WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT

When your vehicle detects a problem within its component system, it will automatically display a warning in the form of a light that is displayed on your dashboard. Newer vehicles commonly have a range of warning lights that will flash depending on the problem that is detected, like the check engine oil light. Your Service Engine Soon light can represent a variety of items that can be wrong with your engine and its performance. The Service Engine Soon light tells the driver that there is a problem related to its central computer. The Electronic Control Module (ECM) controls the vehicle’s engine and transmission. Although vehicle models vary, in most, the warning light can be both yellow and red. As you might guess, the yellow light indicates a less urgent problem and a red light represents a problem that should be tended to immediately.

SYMPTOMS OF A YELLOW SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT

If your Service Engine Soon light is yellow, it is generally safe to continue driving, but you should take note of any additional signs that your vehicle is not performing as well as it should. Often times your vehicle will automatically correct some problems, which may cause the yellow light to shut off. It is never a good idea to overlook the problem even if the light shuts off automatically. Once you are in a safe location you should inspect your vehicle for any problems. Be sure to check for warning signs that can cause a yellow warning light to surface. These signs could be things such as difficulty starting the engine, lower than normal fuel mileage, abnormality in performance, or odors and smoke emitting from under the hood. 

SYMPTOMS OF A RED SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT

A red Service Engine Soon light indicates there is a problem that is making it unsafe to drive your car. If you notice a red light on your dashboard it is important that you pull over and analyze the problem as soon as possible, as it can be dangerous. By referencing your owner’s manual you can get an explanation of the meaning of your warning lights. A red warning light can mean a number of things, including a fluid level being too low, a belt that has broken, or problems with your battery or alternator. If the problem cannot be fixed on the spot, arrangements should be made to have your vehicle towed into one of our facilities for a professional inspection before further damage is done to your engine.

HOW TO PREVENT ENGINE ISSUES

When your Service Engine Soon light comes on, maintenance should be done immediately to ensure that further damage does not happen to your vehicle. There are steps that you can take to cut down on premature problems with your vehicle’s engine. You should have your antifreeze, power steering, brake fluid and transmission fluid checked regularly before taking your vehicle on the road. It is also important to check your tires, battery and alternator. By taking these easy steps, you can cut down on potential damage that can happen to your vehicle and end up costing you a lot of money to fix. Make sure to take your vehicle to one of our automotive professionals on a regular basis to get a general inspection done. By doing this, your car is able to run at its best capacity and you are able to get a longer life out of your vehicle. 

Warning Lights and What They Mean

You are driving to your office when unexpectedly one of your warning lights on your car illuminates. Do you panic, or do you keep a cool head? With the winter months approaching, you should make sure you understand the meanings of those lights. The lights are not panic buttons and they should not cause you alarm. If you take the time to learn some details about the meanings and keep your car in good condition, you will discover that you will be able to handle any situation and you will know when it is time to take the car in for a repair, or if you can do the repair yourself.

Warning Lights to Worry About

While all warning lights alert you to potential trouble, you should take some lights very seriously. One symbol is the brake light. The brake warning light would tell you that you have a serious problem with the braking system. This light will also turn on if you have the emergency brake engaged. When you see this light, make sure that you do not have the emergency brake engaged. Another light is the engine coolant temperature light. This light would tell you that the engine temperature is too high if the light were red. This would indicate a possible absence of coolants or a hole in the radiator or hose. If the light is blue, it could mean that the coolant temperature is too low. A red oil pressure light would indicate low oil pressure and you have a low oil level and may possibly have a leak. If the light is yellow, it means that your oil level is getting low and you should replenish the level soon. If the battery light comes on, that means that you need to stop the car right away and call a tow truck. This would indicate a battery-charging problem and the possible culprit could be the alternator.

Other Warning Lights That Only Require a Little Concern

Other warning lights would include the low brake pad, transmission temperature, powertrain trouble, check engine, and low coolant. Some cars have lights to alert you to change the oil and air filters, service reminders, and power steering trouble. Although these lights alert you to problems that are not as serious, they should be addressed as soon as possible. Hybrid and electric cars have special lights that correspond to the powertrain, engine, and systems that they use. For instance, a hybrid car may include warning lights for low battery, high-voltage-battery charge level, battery trouble, and power limitation indicators. 

Warning Lights that are More Like Notifications

Some warning lights are in place to keep you informed about the status of your car while you are driving. Some lights that are no cause for concern would be lights to alert you that your high beams are on, headlights or taillights are out, or your daytime running lights are one. Other notifications could let you know that a door is ajar, or that your gas or windshield washer fluid is low. If you take time to decipher the code that your warning lights reveal, you can provide added protection and be better prepared for the winter season.  

