Help! My check engine light turned on! (updated)

Anytime, not just while you are driving in the Hamilton Ontario area, flashing check engine light can be scary, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in for an enormous repair bill. Here’s how to figure out what the light means and what you should do when you see the check engine light on your car’s dashboard.

Note: You can bring your car anytime to our auto service shop in Hamilton if you are not sure how to fix the problem. Our professional licensed mechanics can help.

What does the check engine light mean?

While the check engine light can mean a serious issue with your engine, it often means a small issue that needs your attention to avoid further damage. This could include a fuel cap that has not been replaced properly, low oil pressure or a blown spark plug.

Depending on your car’s model, the light might be orange or blinking if there is a minor issue. It might be a red light or a light that keeps burning (without blinking) for more severe issues. The best is to consult your car’s owner’s manual to understand how problems are indicated or check in our auto shop facility in Hamilton.

What to do if your check engine light goes on

Once you notice the check engine light, stop at a safe place as soon as possible. Be sure to turn on your emergency indicators and set out your emergency triangle to increase visibility if you are in an area where traffic is moving around you.
If the area is safe enough for you to get out of your car, call someone close to you and let them know where you are and what’s happening before you start digging around for the problem. Grab your owner manual and check for a “FAQ” section or information on what the different lights on your dashboard could mean. If you have a newer model car, there might be a diagnostic option that you can run inside the vehicle. Start by checking if all the caps on your car are closed and tightened. Check the fuel cap. Access the engine and check if everything seems to be connected and in the right place. Look out for disconnected hoses or loose belts.

The Engine Light Turned On. What Caused It?

The engine light turned on, and you checked that the fuel cap is closed tightly. But why is my check engine light flashing despite this, you wonder? Other engine parts need to be checked and replaced if necessary, as that might be why the check engine light comes on. What else could cause the error?

• Catalytic converter
• Fuel injector
• Faulty oxygen sensors
• Faulty mass airflow sensor
• Ignition coil
• Spark plugs
• Damaged thermostat
• Evaporative emissions (EVAP) purge control valve
• Evaporative emissions (EVAP) purge solenoid.

CRS Automotive Hamilton has the advanced diagnostic equipment and training to offer a complete auto repair service if the check engine light or any other car warning light comes on.
Do you own a fleet of vehicles? Did a driver call to say the check engine light turned on? We are a full-service vehicle care facility specializing in light and medium-duty vehicles and trucks. If you don’t have the time or staff to maintain the fleet, our fleet maintenance service professionals can conduct regular fleet inspections, do tune-ups, and provide procedures for the drivers.

What Other Car Warning Lights Do You Need To Know?

Now that you know how to reset the check engine light and what might cause it, what other car warning lights do you need to know about?
Oil Pressure Warning Light
Tire Pressure Warning Light
Engine Temperature Warning Light
Traction Control Alert Light
Anti-lock Brake System Warning Light
Traction Control Malfunction Light
Engine Warning Light (Check Engine Light)
Battery Alert Light
Low Fuel Indicator Light
Automatic Shift Lock or Engine Start Indicator Light
Seat Belt Reminder Light
Airbag Warning Light
Security Indicator Light
Fog Lamp Indicator Light
Washer Fluid Indicator Light
Brake Warning Light
Lane Departure Warning Light
Transmission Temperature Warning Light

All vehicles are different, so some of these warnings might not be relevant to your car. When in doubt, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and if you are still unsure about the meaning of an illuminated light, contact CRS Automotive Hamilton for assistance.

Do Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Have An Engine Light?

Now that you know the reasons the check engine light comes on, do you wonder if electric and hybrid vehicles have the same warning light? Electric Vehicles (EV) don’t have engines, but they have what could be termed a check engine light in some models. This EV warning light features an exclamation point over a car. It could indicate an issue with the cooling system, shift control system, traction motor and inverter system, charge port, charge, or lithium-ion battery.
There are three categories of warning lights in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Red warning light. Signifies a serious problem and the car must be stopped as soon as it is safe to do so.

Amber warning light. Action required, but you don’t have to stop immediately.

Green/Blue/Black warning lights. For information only and don’t require an action.

What if you’ve checked all of these parts and the check engine light is still on? Then you might need to call roadside assistance to determine whether your car needs to be towed before you attempt to switch the engine again.
If your car shows that there is only a minor issue, you can contact CRS Automotive to book a service so we can help you determine the problem without delay. Get in touch to schedule a service at our Hamilton service center as soon as you see the check engine light.