Check Engine Light Service in Carlsbad
Quality CEL Diagnostics in North County
There are few things as worrying as seeing the orange check engine light appear on your gauge cluster. This is a warning that your vehicle may need something beyond routine maintenance and that there is a failure disrupting the normal operation of the vehicle. This could range from anything such as a loose gas cap to a serious issue that poses a threat to your engine, so it’s crucial to have yours addressed as soon as possible to prevent the issue from causing expensive damage.
There are thousands of reasons this light may come on, but it’s impossible to know what the issue is without a proper diagnosis from an automotive professional. Driving with a check engine light can cause various issues, including catalytic converter failure, which can prove extremely costly and prevent you from passing emissions testing.
Some common reasons for check engine lights include:
- Loose or broken gas cap
- Oxygen sensor
- Catalytic Converter
- Mass Air Flow Sensor
- Spark Plugs
- Vacuum Leaks
- Bad Tank of Fuel
- EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Failure
These are just a few of the common causes of a check engine light, however, CEL codes generally only tell you the ballpark area of the problem rather than the exact problem itself. To narrow down your problem accurately, you’ll most likely need a professional diagnosis.
If you’re experiencing a check engine light, it’s important that you bring your car in to be diagnosed as soon as you can.
So call or schedule online with us today, and our expert technicians will inspect, diagnose, and repair your issue the right way!
Check Engine Light FAQs
Q. Can I Drive with a Check Engine Light?
Generally speaking, it’s safe to drive when the check engine light is on. The light is meant to warn you that your vehicle needs to be looked at. If you aren’t noticing any driveability problems, it’s safe to drive. If you notice the check engine light flashing, or if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like over heating or an oil warning light, DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle.
Q. What Does a Flashing Check Engine Light Mean?
If the check engine light is flashing, there is a misfire in your engine, and continuing to drive with it may cause expensive damage to your catalytic converter or engine. While it’s ok to drive with a solid CEL, do not drive if the light is flashing.
Q. How Do You Reset a Check Engine Light?
While it’s possible to clear codes and remove the light temporarily, the check engine light will come back on unless the problem is fixed.