What the Check Engine Light Could Mean

The check engine light has been the bane of existence for many car owners. When this light comes on, there is no need to panic. In the winter months, you may feel a little stressed at the thought of experiencing car trouble while traveling. Once you learn the true purpose of it and the possible meanings of its illumination, you can dispel many fears and you will be able to respond with the appropriate course of action. 

What is the Light For, Anyway?

The check engine light is a part of the onboard diagnostics system in your car. Cars are built with computers that monitor and control the performance of your engine, the mixture of fuel used, and the speed of the engine. It also monitors ignition timing and the shifting of the automatic transmission. Every problem that can occur with the car has its own series of codes that are in the computer. When a problem occurs, the check engine light will come on and the computer generates a code for the problem. Your ASE master mechanic can connect your car to their computer and read the code message. They use that message to determine which car repair to make. The light will illuminate for things such as a loose gas cap, worn out spark plugs and spark plug wires, malfunctioning oxygen sensor, or a blown head gasket.

What to Do When the Light Comes On

If the check engine light comes on, you need to check your car to determine the cause. The light does not always mean that you have a serious problem. When the light comes on, check to see if the light is blinking or remaining steady. If the light is steady, then your problem is minor. It could mean something as simple as your gas cap is loose or missing. If this is the case, just tighten the cap until you hear an audible click. If it is missing, you will be able to find one at your local auto parts store. A loose or missing gas cap will cause you to lose fuel and expel gasoline vapors in the air. If the light is blinking, then it means that you have a serious problem and you should take care of it immediately. A blinking light could mean that you have low oil pressure, which could cause overheating. If that happens, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and shut off your engine. If you have AAA, you can call a tow truck and pull out your winter safety kits. In the winter, it is very important to pay close attention to the lights on your dashboard.         

Time for General Car Maintenance

If you notice your check engine light coming on, you should take your car to your mechanic. He has the proper tools and training for engine repair, fluid checks, and other vehicle repair and maintenance work. Your mechanic will also have access to a computer that will diagnose the codes generated by your car’s computer and will be able to perform the car repairs needed. He will know if you need minor repairs such as a fuel injection cleaning or major repairs such as faulty electrical systems. Regular maintenance will prevent many problems and keep you from seeing the dreaded check engine light.                                                                

Check Engine Light Problems You Might Face

There are few things as frustrating in the world than when the check engine light illuminates on the dashboard.   This is a feature that seems to come on for no reason and gives you no real indication of what the mechanical problem may be.  The engine will seem to be running the same as it did before the light came on. Most people immediately think a large auto repair bill is coming down the line. This article is to inform all drivers about the most common causes of a check engine light and most of the time this doesn’t mean disaster is eminent. This light is most often triggered by the computer system in your car. So unless you see some visible distress you can go to an auto parts store and most often they can diagnose your problem by plugging into your dashboard and reading your computer.  Diagnosing the check engine light is usually a free service. 

Faulty Gas Cap Often Culprit

When it comes to problems this is a pretty easy one to fix. Many times the cap has just not been put back on tightly enough.  This is a problem because fumes will leak out and that can affect the entire fuel system. That means your gas mileage is going to go down and there will be an increase in the emissions your car emits. This is an easy fix just pull over at the earliest, safest spot you come to. Simply check the cap and if it is loose, tighten it. That should solve the problem. If it is not loose then proceed for further evaluations.  Replacing a gas cap is easy and inexpensive and tightening the cap is free. There can be quite a lag time between tightening the gas cap and the light going out.  So be a little patient and your fuel efficiency should return in short time. 

Diagnostic of Your Vehicle Can Reveal Problems

When a diagnostic of your car’s computer is done, it may read that you need to replace an oxygen sensor. As time passes the sensors are often covered with soot or ash from the fuel burning process. If a faulty oxygen sensor is not replaced the car repair may become significant. The actual replacement is easy and quick and will be a lot less expensive in the short run. This diagnostic can also reveal a problem with a catalectic converter malfunction. A problem in this area would be hard to diagnose on your own and could lead to costly repairs. 

Other Causes of Check Engine Light

Spark plugs are vital to starting a car. When a spark plug is faulty there is a misfire in the plugs. You will know this is happening by feeling a little jolt in the acceleration of your car. Spark plug replacement should be a part of your regular vehicle maintenance. The bad news is that faulty spark plugs are going to happen. The good news is that they are easy and inexpensive to replace. If the spark plugs aren’t replaced then damage could be done to a vehicle or a vehicle won’t start.