Why Is The Check Engine Light On

If the check engine light comes on and remains on, it usually indicates there’s a malfunction of one of the components in your car’s emission control system. This is not an emergency, and you don’t need to stop driving. What you do need to do is have a qualified mechanic at your dealership or repair shop diagnose the problem and fix it as soon as you can. In many instances, a car with its check engine light on will not pass a state emissions test.²

A good reason to have your car’s problems fixed quickly is that, if ignored, they can cause other, sometimes more expensive, problems for you down the road.³ Five of the most common repairs indicated by the check engine light include:

• Replacing the oxygen sensor

• Replacing the catalytic converter

• Replacing faulty ignition coil(s) and spark plugs

• Tightening a loose fuel cap

• Replacing the thermostat

If the check engine light is blinking or has turned red, your car may have a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. In this case, you should slow the car down, find a safe place to pull over and shut off the engine. Have your vehicle towed to your trusted repair facility for a diagnosis and repair. Continuing to drive your car with a blinking check engine light on could cause more damage and cost you more to repair.⁴

Not sure what type of towing to get? Learn more here.

While it might seem that service engine soon is a close cousin of check engine light, the two are unrelated. Service engine soon means your car is due for an oil change or other routine maintenance. Conversely, the check engine light indicates that your car has a problem that needs attention.⁵

A faulty or undercharged auto battery can also turn the check engine light on because of low voltage going to your car’s computer.⁶

Wondering what some of your other dashboard lights mean? Find out more here.

No matter what the underlying cause is, you won't know why your car's check engine light is on for sure until you talk to a professional. Vehicle repairs don’t have to slow you down. The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card is there to help you finance all your automotive expenses - planned and unplanned – for your car, truck or RV. Find out more here .