Check engine light
The engine computer found a fault in the engine, fuel, ignition or emissions system and stored a trouble code. A steady light means a fault that needs checking soon. A flashing light means the engine is misfiring badly right now.
Check soon Color: Amber / yellow
Is it safe to drive?
Usually yes, carefully and for a short distance, but have it checked soon.
Also called: Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), engine light.
What to do
- Check that the gas cap is tight: a loose cap can turn the light on.
- If the light flashes, slow down, avoid hard acceleration and have the car checked the same day: raw fuel can overheat the catalytic converter.
- Read the code with an OBD-II scanner (many auto parts stores do it for free) and look it up.
- Do not just clear the code: if the fault is still there, the light comes back.
Symbols and their meaning can differ a little by make and model. Your owner's manual is the final word for your car.
Trouble codes often stored with this light
A scanner can read these codes. Each one points to a different cause:
Questions about the check engine light
What does the check engine light mean?
The engine computer found a fault in the engine, fuel, ignition or emissions system and stored a trouble code. A steady light means a fault that needs checking soon. A flashing light means the engine is misfiring badly right now.
Is it safe to drive with the check engine light on?
Usually yes, carefully and for a short distance, but have it checked soon.
Does the check engine light look the same in every car?
Most makers use a similar symbol, but the drawing and the color can differ a little. Your owner's manual shows the exact symbol for your car.