Check Engine Light Meaning

A check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp mil is a tell tale that a computerized engine management system uses to indicate a malfunction.

Check engine light meaning.

Since the 1980s many vehicles have been built to be run by the engine computer unit ecu which controls vehicle s drivetrain and auxiliary systems based on input from the vehicle s sensors this computer will make adjustments to your vehicle s performance to keep your ride running smoothly. A blinking light or in some cars a red light instead of a yellow or orange. It should never be ignored. The check engine light is an irritation for many drivers but it gives you essential information about your car and shouldn t be ignored.

A steady light means there s no immediate cause for alarm but you should still get it checked out. This light is the centerpiece of your vehicle s on board diagnostics system obd. Head to an auto parts store and have them run a diagnostic to find the cause of the check. If the check engine light illuminates it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated depending on the problem.

The first thing you should do if the check engine light is flashing or is constant on your dashboard is to read the trouble code memory. The orange check engine light is a car s way of telling you something is wrong.