March 3, 2024
Ask just about any driver about one thing they fear seeing inside their vehicle and they'll say it's the Check Engine light coming on. You know, that little light on your instrument panel that is in the shape of a vehicle engine, often accompanied by the words Check, Check Engine, Check Engine Service, or Service Engine Soon.
There are so many different reasons that light shows up, from something as simple as a loose gas cap to a more serious problem that requires immediate attention.
The Check Engine light comes on because a component of your vehicle's onboard diagnostics system is telling you something isn't operating normally. Your vehicle has a lot of sensors built in, all tied together by computers. When the sensors are showing that things somewhere aren't functioning the way they should be, they alert the vehicle's diagnostic computers and tell you something's amiss.
The simple rule is if the Check Engine light is on steadily, it's something you should have checked soon but it's not urgent. If it's flashing or has turned red or orange instead of yellow, get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. If you don't, you may be facing some costly repairs.
Here are a few problem areas that may trigger your Check Engine Light.
As you can see, there are many things that can cause the light to come on, and when it does, it really is a good idea to find out why. When you bring your vehicle in, we have an electronic device that can read a code or multiple codes stored in your vehicle's computers. That will provide the technician with clues pointing to the cause of the trouble and helps pinpoint where that trouble is.
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Appleton
2940 E. College Ave.
Appleton, Wisconsin 54915
920-954-8500
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