Why is my check-engine light on?

What to do when your check engine light is on 

Why is your vehicle’s check-engine light on? There can be several reasons that your check engine light comes on, and we’ll go over the most common reasons below. If you’re in the Hiram, GA, area, you can visit us for a diagnostic check or multi-point inspection if you think something is wrong. At Carl Black Hiram, we’re here to help. 

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Most common reasons that your vehicle’s check engine light is on 

Here are the five most common issues that cause a check-engine light to go on. As you can see from the list, the check engine light corresponds to a variety of parts, so it isn’t always clear immediately what the problem is. We can use our technology to quickly check the issue. 

• The vehicle’s gas cap isn’t on all the way 
• Its oxygen sensor is not functioning 
• There’s an issue with the spark plugs 
• The catalytic converter needs to be replaced 
• The mass airflow sensor is not functioning 

First steps to take when your check engine light is on 

The first thing you should do when your check engine light comes on is to check the gas cap. Of all the things that a check engine light can indicate, this is the easiest fix. Make sure it’s tight. If it is, the next thing you’ll want to note is how the check engine light is lighting up. Is it constant, flashing, or flickering? A flashing light means a serious issue, but constant or flickering lights may also need the diagnosis of a mechanic. 

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How to fix a check engine light issue 

Sometimes, a check-engine light will turn off by itself and stay off, but if yours remains on, you may need to get it checked out by a service professional. A check-engine light that pulses on and off means you should come in right away. If you don’t have experience fixing your own car, that’ll be your best option. We’d love to help you here at Carl Black Hiram. 

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