What Does Check Engine Light Usually Mean

If the check engine light illuminates it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated depending on the problem.

What does check engine light usually mean.

There are a number of issues that can make the check engine light come on. If your check engine light is illuminated it s best to take it in for diagnostic testing which can feel like a hassle. When your car s check engine light illuminates your dashboard it s usually accompanied by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Cars com the check engine light on the dashboard is a warning that many vehicle owners dread.

The engine control unit or ecu is the unit that monitors the components of the car to detect any problems. Basically a check engine light is a device which indicates that the onboard diagnostics obd of a car s computer has detected a problem in the car. There s a problem with the car s emissions system. A blinking light or in some cars a red light instead of a yellow or orange.

The check engine light is a signal that the onboard diagnostics system or obd ii has detected a. The check engine light provides an idea sometimes precise sometimes vague of what s wrong with a car. The check engine light will either blink or remain constant depending on the issue. The light could be a minor issue such as a faulty gas cap.

Exhaust emissions issues battery issues or other engine related issues can all be causes. A steady light means there s no immediate cause. According to consumer reports blinking could indicate an emergency. Because while the lights vary in appearance from vehicle to vehicle all have the same basic meaning.

If the light is blinking pull over turn the car off and call for assistance. The check engine light also known as the malfunction indicator lamp is a signal from the engine control unit ecu which indicates that there is a fault with the engine system.