What to Do if Your Engine Light Comes On

The dreaded check engine light – it’s stressful when it lights up, especially if it’s mid-journey. If your check engine light has come on in Theale and you’re not sure what to do, this guide will give you everything you need to know.

What is the Engine Management Light (EML) and why is it there?

Your car has an internal computer that keeps track of all the systems in your car, including the engine functionality. The engine management light (EML) – or check engine light as it’s more often called – is connected to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and so alerts you when there is any issue with this system.

Can you keep driving with the check engine light on?

If you’re driving when your engine light comes on, don’t panic. Find a safe place to pull over so you can check there isn’t a serious problem.

Most often, the engine light doesn’t mean there is an immediate problem that needs repair. Take a look under your car hood and see if there is a visible issue – if there’s smoke coming from the engine or it’s clearly overheating, it’s best to call a pick-up service for a lift to a mechanic.

If you can’t find an immediate issue and decide to keep driving, do so with caution. And even if you don’t find any issues while driving home, it’s still best to take your car for an engine diagnostic as soon as possible.

What is an engine (EML) diagnostic?

When you bring your car to us with the engine light on, we’ll go through the diagnostic error codes and read the live data from your car’s computer to pinpoint the cause of the warning light.

If we find an intermittent fault, we might be able to turn the light off and clear the error code without further issue.
However, if there is an issue which requires repair or replacement parts, we’ll talk you through the problem and show you what we’ve found.

If you decide to go ahead with repairs, we’ll be happy to give you a free no-obligation quote for the repairs.

Is your engine light on?

Whether your engine light has been on for a day, a week, or you’ve left it a month, we highly recommend bringing it in for a diagnostic check in Theale.

While we might find no immediate issue and be able to turn it off and send you on your way, there might be an issue that is making your car dangerous being on the road.

It’s always best to get these issues checked and any repairs done. Don’t stress, the check engine light usually shows minor problems that can be solved with affordable repairs.