Check engine light on, what should I do? The CHECK light is on, how to be

To warn the driver about possible problems in the engine, a bulb is installed on the instrument panel - Check Engine. It can sometimes light up or flash constantly. In most cases, the problem can be identified on your own, but if the light does not go out, then it is better to call in for a service and undergo diagnostics, which will cost you 500-1000 rubles.

So, Check Engine usually lights up at the moment the engine is started and immediately goes out. It often comes on for no apparent reason in the winter, but goes out when the engine is warm and running normally.

If the indicator lights up while driving, this does not necessarily indicate a serious breakdown, the reason may be the most banal - the gas tank cap is loose or one of the candles is malfunctioning. But it is still advisable to stop and carry out a visual inspection, check the level of oil or other working fluids, check whether the fastenings of any nodes have loosened or there is a leak from the oil pipeline.

If the light does not turn off after fixing minor problems, the cause may be anything. For example, you can disconnect the terminals from the battery and then screw them back, there may have been a wiring failure. Sometimes the sensors themselves or the computer can incorrectly process the information they receive. The best way to eliminate it is to send it to the service station and diagnose the electronics.

It is very difficult to list all the reasons. You need to understand how the car reacts to a particular problem. For example:

• if the quality of gasoline is poor, then candles, injector nozzles may suffer, scale forms on the walls of the sleeves and a lot of soot settles, not bluish smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe, but black, with traces of oil;
• if the problem is in the throttle, then problems are felt at idle, at low speeds the engine stalls on its own;
• if the battery plates crumble, the electrolyte becomes brown, the battery is quickly discharged, it is impossible to start the car;
• the starter bendix gear wears out over time, characteristic sounds are heard when the ignition key is turned;
• the fuel pump filter elements or other filters are clogged.

This list can be continued indefinitely. It is enough for an experienced auto mechanic or minder to listen to how the engine works in order to identify the problem. Therefore, if the Check Engine is on, try to identify the cause yourself or go to the service station.

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