The Check Engine Light causes alarm every time it comes on. It’s meant to create a level of panic, so you know there’s something wrong with the car. But is this warning light always serious, or are there times when you can put off having it fixed?

What Does The Check Engine Light Mean?

The Check Engine Light indicates that the vehicle’s computer has recognized a fault that needs to be repaired. Issues can range from anything minor, such as a loose gas cap, to problems that are more severe, such as a failing sensor. 

The Check Engine Light looks different in different car models. It can come in different colors, like orange, yellow, or red. It also can be a picture of an engine, or have words, such as “Check Engine,” “Service Engine Soon,” or “Check Powertrain.”

Since the 1980s, vehicles have been using an onboard diagnostics system. These systems are responsible for controlling and monitoring performance while regulating engine speed, ignition timing, and the air-fuel mixture. Today, everything is computerized, even to the point of dictating when the automatic transmission shifts.