If your check engine light is on, it can be for a variety of reasons. The most common reason for a check engine light to be on when the car is off is a bad gas cap. If you have recently put gas in your car, make sure that you replaced the cap correctly and securely.
Another common cause of this problem is a malfunctioning fuel pump. If this is the case, you will need to have your vehicle towed to a mechanic so they can diagnose the problem and repair it.
What are the different types of check engine lights?
Service Engine Soon. This light typically indicates that your vehicle needs service soon, but not immediately. It may be due to a problem with the engine or emissions system, or it could be something like a loose gas cap.
Service Engine Soon. This is similar to the Service Engine Soon light, but with more serious implications it means that your engine is definitely not working properly and needs immediate attention.
You should stop driving immediately and take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible if this light comes on. Check Engine. This light signifies that there’s an issue with one of your car’s systems or parts and it needs immediate attention from a mechanic.
How can you tell if your car’s check engine light is serious or not?
If you’re wondering how to tell if your car’s check engine light is serious or not, there are a few things to look for. Most importantly, you should check the color of the light. If it’s orange or yellow, that means everything is normal and nothing serious is wrong with your car.
If it’s red or blinking, that means there is a problem with one of your engine components and that you should take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Make sure the battery is charged
If you’ve got a check engine light on when your car is off, it’s likely that your battery is low. If you’ve been driving with the lights on or running any electronics, this could be what’s draining your battery.
The first thing to do is check your battery to make sure it has enough juice for starting purposes. Make sure your alternator is charging properly and that nothing else has gone bad.
Check the fuses for any blown fuses
Check the fuses for any blown fuses. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same rating. Check that all fuses are securely in their slots and not short-circuiting against other metal surfaces inside your engine compartment.
If you don’t find a blown fuse, or if the check engine light remains on after replacing any blown fuses, you may need to check your wiring harness for loose connections or damaged wires.
Clean the battery terminals and check for corrosion
If your check engine light comes on when the car is off, it could be caused by corrosion at the battery terminals. This can happen if you’ve left your car sitting for a while and there’s been rain or snow.
To fix this issue, clean the battery terminals using a wire brush to remove any rust or corrosion. If there are still problems, it may be time to replace the battery.
Conclusion
The check engine light is a useful tool that can help you understand what’s wrong with your car. It comes on for a reason, and it’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Make sure you get a professional diagnosis from a mechanic and don’t ignore the check engine light until it goes off.
