Whether you’re heading to the beach, running errands, or planning a road trip, seeing your check engine light turn on can quickly disrupt your plans. While it doesn’t always mean an immediate emergency, the check engine light is your vehicle’s way of alerting you that something may be affecting engine performance or emissions.

When a check engine light comes on, it’s important to have the issue checked by a certified repair shop or ASE Certified mechanic as soon as possible. Understanding why the check engine light appears, what it could indicate, and how to respond can help you avoid more serious damage and costly repairs during summer driving and throughout the year.

What Is a Check Engine Light?

The check engine light is a dashboard light that illuminates to notify you when there is a problem affecting, or that could affect, your vehicle’s engine. However, don’t be alarmed if you see your check engine light on when you start up your vehicle, as this is just a test to show you that it works. But, while you should be used to seeing the check engine light on when first getting into your vehicle, seeing it when driving is another story, as this is a sign that there’s an issue with your car’s engine or another critical component.

A diagnostic trouble code, or DTC, is generated when your check engine light comes on while driving. This code will then be stored in your car’s computer and used by a mechanic, dealership, or local auto repair shop via a code reader to determine what is wrong with your vehicle. This will help you to quickly diagnose what could be causing your check engine light to come on and allow you to fix your vehicle sooner.

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

When your check engine light comes on, it can be a little frightening, as you may not know what is wrong with your car. But, while your car’s engine is a complex piece of machinery, a check engine light is often accompanied by other noticeable symptoms, giving you a clue as to what could be wrong with your vehicle.

Here are some of the most common reasons your check engine light is turning on:

Engine Issues

While obvious, it’s impossible to talk about a check engine light without engine issues. From an engine misfire to a problem with your accessory drive, engine issues will usually trigger a check engine light.

Transmission Problems

Since your transmission will affect your engine speed and your vehicle’s drive wheels, issues with it can cause your check engine light to come on.

Emissions Equipment Problems

With the advancement of emissions systems on modern vehicles, the list of related components has gotten longer and longer. Since these components affect how your engine operates, they can cause your check engine light to turn on once they malfunction. Be cautious, too, as any issues with your vehicle’s emissions system, exhaust system, or even a damaged (and especially a missing) catalytic converter can all cause your vehicle to fail your next emissions test.

Modules & Sensors Problems

Just like your emissions system, the other systems responsible for keeping your car running its best are full of modules and sensors. These electronics can deteriorate and malfunction over time, causing a check engine light to come on. In most instances, a sensor failure will also trigger other warning lights, such as a low coolant temperature light or the battery warning light.

Air/Fuel Delivery Problems

Your engine needs the correct air/fuel mixture to run efficiently. When this mixture is not perfect, you can experience drivability issues such as rough idle, sputtering, and a check engine light. This can be caused by not getting the right amount of air due to a dirty engine air filter, a clogged fuel filter, or even a loose gas cap.

Ignition System Problems

When you have a bad spark plug, a malfunctioning coil pack, or an issue with your ignition system, your check engine light turns on.

What Happens If My Check Engine Light Goes On?

As a vehicle’s engine is arguably one of the most vital parts of it, it’s absolutely crucial to take any potential issues seriously to help you avoid any costly repairs or dangerous breakdowns. So seeing your check engine light means you should be looking to give it immediate attention to avoid any serious problems, especially if it is an issue where your engine is overheating or you smell (or see) smoke.

But, while a mechanic can help you diagnose your car’s engine, dealing with repairs can be trickier. Without the help of an active factory warranty, you’d be left paying for any engine repairs on your own. So if you’ve recently purchased a used vehicle or you’ve had yours for years, chances are you’re no longer covered. And since most automakers may not let you purchase an extended warranty directly from them unless your factory coverage is active, you’d be left paying for some potentially costly repairs on your own.

For example, here are some possible engine repairs you could face when your car’s check engine light comes on:

Toyota Corolla Engine Issues

Toyota vehicles are known for their reliability, but even the most reliable cars have their issues from time to time. Below are some of the most common issues found on Toyota Corollas that cause check engine lights to turn on:

Land Rover Range Rover Engine Issues

As one of the biggest names in the car industry, Range Rovers are a highly sought-after SUV. But with luxury vehicles come luxury retail prices and luxury-priced repair costs. Below are some of the most common issues found on Range Rovers that cause check engine lights to turn on:

Chevrolet Tahoe Engine Issues

The Tahoe is one of Chevrolet’s most popular SUVs. While the Tahoe sported a very reliable 5.3L engine, it was plagued by a few common issues. Below are some of the most common issues found on the Chevrolet Tahoe that cause the check engine light to turn on:

Protect Your Car’s Engine, Transmission & More with Endurance

When a check engine light appears on your dashboard, it is vital to take care of it as soon as you can. But no matter if you own a new or used vehicle, you can rest easy when it comes to your car’s check engine light with the help of an Endurance auto protection plan.

Each Endurance plan can give your car’s engine, transmission, and more that you’re looking for without worrying about expensive auto repair bills. And, as a bonus, you’ll be able to get help taking your vehicle to your local certified repair shop or ASE Certified mechanic of choice, as every Endurance plan automatically comes with 24/7 roadside assistance and towing. You’ll even get trip interruption coverage and rental car reimbursements to help you if you experience a breakdown when away from home.

The Advantage plan can also help you protect your vehicle and save up to $3,500 on essential maintenance, including tire rotations, alignment checks, and even engine diagnostics. Not only that, but each Advantage plan also comes with special, one-time services, like cooling system maintenance or a battery replacement, to give you even more coverage and savings.

Every customer will also have access to the Endurance Customer Portal and the opportunity to unlock a full year’s worth of Elite Benefits, including up to two tire repairs/replacements, key fob replacements, and much more. Just purchase the Endurance protection plan that fits your needs and budget, and activate your year’s worth of extra perks and savings.

Request a free, no-obligation quote or give a member of our team a call directly at (800) 253-8203 to learn more about how Endurance can help you. And don’t forget that you can find even more answers to your automotive FAQs, expert auto tips, vehicle comparisons, buying guides, and more by visiting the Endurance blog.