A car’s onboard diagnostics system (OBD system) warns the driver about any system malfunctioning through warning lights. The ‘check engine light’ alerts the driver about an internal mechanical or electrical issue that needs to fix. It is advised never to drive with a warning light on – but the question is whether you can drive with the check engine light on or not.
In this guide, we will discuss how the check engine light works, the causes of its trigger and the associated risks of driving with it.
How does Check Engine Light Work?
A check engine light is one of the many warning lights on the dashboard. However, it is not always easy to decipher what it means when a check engine light is on. When the check engine light is blinking while driving, it can indicate a multitude of electrical or mechanical issues with the car. A diagnostic scan is the best way to identify the root cause of a flashing check engine light.
The colour of the check engine light varies among cars. However, it is either amber, yellow, or orange. The check engine light when blinking indicates a serious internal problem, while a steady illumination indicates unfixed issues.
What Would Make a Check Engine Light Go On?
The reason behind a flashing check engine light can vary from minor problems, such as a loose gas cap, to severe ones, like an overheated engine. The common causes that would make a check engine light go on are enlisted below.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor – There are various types of oxygen sensors with a common function of maintaining the oxygen level in the combustion chamber. A faulty oxygen sensor can disrupt the healthy air and fuel ratio.
- Faulty Fuel Cap / Gas Cap – A vapour leak can usually occur due to a cracked, loose, or faulty gas cap/fuel cap.
- Faulty Catalytic Converter – A faulty catalytic converter consumes more fuel, decreases car performance, and emits black smoke from exhaust pipes.
- Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor – A faulty MAF sensor can result in poor car performance, rough engine idling, and a decrease in fuel economy. However, you can continue to drive with the check engine light on if a faulty MAF sensor is the root cause.
- Bad Spark Plugs – Spark plugs tend to wear out over time and can be a reason why the check engine light comes on and off. Bad spark plugs must be replaced on priority.
- Faulty Ignition Coil – The check engine light comes on if the ignition coil burns or shortens. Engine misfires, hard car starts, loss of power, and rough idle are a few symptoms of a bad ignition coil.
To get the above-mentioned car issues fixed, you should consult an automotive professional.
Associated Risks of Driving with the Check Engine Light On
Sometimes minor car repairs such as tightening the gas or fuel cap can turn off the check engine light. These issues can be fixed instantly. Sometimes the light is on without any reason or even after a fix. In such cases, you need to get the light fixed or reset.
However, when working properly, the check engine light is an indicator of a serious car issue, that needs to be addressed immediately.
Many safety risks are associated when you drive with the check engine light on. Therefore, continuous driving with these warning lights on can worsen the car’s damage and increase the repair bill.
A flashing check engine light can indicate a misfire due to serious damage to the catalytic converter. If this component gets overheated, a fire hazard can escalate causing significant damage. A flashing light usually means the problem needs to be fixed as soon as possible and therefore, you should try not to drive while the light is flashing.
Since it is difficult to decipher the issue behind a triggered check engine light, your priority should be to get the car diagnosed by an expert.
FAQs
How to turn off the check engine light?
If the check engine light is on or flashing despite the repair, it can be turned off by resetting it. To reset the check engine light, you can either continue driving and let it go off itself, turn on and off the car ignition thrice or restart the car fuse. Moreover, you can also reset the check engine using tools like an OBD car scanner.
How long can you drive with the check engine light on?
It is recommended to stop the car safely at a corner and call for expert help immediately when the check engine light comes on. However, based on the urgency level you can decide whether to continue driving or not.
A flashing check engine light indicates an emergency, continuing to drive in such a case can cause irreversible damage. Whereas, you may continue to drive with a steady check engine light only if the car’s essential systems like the brakes and lights are operational.
The check engine light can pop up on the dashboard, not at the best of times. It can be very tempting to ignore the warning indication and brush off the possibility of an urgent repair. However, your car’s warning lights are there for a reason to ensure your safety, therefore, they must never be ignored.
Towing your car to a repair shop is the safest bet once the check engine light goes on. Whereas, to enhance the lifespan of your car parts, you should keep track of your car maintenance schedule.
In case, the check engine light persists to stay on then it can indicate some irreparable damage prompting you to replace your car. You can check out these popular used cars for sale in the UAE and choose the one that suits your needs.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blogs for more information on various automotive parts and accessories.
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