If you've stayed up-to-date on your car's maintenance, the sudden appearance of the "check engine" light can be a little unsettling and sometimes confusing.
The check engine light, technically known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp and colloquially known as the Idiot Light, could mean anything from a serious problem, such as a failure in the fuel or engine system, to a minor problem like a loose or missing gas cap.
Auto experts say that, unfortunately, most drivers do nothing when the check engine light pops on, which can cause serious problems if left unchecked. The light can be triggered by failures in the fuel system, ignition system, evaporation system, a cylinder misfire or problems with other components associated with the vehicles' on-board computer.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaving your check engine light unchecked can waste fuel, shorten engine life and cause excessive air pollution.
"Check engine lights do not come on by accident," said Eric Remington, owner of Topline Auto Center in Naples, Fla. "The check engine light and other lights, for that matter, are installed in all vehicles to inform the driver of a problem. The computer has sensed that a problem exists and it should be checked as soon as possible."
"On many vehicles, well over a hundred different failure scenarios can arise to make the light come on," Remington said. "The technician can hook up a scanner to the vehicle's on-board computer to find the data to determine the cause of the light's illumination. (Determining) check engine light problems requires specialized equipment, training and information and should be performed by a skilled technician educated in advanced engine performance systems."
Tom Guelker, an auto technician with Big Bend Auto Center in St. Louis, said engine misfire codes are often the reason the check engine light illuminates.
"People have been neglecting emissions-related repairs until the vehicle will no longer run, or if it fails the state emissions inspection," Guelker said. "I believe in repairing a fault when it occurs. Ignoring a misfire code can result in damage to the catalytic converter, resulting in quite an expensive repair that could have been avoided."
The cost of checking why the light came on can vary greatly from one car to another and usually depends on how long the process takes for the technician, Remington said. Additional costs could come if the mechanic finds out there is a problem with the car that needs to be fixed.
"Most shops like to charge for the time they spend in any given scenario," Remington said. "I have seen shops that will charge one hour's worth of diagnostic time regardless of how much time is spent on a vehicle to determine a problem. Actual prices can vary from free to hundreds of dollars. For example, you could have a vehicle with several problems that takes quite some time to resolve all the issues. Since time is money, shops have to charge for their time. Every scenario is unique."
Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, a trusted resource for local consumer reviews on everything from home improvement to automotive repair.
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/06/03/2935568/auto-advice-from-angies-list-what.html#storylink=cpy
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