Reading Your Check Engine Light
The check engine light is one of the most essential components of your car’s warning system, which is why it is tremendously important to learn as much as you can about it in order to ensure the safe operation of your car. That being said, it is alarming how many people neglect this basic aspect of car ownership. With the help of this article, you will hopefully be equipped with the basic knowledge needed to decipher the inner workings of your check engine light.
As most long time car owners know, a check engine light that lights up yellow or amber is not usually a sign of a serious problem. In such cases, you should be able to drive your car safely to a repair shop in order to have a more thorough diagnosis performed.
A red check engine light is another matter entirely however, and should be treated as a sign of a serious problem. When this happens, you should get your vehicle off the road as soon as possible, in the safest way possible. This is a particularly important concern, as you certainly don’t want to get into an accident as you are getting your car to safety. With the already serious issues you have to deal with upon seeing the red check engine light, the last thing you need is to get into an accident!
Most yellow check engine light warnings result from a problem with the electrical components of your car engine. This will cause the system to send a warning signal to the power train control module or PCM, and this is manifested as an amber check engine light. Most of these warnings occur as a result of a malfunction in an emissions component, and you may not even be aware that there is anything wrong with your car.
Of course an amber check engine light is still a serious issue to deal with, and it will still require immediate attention. Failing to get your car checked out as soon as possible may result in more serious engine or transmission related problem that will be a lot more expensive to repair.
A more serious problem is when you see a red check engine light. Often a sign that the oil pressure of your car’s engine is falling to dangerous levels, it may also be caused by an abnormal rise in the temperature of the engine’s coolant. In either case, you may be looking at a problem that can be quite costly to rectify.