Like most people out there, you are likely confused about the yellow light that pops on your car’s dashboard while driving. The next time the check engine lights do not pull your car by the roadside or call a tow truck.
This means your car has a problem and needs checking immediately. When you go to a car repair shop like Elite Campbell, the mechanic will look at the check engine light code to identify the faulty area. In no time, the car will be perfect again.
However, do not ignore that vital light because of the myths associated with it. Some of the common myths you have likely come across ae discussed below. You will also get facts that will give you knowledge on what to do when the check engine light goes on.
Check Engine Light Myths
Myth 1:
It is just the sensor, do not worry; you can replace it.
There is a most typical misconception that when the check engine light is on, there is a problem with the sensor. Most probably even which sensor needs replacement. Maybe a transmission or oxygen sensor.
Fact:
The problem could or could not be the sensor itself. The problem could be a broken wire, transmission, engine problems, or something else. The codes give you direction to identifying what exactly may be happening in the car.
The troubled code will not tell you which transmission sensor to replace.
Myth 2:
Check engine light is only for the engine.
Fact;
It is a means to tell you that something is wrong. Maybe the engine, lighting, control model, gauge, poor fuel quality, vacuum leaks, etc.
Myth 3:
Check engine is on, but the car is not faulty.
Fact;
The light is never on for no reason; it could be because you cannot see. It could also be you can see the codes but understand nothing. One rule of thumb is that anytime that light goes off, know there is a problem in your car.
Myth 4;
No need to fix the car, it will be okay.
Fact;
The check light is the only way the computer tells you there is something wrong. Once you or your mechanic identifies the cause of the lights turning on, its fixing is necessary. Check engine light problems if not fixed normally lead to expensive expenditures.
Myth 5;
Disconnect the battery, and all codes will be cleared.
Fact:
Disconnecting the battery will make the light disappear for a few minutes. This does not mean the code has cleared; after some time, you will still see it. This means the problem still exists. Although this trick may work for cars that were manufactured before 1996.
Myth 6:
You cannot drive the car.
Fact:
Check engine lights are never an emergency but an indicator that you should have the car checked as soon as possible. You can continue driving. However, if the car is bucking or stalling, you can tow it to the nearest car repair shop.
Myth 7:
Check engine light turned off on its own, everything is back to normal.
Fact:
Just because the light has gone off on its own does not mean everything is okay again. It is wise that the car is inspected. Alternatively, you can have a car mechanic online to help you diagnose the problem and reset codes.
Myth 8:
You cannot solve the problem on your own.
Fact:
Even with the slightest clue of what the codes mean, there are still a few things you can do to try to solve the problem.
You could:
- Pullover and shut off the engine in case of overheating or low oil pressure.
- Tighten the gas cap
- Reduce the speed
- Reduce the load
- Buy a scan tool to aid in diagnostic procedures. You will find therein instructions on how to decipher the codes.
Final Words
Malfunction indicator lights are more serious than you thought. If not treated with the seriousness it deserves, you will not drive that car again. You do not need to be a mechanic to figure this out, check engine light codes will point you to where the problem is. Do not believe in the myths you here concentrate on facts. Next time you see a yellow light on your dash engine, take your car for servicing soonest possible. Ignore that vital warning, and you could damage essential parts of your vehicle.
