Why does the check engine light turn on when there is no problem?

A small orange engine-shaped warning light has appeared on the dashboard: this is the well-known check engine light. The priority is to understand what it means, what triggered it, and whether you can continue driving even if you don’t notice any issues.

What does the check engine light indicate?

What are the possible causes for it to appear?

What should you do if the check engine light is on but no issues are detected?

What exactly is the check engine light?

The check engine light turning on is never a good sign. It means that the onboard computer has detected an anomaly affecting the engine’s normal operation. This is a key warning indicator that should not be ignored when maintaining your vehicle.

How does the check engine light appear when it turns on?

The check engine light is one of the most recognized warning lights on a car’s dashboard, although it is not always correctly interpreted by drivers. It always signals an issue related to the engine.

The type and severity of these issues can vary, and they are often indicated by either a steady or flashing check engine light.

What does this light indicate?

The check engine light serves as a warning sign for potential problems with the emissions system, fuel injection system, or ignition system. This warning complies with European regulations on vehicle emissions and pollution control. In fact, there is a maximum pollution threshold that vehicles must not exceed.

Causes of the check engine light turning on

The most common reason for the check engine light to illuminate is a fault in the emissions system. However, the issue may also originate from other engine components:

• Exhaust system issues
• Worn-out components (e.g., the catalytic converter)
• Ignition system malfunction

The different states of the check engine light

The check engine light can illuminate in two different ways:

• Steady light: This indicates a persistent issue detected in the engine. It is often related to components involved in emissions control.
• Flashing light: This suggests a critical issue with the catalytic converter, such as overheating or damage. In such cases, you must stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive could cause permanent damage to the catalytic converter or even trigger a fire, putting the vehicle and other road users at risk.

What to do if the check engine light is on but no issues are detected?

Your actions will depend on how the engine behaves. If the check engine light is on steadily, but you do not notice any issues while driving, you may try driving the car home or directly to a repair shop.

However, if you notice the engine struggling to accelerate, making unusual noises, emitting strange smells, or producing smoke: you should pull over safely, turn off the engine, and call for roadside assistance. The same precaution applies if the check engine light is flashing.

Performing a diagnosis to identify the issue

You can diagnose the issue yourself using a diagnostic scanner. If you're handy, you might even be able to fix the issue yourself. Simply use a Klavkarr car diagnostics scanner.

The diagnostic scanner connects to your vehicle’s OBD port. With the included software for mobile or computer, it will display error codes and their causes, helping you determine why the check engine light turned on.

Fixing the issue

Once the faulty component is identified, the next step is to locate it in the engine. This can sometimes be challenging or inaccessible, in which case it is best to leave the repairs to a professional mechanic. However, the diagnosis will help you understand the problem and, with some research, estimate the cost of parts and labor required to fix the issue.

Other situations where the check engine light may turn on

That’s it for this article on the check engine light on but no issues. If you have any tips or questions, feel free to share them in the comments.

You can also share this article with your friends on social media!