Why did my check engine light come on after a long drive?

Why did my check engine light come on after a long drive?

If air pressure builds up, it can set off the check engine light sensor too. You’ll need to drive a while for the check engine light to shut off after that (20-30 miles sometimes!), but if you are in the middle of a long stretch of a road trip, you should be able to see it go off at some point if this was the issue.

Is it safe to drive with the Check Engine light on?

It could also mean your catalytic converter has given up the ghost. The check engine light means there’s a problem somewhere in your emissions system. Regardless, you’re safe to drive for now as long as the car isn’t performing strangely. Just have the check engine light checked and the problem repaired.

When does the Check Engine light come on?

The check engine light is tied into your car’s onboard diagnostics system, and it’s designed to light up (usually in yellow) whenever something goes wrong with this complex collection of components and sensors. Problems in the electronic control system are stored in a “trouble code” to identify the source of the issue.

How to get rid of check engine light error?

Then put your key into the ignition and turn it three times to the “ON” position. This will clear the emissions data from the vehicle memory as well as the readiness flag data. Reconnect the positive battery cable and turn the key in the vehicle ignition. Wait one minute and the check engine light error should be gone. 4. Use an OBD Code Reader

What does the service required light on your car mean?

These warning lights are unrelated. The service required light just means the car is due for an oil change or other routine care. It is not an indicator of trouble like the check engine light is.

What happens if you have a check engine light on?

Mileage deficiencies: If your check engine light was triggered by your oxygen sensor, or your mass airflow sensor (MAF), you can experience decreased gas mileage over time. This is similar to driving your car with too-low tire pressure. Emissions: That oxygen sensor and mass airflow sensor (MAF) can also increase your car’s emissions.

Where can I find the code on my Check Engine light?

Do-it-yourselfers can buy inexpensive code readers from an auto parts store or online that connect to the onboard diagnostics (OBD) port and search for the code’s meaning on websites such as Engine Light Help. Modern systems will display the code in an app on your smartphone.

These warning lights are unrelated. The service required light just means the car is due for an oil change or other routine care. It is not an indicator of trouble like the check engine light is.

What does a malfunction indicator light on a car mean?

In many cases, it means that you’ll be visiting the car dealer to repair the issue and get the light turned off. The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong.

What does it mean when your check engine light goes out?

Drive the car for a while and see if the light goes out (note that it may take a couple of restarts of the engine to make the light go out). If your car’s Check Engine Light is on, it means that there’s a problem somewhere in your emissions system.

It could also mean your catalytic converter has given up the ghost. The check engine light means there’s a problem somewhere in your emissions system. Regardless, you’re safe to drive for now as long as the car isn’t performing strangely. Just have the check engine light checked and the problem repaired.

What’s the best way to reset a check engine light?

In such a case, it is highly recommended to check the codes with a scanner instead. Switching the ignition on and off is also one method of hard reset without disconnecting batteries. Put the keys in your ignition and turn your ignition on and off consecutively after a second in each step.

Is the service engine light a Dirty Little Secret?

Money Saving Products I Use Search The Service Engine Light: Your Mechanic’s Dirty Little Secret Last updated: January 16, 2021 G.E. Miller214 Comments Troubleshoot the Check Engine Light]