Check Engine Light

Why is my check engine light on?

Having your check engine light turn on is never a good feeling. One of the most stressful things about the check engine light turning on is not knowing just how bad the problem is. The light will turn on when the car's computer indicates that something is wrong. The spectrum of issues can range from the relatively minor, such as a faulty gas cap, to more significant issues like a misfiring engine or faulty oxygen sensors. Whatever the reason, you should have this problem investigated as soon as possible. Check engine light repair in the Bay Area has never been easier, thanks to our expert Cadillac service techs. Our team is ready to diagnose your check engine light issue, so when you're ready, you can schedule a service visit using the button below and we will can the problem. The rest of this page will go into more detail on the possible causes of a check engine light.

What could cause your check engine light to turn on?

There are many issues that could cause your check engine light to turn on. The engine light is an important part of your vehicle's diagnostic system. Your car's computer will illuminate this warning whenever it detects a problem with the powertrain ( engine, transmission, and/or related components) that could increase emissions. This is a rather broad error that can turn on for a variety of different reasons. Since 1996 automobile manufacturers started standardizing diagnostic trouble codes under a protocol called OBD-II. This new system provided a list of trouble codes that could be read via a universal connector (usually located under the steering column).

The error codes causing your check engine light to go off can depend on the year, make, and model of your vehicle. This means that the only way to know the cause of the problem is to perform some diagnostic work. If you're shopping for vehicle diagnostic service near Dublin, CA, our Cadillac dealership is ready to assist!

Figuring out what the code(s) mean?

Modern vehicles have a sophisticated error reporting system, and can have up to a dozen different indicator lights on the dash. It is not uncommon to confuse the check engine light with the service required light. However, these warnings are not necessarily related to one another. The service light typically means the car is due for an oil change or other routine care. The check engine light, on the other hand, is an indicator that something is wrong.

The best way to diagnose a check engine light is to bring your vehicle into a Cadillac service center and have the factory trained mechanics troubleshoot the problem. If you are a DIY-type, then you can purchase a code reader that connects to the vehicle's onboard diagnostic port (ODB) to read the codes. The codes can vary depending on the issue and the model of vehicle, so it is important to do your research. There are websites that list common error codes and their likely cause.

How to turn off the check engine light

Most code readers will have a feature that will turn off, or clear, the check engine light. This does not fix the underlying cause of the light and likely the light will just come on again later, so it's always recommended that you bring your vehicle into a dealership like ours for maintenance to address the underlying issue.

Don’t ignore your Check Engine Light

Having your check engine light turn on doesn't necessarily mean there is a major issue with your vehicle, however the warning light shouldn't be ignored. The error could be as simple as a faulty gas cap, but the only way to rule out more serious problems is to track down the source of the error. If the error was caused by something more urgent then ignoring it can lead to an expensive repair bill. If your car or truck's check engine light turns on then it is worth your time to diagnose and fix the issue. The best approach is to have a professional mechanic check the error codes and fix the underlying issue. Come visit our Dublin Cadillac service center in Dublin, CA to have our expert staff diagnose your check engine light.

Cadillac Maintenance & Service

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Wednesday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 8:00PM
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Wednesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
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Monday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday 7:00AM - 6:00AM
Wednesday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Thursday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Friday 7:00AM - 6:00PM
Saturday 7:00AM - 5:00PM
Sunday Closed