What does the check engine light mean?

The check engine indicator is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and worrying of all indicator lights on vehicle dashboards. This is mainly because the light can go off if your car picks up on a number of symptoms, many of them related to the main engine operation, such as cylinder misfire, mixture-related problems, which may indicate an airflow or fuel issue. The check engine light can also signal ignition problems related to coils and plugs.

The check engine light is part of your car’s On-Board Diagnostic System. Your car’s performance is monitored by a computer – if something out of the ordinary is detected, the computer will illuminate the check engine light.

What should I do if the check engine light comes on?

The challenge is determining exactly what is wrong with your car. Your car needs to be checked out as soon as possible – ignoring this warning sign could not only damage expensive components of your car, but it could also result in poor gas mileage.

First step, contact MKO Auto Service for a complete evaluation and inspection. Our experienced team of mechanics has all the computerized diagnostic equipment necessary to read the trouble code from the vehicle’s onboard computer and troubleshoot the problem.

Can I still drive when the check engine list is on?

When the check engine light is illuminated, your car is trying to tell you that something is wrong. We recommend that you get it checked out as soon as possible so that you don’t cause any long term damage to your vehicle. Thanks to our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, we can quickly connect to your vehicle’s onboard computer and learn what the problem is. We can then advise you on what to do next and how we can get you on the road again.

How do you diagnose what is wrong?

All modern cars and trucks have an On Board Diagnostic (OBD) connector – it is the D-Shaped socket usually found to the left of the steering column, just below knee level. Our computers plug into this connector and communicate with the vehicle computer. We read the codes reported by the vehicle, and using our many years of experience, we can usually determine the cause of the problem and advise you what it takes to put it right.

When you’ve got qualified, honest mechanics working on your vehicle, they will be able to determine whether your car needs a minor repair (which could be as quick as tightening a loose cap) or whether you need to invest in a more extensive auto repair.

Schedule an appointment with MKO Auto Service Inc if you notice your check engine light is on. We’re based in San Jose and are here to help you to keep safe on the road and reach your destination every time. Give us a call today, or book an appointment online to have us resolve your check engine light problem.