Check Engine Light Meaning

Found on the instrument panel of most automobiles it usually bears the legend engine check engine service engine soon maintenance required emmiss maint or a pictogram of an engine and when illuminated it is typically an amber or red color.

Check engine light meaning.

When the engine light is lit up and the engine control unit recognizes a problem with the engine the engine control unit will store a trouble code in the memory. The orange check engine light is a car s way of telling you something is wrong. A check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp mil is a tell tale that a computerized engine management system uses to indicate a malfunction. The first thing you should do if the check engine light is flashing or is constant on your dashboard is to read the trouble code memory.

Here are the 10 most common issues that trigger it. Head to an auto parts store and have them run a diagnostic to find the cause of the check. The check engine light is an irritation for many drivers but it gives you essential information about your car and shouldn t be ignored. A steady light means there s no immediate cause for alarm but you should still get it checked out.

Since the 1980s many vehicles have been built to be run by the engine computer unit ecu which controls vehicle s drivetrain and auxiliary systems based on input from the vehicle s sensors this computer will make adjustments to your vehicle s performance to keep your ride running smoothly. This light is the centerpiece of your vehicle s on board diagnostics system obd.