A troubleshooting guide for when the check engine light comes on.
A troubleshooting guide for when the check engine light comes on.
Posted on May 19, 2025
A Troubleshooting Guide for When the Check Engine Light Comes On
It’s one of those moments every driver dreads, you're cruising through Scarborough and suddenly that little amber icon lights up on your dashboard: the check engine light. But don’t panic! While it can indicate something serious, many times the issue is minor and fixable. This guide will walk you through some common reasons your check engine light might come on and what to do about it.
Common Reasons the Light Comes On
Your vehicle’s check engine light is part of its onboard diagnostics system. When it comes on, it means the car's computer has picked up on something out of the ordinary. There are quite a few reasons your check engine light might suddenly pop on, but some are more common than others.
One of the simplest issues could be a loose or damaged gas cap—it’s easy to forget, but if it’s not sealed properly, it can mess with your vehicle’s emissions system. Sometimes it’s something a bit more mechanical, like worn-out spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil, which can cause misfires or sluggish performance.
A failing oxygen sensor is another frequent trigger, it helps manage your air-fuel mix, and if it’s off, your fuel economy might suffer. Then there’s the catalytic converter, which reduces harmful emissions; if it’s on its way out, your check engine light won’t ignore it.
Other times, the issue might lie with your mass airflow sensor, which keeps tabs on how much air your engine is getting. Even bad fuel or debris in the tank can confuse your car’s system enough to switch that light on. No matter what, it’s always best to get it checked before the problem worsens.
Flashing vs. Solid: What It Means
If your check engine light is solid, the issue may not be urgent,but it’s still a good idea to have it checked soon. On the other hand, if the light is flashing, that typically signals a serious problem, like an active misfire, which could damage your engine if you keep driving. In that case, it’s best to pull over safely and contact a technician right away.
Don’t Ignore It
Even if your car seems to be running fine, it’s never a good idea to ignore a check engine light. What starts as a minor issue—like a sensor failure—can snowball into a costly repair if left unchecked. Plus, ignoring the light can affect your fuel efficiency, emissions, and overall engine health.
Before jumping to conclusions, check your gas cap. Make sure it’s on tight and clicks into place. If it was loose, your check engine light may go off after a few drives. This is something you cannot afford to ignore. It is better to solve the underlying issue now than to pay up a huge chunk of money later.
Use a Code Scanner, Or Let Us Do It for You
Many auto parts stores offer free code scanning, and some drivers keep an OBD-II scanner handy at home. These tools plug into your car’s diagnostic port and can tell you what error code caused the light to come on. That said, not everyone has one, and that’s where we come in.At Rouge Valley Mitsubishi, our certified technicians can quickly scan your vehicle, explain what’s going on, and help you decide the next steps.
Visit Rouge Valley Mitsubishi in Scarborough
The engine light means more than you think, and it is never safe to ignore it. You will most probably need a qualified technician to diagnose and solve the hidden issues. So the next time your check engine light just comes on, stop by Rouge Valley Mitsubishi in Scarborough, ON, if you are nearby. Our factory-trained technicians are here to help you get back on the road safely. We’ll diagnose the problem quickly and explain everything in plain language, no guesswork, no pressure. Your peace of mind is just a visit away.