Check Engine Light Is On

A solid check engine light is informational. A flashing light is urgent — pull over.

Severity: Medium

What to Do Right Now

Get the codes read at any auto parts store (free) or with an OBD2 scanner. Use our OBD2 lookup for code-specific guidance.

Common Causes

  1. Loose or bad gas cap: Surprisingly common. Tighten the cap until it clicks; the light may take a few drives to clear. Shop fuel cap
  2. Faulty oxygen sensor: O2 sensors monitor exhaust composition. They wear out around 100,000 miles and trigger codes like P0131-P0167. Shop oxygen sensor
  3. Misfiring spark plugs or coils: Misfire codes (P0300-P0308) are usually plugs, coils, or fuel injectors. Shop spark plugs
  4. Failing catalytic converter: P0420/P0430 codes often point to catalytic converter efficiency. These are expensive to replace. Shop catalytic converter
  5. Mass airflow sensor: A dirty MAF sensor causes hesitation and codes like P0101. Shop mass airflow sensor