[jason]

The check engine light on your car is like a pop up window on your computer telling you something is amiss. Although seeing that light come on can be a very uncomfortable feeling, it is not necessarily something major you will have to deal with. The check engine light comes on for many, many reasons. The severity of the problem can range from a heat sensor, to a major engine or transmission problem. The only way to find out for sure what kind of a problem your car is experiencing is to have it checked. Car repair shops charge a minimum of an hour’s labor for this service. You can, however take it into an auto parts store and have it done for free! Note that just because you have them do it, doesn’t mean you have to heed their advice or recommendations, but at least you will have an idea of what the problem is. The person performing the scan will be a technician, so will not fully be qualified to give you any real advice.

Disconnecting the battery is one way of clearing the check engine light, but it is not recommended. This only stops the light from coming on temporarily, and does not solve the problem, unless of course the problem was air in the sensor. One option is to ask your service center to reset the check engine light with a “check engine light code reader.” Some service centers will protest, saying you need a diagnosis, however, if you are polite, and assure them that if the light comes on again, you will bring it in for full diagnostics; they will often do it for you. If they will not do this for you, try another service station, or take advantage of the free service offered by NAPA and other car parts stores.

Having the check engine light appears and having it checked does not always give a clear answer. If we are lucky, it pinpoints the exact problem, other times, it gives an indication of where the problem is and a full diagnostics check is in order. If you notice the check engine light coming on suddenly, it does not necessarily mean you must stop driving the car. If the car seems to be running fine, and you are experiencing no problems other than the light, then you are probably fine until you get it diagnosed. If you are having problems with the car in any way, it is best to have it checked immediately for safety reasons, as well as to avoid even bigger repair costs.

The check engine light can activate not only from a major engine problem, but also something as simple as a software problem. Again, the only way to know for sure is to have it checked out. The good news is; normally, it is nothing major and will be simple to correct or reset the check engine light. It’s there for a reason, however, so get it checked out.