Imagine you’re driving your Toyota down Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena and suddenly a warning light illuminates on your dash, the “Check Engine Light”. If you’re like most Toyota owners, you have no idea about what that light means or what exactly should you do. Some Call it the most misunderstood indicator on your dashboard. This is due to the fact that the “check engine light” can mean a variety of issues, from a loose gas cap to something more serious like a misfiring engine. The “check engine light” is part of your car’s so-called onboard diagnostics (OBD) system. When your OBD finds a problem in the electronic-control system that it can’t correct, the computer turns on a yellow warning indicator that’s labeled “check engine,” “service engine soon” or “check powertrain.” Or the light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, known as the International Check Engine Light Symbol, perhaps with the word “Check.” In addition to turning on the light, the computer stores a “trouble code” in its memory that identifies the source of the problem, such as a malfunctioning sensor or a misfiring engine. If you bring your vehicle in to Certified Auto Repair Specialist we have all the latest equipment to read the code with an electronic scan tool or our diagnostic computer.
If your Toyota’s check engine light does come on look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. These conditions mean you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can find a safe place to do so. On some cars, a yellow “check engine” means investigate the problem, while a red “check engine” means stop right now. You can also try tightening your gas cap. This often solves the problem. Keep in mind that it may take several trips before the light resets or stop into Certified Auto Repair Specialist and we can reset it for you. Some vehicles have a separate indicator that warns of a loose gas cap before the condition sets off the “check engine” light.
Another good tip to know is don’t go for a state emissions test if your Check engine light is on. In older Toyota vehicles, an illuminated “check engine” light probably is a sure sign your car will fail the test, even if the problem was nothing more than the previously mentioned loose gas cap.
If your Toyota vehicle’s Check Engine Light came on and would like to get it diagnosed stop by, call or contact our certified mechanics at Certified Auto Repair Specialist in Pasadena to schedule an appointment today! Remember to always buckle up and drive safe.