidates you of an issue in the engine compartment through the “check engine” light, you will only bring more trouble for yourself both in terms of safety and money, as it can lead to a serious mechanical damage asking for more expensive repairs.
