If you see a warning light, come to AutoZone. Fix Finder reads information from the Check Engine, ABS, and maintenance lights. The test often takes less than a minute once the reader is plugged in.
AutoZone will lend you an OBD-2 reader to plug into your car's computer port (usually located by the gas/break pedals) that will give you a diagnoses as to why your check engine light is on once you bring it back to them.
The most foolproof method to check the engine light is to read the diagnostic code in the car's internal computer. If you have experience working with cars, you can do this at home with an OBD-II scanner.
Visit Your Local AutoZone Store for Free Fix Finder Service
AutoZone offers a complimentary Fix Finder service that efficiently diagnoses warning lights, including Check Engine, ABS, and maintenance indicators. Simply visit your nearest AutoZone store when a warning light appears on your vehicle's dashboard.
Autozone doesn't do diagnostics. All they do is read codes. Getting a code isn't a diagnostic. Getting the code read is the equivalent of getting your blood pressure taken. It gives you an idea that something is out of whack, but it doesn't tell you the cause.
The free test takes less than a minute, and you'll get an easy to understand report printed and emailed.
Diagnosing your check engine light
Buy an OBD-II scan tool: There are affordable tools that allow you to run a diagnosis yourself.
Low Oil and Check Engine Light
However, low oil pressure, which can be caused by low oil levels, can be a reason for the check engine light to turn on. Low oil pressure can seriously interfere with your car's performance and disable your vehicle if not addressed immediately.
Check engine lights can turn on for a number of reasons. Some can be minor problems such as tightening the gas cap, and others can be serious problems like engine issues. If your vehicle is running fine, the check engine light may signal a minor issue, but it is best to visit a mechanic to make sure.
Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
Yes, a check engine light can come on due to a false alarm. This can happen because of temporary electrical glitches, sensor errors, or even software bugs in the car's computer system.
The test often takes less than a minute once the reader is plugged in. Find the closest store to you.
Stop by O'Reilly Auto Parts and we'll test your Check Engine light codes for free. We can even print out a list of common fixes for the codes, and help you find a repair shop if needed.
Another reason the check engine light is illuminated could be that it's a false alarm. While that might sound like something to hope for, the truth is, if the light is on, something is wrong with your vehicle's systems.
If your car's fluid levels, such as oil, transmission fluid, or coolant, are running low, it can cause your engine to function improperly. This can trigger your check engine light and potentially lead to more severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
In conclusion, while the check engine light can be a cause for concern, it can come on for something as simple as needing an oil change.
Sometimes, the sensor itself can fail or give faulty readings and may need to be replaced. The emissions/exhaust system is the most likely culprit for many check engine lights being illuminated. There could be an exhaust leak or a problem with the catalytic converter.
Diagnostic fees alone can range from $50 to $200, while repairs can cost anywhere from a few dollars for a loose gas cap to several thousand dollars for more complex problems. If you find yourself facing a check engine light, it's important not to ignore it.
If the light comes on and remains on, yet everything seems to be working like normal, you should be able to continue driving. But it is important to schedule an appointment to have the issue diagnosed and fixed. If the light comes on and it is blinking, this is an indication of something more serious.
We can help you get a reading yourself. Borrow an OBD reader to get a Check Engine Light reading with the AutoZone Free Fix Finder Service. It's a simple task that takes less than two minutes.
The “check engine” light is the onboard diagnostic system's way of telling you something's wrong. But that something could be one of many things, big or small. It could pop on because of something minor like a loose or faulty gas cap. It could also mean a major engine failure.
A common emissions code seen in the field, a P0420 trouble code indicates that the catalytic converter isn't functioning efficiently. To work at peak efficiency, the emissions or feed gases entering the catalytic converter need to be perfectly balanced and not excessively elevated.