How To Turn Off Those Pesky Lights On Your Dashboard
Seeing a check engine light on, lighting up your dashboard causes a disconcerting feeling that often overwhelms and brings up a lot of racing questions through your mind. Is there something seriously wrong with your car? Is the repair going to be expensive? Is your vehicle safe to drive? The fact of the matter is that there are a couple of steps you can take to see if the light turns off before calling on the professionals.
It is essential to know what your dash lights mean. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow to orange and red. Each dash light has a different meaning. There are lights on your dash notify you of your brakes, your lights, fuel, traction control, airbags, tires, low oil, engine temperature, check engine, and so many other things. It is a good idea to sit down with your owner’s manual and become familiar with what each dash light means on your car.
If you have a check engine light turn on, the first step to take is to pull over and see if your fuel cap is securely fastened. If you find that your fuel cap was loose, a loose gas cap will trigger your emission system into thinking there is some vapor leak. Once you secure your fuel cap, your check engine light will reset and turn back off. If you find that your fuel cap is tight, then there must be something else going on with your car. It is essential to be proactive when it comes to a check engine light as it can indicate something more serious is going on and without proper repairs could lead to serious engine problems and expensive repairs.
A check engine light indicates that your car requires some attention. Your car has sensors that will send a signal to the computer for your engine when something is not quite right. Since 1996, all vehicle manufacturers are required to have a universal adaptor on board that can plug into an OBD-II (Onboard Diagnostics Version 2) code reader. OBD-II is a scan tool that identifies code. The code offers clues as to what is going on with your car. The certified mechanics at LK’s Auto Repair are highly trained in diagnostics and will take this clue, along with any other symptoms or visual indicators, to determine what is causing your check engine light to go on.
If you are a handy DIY’er and want to try to reset the check engine light yourself, there are a few methods to try before scheduling an appointment with trained professionals. The first thing you can try, to turn off the car, then restart the engine. The second step is to disconnect your battery, wait for a few minutes then reconnect the battery. Another option is to continue to drive your car, and hope the light will reset itself. If you are unable to get the check engine light to turn off, or if the light is flashing, you will need to take your vehicle into a mechanic shop before any damages cause expensive repairs that would have been avoidable.
If you have a check engine light, turn to the professionals at LK’s Auto Repair to help diagnose what is going on with your car. Our ASE-Certified auto mechanics are highly trained to service and repair your vehicle. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly alternative, a shop that genuinely cares and is involved with our community, turn to the professionals at LK’s Auto Repair in Bremerton, WA. We are located at 5921 St Hwy 303 NE #100 Bremerton, WA 98311. Give us a call or schedule an appointment today!