The “check engine” light is part of your vehicle’s early warning system that signifies something is not quite right with your car’s engine or emissions. It can be a frustrating and confusing experience, especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the light to come on or what to do about it.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons why the check engine light might come on and share some practical, cost effective solutions on how you can resolve the issue without having to take your car to a mechanic.
What is causing the check engine light?
One of the easiest ways to diagnose and fix issues with your car’s engine or emissions system is to read and clear the on-board diagnostic (OBD) codes. OBD codes are stored in the car’s computer when a problem is detected, and they can provide valuable information about what’s wrong with your car. Reading and clearing OBD codes can be done using an OBD2 scanner, which is a small device that connects to the car’s OBD port and allows you to read and clear codes.
What is an OBD2 scanner?
OBD, which stands for On-Board Diagnostics, is a comprehensive system embedded in most modern vehicles. An OBD scanner, particularly the OBD2 version, is a device that communicates with this system. It retrieves vital data about your vehicle’s performance, highlighting any issues or potential malfunctions.
To read and clear OBD codes yourself, you’ll need an OBD scanner and a basic understanding of how to use it. The first step is to locate the OBD port in your car. This is typically located under the dashboard, near the steering wheel, but it can vary depending on the make and model of your car. Once you’ve found the OBD port, connect the OBD scanner to it.
Next, turn on the scanner and follow the instructions to read the codes. The scanner will display the codes on its screen, along with a description of what the code means. It’s important to note that some codes may be stored temporarily and may not be a permanent issue.
Once you’ve read the codes, you can clear them using the scanner. Clearing the codes will reset the car’s computer and turn off the check engine light, but it will not fix the underlying problem. It’s important to fix the underlying issue before clearing the codes to prevent the issue from recurring.