Check engine lights come in yellow, orange, or amber, depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Some automakers use “service engine soon” instead of “check engine.” On the gauge cluster, you may also have a “service required” light, not to be confused with the check engine light. The service required light means your car is due for an oil change or other routine maintenance. It is not the indicator of an engine malfunction. If your check engine light begins flashing, you have a more serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter, than if the light is steady. Reasons your check engine light may be on include:
As you can see, the reasons your check engine light may be on range from very minor (loose gas cap) to potentially expensive auto repairs (bad catalytic converter). That’s why it’s so important to seek out an honest, reputable, and knowledgeable mechanic for a check engine light diagnostic. Imagine spending a grand or more on a new catalytic converter when all you needed was a new gas cap or new spark plug wires.