Check Engine Light On?

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON

A flashing check engine light is typically indicative of a serious problem affecting your vehicle's ignition, fuel or emission systems. If your check engine light is on or flashing, it's time to come into your neighborhood Firestone Complete Auto Care store for a car diagnostic. Our auto service professionals will investigate the check engine code error and troubleshoot the problem. If you delay a car diagnostic or necessary engine repair, the problems and costs can quickly escalate.

When you bring your car to Firestone Complete Auto Care, our experienced Tire and Auto Service Professionals will perform on-board diagnostics and determine why your check engine light (service engine soon) is on or flashing. While it's impossible to say exactly why a check engine light is on or flashing without being able to examine the vehicle and perform a car diagnostic, possible causes of a steady or flashing check engine light can include:

• Failing oxygen sensor
• A loose gas cap
• Bad spark plug/ignition coil
• Bad spark plug wires
• A problem with your catalytic converter
• Bad mass air flow sensor
• Engine vacuum leak
• EGR valve problem
• Excessive gas consumption or release of air pollutants

STEADY VS. FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

If the check engine light is on, but steady rather than flashing, this means there is an issue, but it's not yet serious. This, however, does not mean you can afford to ignore the check engine light. An engine diagnostic is still called for to avoid expensive engine repair costs.

WHY DOES MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON WHEN I START MY CAR?

It's common for the check engine light to come on momentarily when you first start your vehicle and then go off. This is a normal sign that the car is testing its circuits.