Is the Check Engine Light Serious?

You're driving along and look down on at your vehicle's dashboard to see that dreaded check engine light turn on. You're hoping that it is some mistake and that it will eventually turn off on its own. However, it stays on throughout the day and doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

We understand this dreaded feeling and the uncertainty that comes along with dealing with a check engine light. You may wonder, is it serious? Can I continue driving? Let's look at some of the potential causes for why the check engine light turns on and what to do next.

There are many different reasons why your check engine light illuminates - some of the issues can be minor and others can be major. Even if you are scared of the season why the light is on, it is important to bring your vehicle into Trinity Auto Haus as soon as you can. The faster that we are able to identify the issue and fix it, the less money you'll end up spending on repairs.

Here are the top reasons why your check engine light may be on:

  • Faulty oxygen sensor
  • Loose or damaged gas cap
  • Bad catalytic converter
  • Faulty mass airflow sensor
  • Bad spark plugs

  • These are just some of the most common reasons for a check engine light. However, in order to truly understand the issue, we run computer diagnostics on your vehicle's system to pull the error code. This error code will point us in the direction of the issue and help us determine what parts need to be repaired or replaced upon further inspection.

    To answer the question of whether or not the check engine light is serious, the answer really is maybe. It could be serious, it could not be - however, the only way to really know is to bring your vehicle into Trinity Auto Haus. We will perform the tests necessary to fix the problem and get you back on the road in no time.

    Written by Trinity Auto Haus