Diagnose Your Car's Problem

Email This email    Print
Back

Tell Me More
This light is also known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp and may be seen on the dash as 'Check Engine', 'Service Engine Soon' or an icon in the shape of an engine. In the early years of Check Engine lights, a few carmakers set up the lights to go on once the car hit a certain mileage, so if you have an older vehicle keep this in mind. In 1996, all carmakers were forced to conform to a standardized format for storage and retrieval of DTCs.

Print

Recommendation:

This light generally indicates an engine or electrical problem has been detected. If the light has come on in your car it is best to take it to the dealer or a trusted independent mechanic shop and have the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) retrieved from the car's computer. These will indicate why the light has been activated.

What Next?

Take your vehicle to a shop and explain to the mechanic exactly what you learned here. Take this report with you: Print report

Save Money on This Repair:

Enter your ZIP Code to find coupons in your area
ZIP Code:
 

Next Steps

By using the DriverSide Diagnostic Tool, you agree to the Terms of Use.