Get this deal! Call now.
Speak with a vehicle protection plan specialist and get $300 off any new contract instantly.
Call 866-678-4172
or scan the code below

Few things fill a driver with dread quite like a dashboard light, and the check engine light, in particular, is a major worry. Even if you follow your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance routine to the letter, you’ll still run into problems from time to time. And in some unfortunate cases, you might even find the check engine light on right after you’ve taken your vehicle for a service.
If this sounds like you, don’t panic just yet. Here, we’ll go over steps you can take to diagnose your check engine light and find a certified mechanic who can fix things. We’ll also review how to protect yourself financially with an extended auto warranty if and when unexpected repairs come up.
Before we deep dive into the check engine light, it’s worth familiarizing ourselves with the other dashboard lights and why they might crop up. Including the check engine light, there are 13 common dashboard lights in total:
You might be surprised to see the check engine light rear its head after an auto service, but it isn’t unheard of.
Generally, the check engine light appears not for a single reason but for a few common causes that are happening simultaneously. Typical explanations include:
If you had a repair carried out because your check engine light was showing and it’s still there after leaving the auto shop, try not to worry too much at first. The car’s internal computer only resets after a set period, during which it checks all of its sensors once again. This can take up to 20 cycles (with a cycle happening when you turn off the car and switch it back on), or 50-100 miles of driving.
The obvious thing to do would be to head to a trusted auto shop and have a professional take a look, but you may want to attempt to diagnose the problem yourself first. It could be a relatively quick fix, or it could be the kind of problem that risks doing greater damage to your car’s inner workings if you drive any further.
By getting your hands on an OBD2 scanner, you can connect directly to your car’s computer and get to the bottom of the issue. You can generally borrow or buy these scanners or code readers from your local auto parts store. The device connects to your vehicle’s computer and will present you with a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that tells you which component(s) are faulty and what might be wrong with them. If you aren’t familiar with error codes, reference lists can be easily found on websites like Kelly Blue Book (KBB).
When the problem is so severe that it isn’t sensible to drive anywhere, give roadside assistance a call and have your vehicle towed to a mechanic instead. You don’t want to risk an even more expensive repair bill or voiding any warranties that might be in place.
While it can be tempting to go to the cheapest mechanic possible — or maybe even try some DIY repair work — it really isn’t recommended. If an auto mechanic isn’t certified, they aren’t recognized as having the skills or qualifications to carry out the work to an acceptable standard, which can cause all sorts of problems later down the line.
For example, if your car’s engine repair isn’t completed properly, you could be back to square one before you know it. And there’s a slim chance the mechanic will be willing to make good without requiring further payment. Sketchy work can also cause damage to surrounding components, so while you may have saved some money on the initial repair, you’ll pay the rest and then some to fix these additional problems.
If you have an extended auto warranty in place, your provider will only cover repairs carried out by an authorized dealership or certified repair shop — so non-certified work will have to be paid for out of pocket. On top of that, any components damaged by non-certified work will no longer be eligible for coverage. Some providers will void your contract altogether.
It can be hard to find a repair shop you trust, so Endurance has teamed up with RepairPal to give you access to the RepairPal Network. Using our online tool, you can search for certified auto repair shops and mechanics near you. Just enter your zip code, vehicle make, and when you’ll be available to see the best matches in your area. To help you choose, each shop has a star rating based on real customer reviews, so take a look and select the one that best suits your needs.
Best of all, every auto shop in the network is approved to carry out repairs covered by extended warranties and vehicle service contracts (after authorization from your provider). So wherever you are in the country, when a breakdown occurs, there’s someone close by who can help you out.
It goes without saying that a vehicle’s engine is one of its most crucial components and one of the most expensive to repair. Thankfully, though, it’s also part of the powertrain, which is covered at all levels of Endurance Warranty plans, depending on your individual contract. As America’s Best Vehicle Protection Plan Provider, you can drive with confidence, knowing that should the worst happen, you can count on us to have your back.
Pick our Secure Plus plan, and you’ll have a wide range of mechanical issues covered. Upgrade to our popular Supreme plan for the most comprehensive protection available. If a check engine issue is included in your contract, all you need to do is visit a certified auto shop and let them know you have an Endurance contract, and we’ll take care of the rest. Unless your plan has a deductible, your wallet never needs to leave your pocket.
Along with top-quality component coverage, we also offer some of the best standard benefits of any auto protection provider. All Endurance plans come with 24/7 roadside assistance (including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption coverage. In addition, you can activate a year’s worth of our Elite Benefits package, which includes up to four tire repairs or replacements annually, key fob replacement, up to $500 in collision discounts, and up to $1,000 in total loss protection.*
If you’re interested in extended auto coverage and want to learn more about Endurance, call our award-winning team of advisors at (800) 253-8203. You can also request a FREE quote online or shop our eStore to check out plan options and see pricing at a glance.
We also have an extended warranty blog where you can find plenty of helpful articles on seasonal car issues, preventative maintenance, and more.
Your protection is our top priority. Your quote is in progress and you will
receive a confirmation
email shortly.
We're here to make sure you get the most comprehensive EV protection. That's why we've partnered with Xcelerate Auto to offer you transparent and dependable Tesla coverage.
Want us to contact you about XCare coverage for your Tesla?
Call for $300 off any new plan!
By clicking the button, you consent to Endurance using automated technology to call, email, and text you using the contact info above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding auto protection or, in California, mechanical breakdown insurance. You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can withdraw consent at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
Speak with a vehicle protection plan specialist and get $300 off any new contract instantly.
Call 866-678-4172
or scan the code below
Simply fill out the information below and we will follow up fast with your free no-obligation quote.
By clicking the button, you consent to Endurance using automated technology to call, email, and text you using the contact info above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding auto protection or, in California, mechanical breakdown insurance. You also agree to the Endurance Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Consent is not a condition of purchase, and you can withdraw consent at any time. Message and data rates may apply.
To speak to a vehicle protection plan specialist and save $300
Scan the code below
Chris has been covering the automotive industry and topics ranging from road trips to driverless car technology for around 10 years. His own preference is for retro 4x4s that will stand up to a muddy field in the country.