Check Engine Light

Your vehicle’s onboard computer has detected a fault in a monitored engine or emissions system. Possible causes range from an evaporative-emissions leak to ignition, fuel-delivery or sensor concerns. The stored code helps guide testing; it does not by itself prove which part needs replacement.

If the light is steady, call our service team right away to describe the symptoms and arrange diagnosis as soon as possible. A steady light alone does not establish whether your vehicle is safe to drive. If the light flashes, pull over as soon as it is safe, stop the engine and call for assistance; your vehicle may need to be towed. Shaking, overheating or a significant loss of power also calls for stopping safely rather than continuing your trip.

A flashing light with shaking can indicate an engine misfire that may damage the catalytic converter. Pull over as soon as it is safe, stop the engine and call for assistance. Your vehicle may need to be towed instead of driven to the dealership. Diagnostic testing is needed to determine the cause.

A scan retrieves trouble codes. Diagnosis uses those clues along with your symptoms, operating data and targeted tests to determine the cause. A code related to a sensor can also result from a wiring problem, leak or another operating condition; replacing the named part without testing may leave the concern unresolved.

Contact your selected service team with the year, make, model and symptoms for current diagnostic pricing. The testing required depends on the concern. Your advisor can explain the diagnostic plan and discuss recommended repairs after the cause is identified.

The time depends on the fault, whether it can be reproduced and which tests are needed. An intermittent problem may require additional observation or a road test. Tell your advisor when the light appears and whether it happens during a cold start, acceleration or another specific condition so the team can help plan your visit.

On vehicles equipped with a removable fuel cap, a loose or damaged cap can allow an evaporative-emissions leak that triggers the light. Check the cap according to your owner’s manual. Many vehicles use capless systems, and the same light can have other causes, so a persistent light still needs diagnosis.

Leave it as it is when possible. Clearing codes or disconnecting the battery can erase useful diagnostic information and reset readiness monitors without correcting the cause. Share any codes you already have and tell your advisor if the light has gone out or been cleared.