Check Engine Lights Frequently Asked Questions
Why is My Check Engine Light Flashing?
If you notice that your Check Engine light is blinking or flashing, this indicates a more serious issue that should be addressed immediately. A Check Engine light is your vehicle’s way of getting your attention and informing you that, not only is there an issue, but that ignoring this issue could result in serious damage. If you notice your Check Engine light blinking, stop by your Normal, IL O’Reilly Auto Parts store #5530 to prevent further engine damage and begin your diagnosis. .
O’Reilly Auto Parts Knows How To Read Check Engine Light Codes
Keep your car, truck, or SUV performing its best and prevent more hazardous or costly damage in the future by getting your Check Engine light codes read near you at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts. If you’ve noticed your Check Engine light is on, stop by your Normal, IL O’Reilly store located at 401 Greenbriar Dr to get your engine code(s) read for free. Not only can you find free O’Reilly VeriScan Check Engine light testing in your area, but our parts professionals can even help find the parts and tools you need or recommend a professional shop near you to help you with further diagnosis or repairs you don’t feel confident taking on.
Additional Vehicle Resources
Prioritizing Vehicle Maintenance: What are considered “urgent repairs" and what car issues should be addressed immediately? Discover how to prioritize your vehicle’s maintenance for peace of mind and a healthier car.
What Causes A Check Engine Light?:What Causes A Check Engine Light? Learn what causes an illuminated Check Engine light and what to do if your Check Engine light comes on.
Common Dashboard Symbols’ Meanings:Common Dashboard Symbols’ Meanings: Find the meaning of your vehicle’s dashboard warning lights with our comprehensive article for a more confident drive.
O’Reilly: Our Stores, Your Stories
If your Check Engine light is on, don’t take a chance on getting stranded, or worse yet, risk damage to your engine. Stop by O’Reilly Auto Parts and we’ll test your Check Engine light codes for free. We can even print out a list of common fixes for the codes, and help you find a repair shop if needed. Sarah’s story is just one of hundreds of instances at O’Reilly Auto Parts, and we take pride in keeping our customers safe and on the road.
How Does it Work?
- Our Professional Parts People scan your vehicle information, trouble code(s), and mileage
- We run your trouble code(s) through a comprehensive database of over 26 million verified fixes
- We can provide you with a FREE printout of verified fixes from a team of ASE Certified technicians
FAQs
By the way the easiest way to turn off the check engine light would be to disconnect the battery for 30 seconds. Inorder to pass inspection your car needs to complete a full drive cycle so that all (8) internal monitors have a status of "Ready".
How many miles to drive after resetting the check engine light for inspection? ›
To make sure the check engine light does not reappear, it's recommended that you drive your car 30 to 100 miles. This enables the vehicle's “Drive Cycle” to reset, as the various sensors need time to recalibrate.
Why do I need to drive 50 miles after resetting the check engine light? ›
The car's internal computer only resets after a set period where it checks all of its sensors once more. The reset can happen automatically after around 10 to 20 cycles. A cycle is a phase where you turn on the car and turn it off again. For other vehicles, you'll have to drive around 50 to 100 miles before it resets.
Will AutoZone test my check engine light? ›
Visit Your Local AutoZone Store for Free Fix Finder Service
AutoZone offers a complimentary Fix Finder service that efficiently diagnoses warning lights, including Check Engine, ABS, and maintenance indicators.
Can you clear engine codes to pass emissions? ›
DON'T clear any Data Trouble Codes using a scanner, hoping to pass the emission test. If you erase the Data Trouble Codes and then take the vehicle in for emission testing right away, it will be “Rejected”. Clearing the Data Trouble Codes erases all of the OBD-II system's memory settings.
How to pass an emissions test with a check engine light on? ›
In any case, never try to pass inspection with check engine light on. Instead, get your vehicle repaired at a Jiffy Lube service center before you head to the emissions test. Usually, even having the MIL illuminated is grounds for a failed test.
Will the check engine light reset itself? ›
In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”. A cycle, in this instance, refers to the process of turning the vehicle on, running it for some time, and turning it off again.
How to clear engine check light? ›
Simply place your key into the ignition and turn it on for 1-2 seconds, then turn it off for 1-2 seconds. Repeat this step three or four times. If the check engine light remains after the reset, you might still have a problem with your vehicle.
How many miles is a complete drive cycle? ›
Drive cycles vary by manufacturer and can be reset in as little as 20 miles by a qualified technician (like us) since we have the knowledge and experience but if the normal everyday driver just drives 75-100 miles like they normally would (a mix of highway and city driving) the drive cycle can be completed.
Why is my check engine light on but my car drives fine? ›
If there are no other symptoms, your check engine light may indicate a problem with your computer, a loose gas cap, transmission errors, or problems with your O2 sensor. If the check engine light is blinking, pull over and call a tow truck. The blinking indicates a more serious problem.
Disconnecting your battery and draining the power to cause an ECU reset is one of the most common fixes for a check engine light that won't go away on its own. Doing so is equivalent to a hard reboot on a desktop computer, which is a standard way to eliminate many common problems.
How to turn off the check engine light permanently? ›
Plug an OBD-II scanner into your vehicle's OBD port and reset it to clear the check engine light. Disconnecting and reconnecting your battery will restart your vehicle's computer and clear the light. Drive an older vehicle around for a few days after repairs. The light will go off on its own once the computer resets.
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong? ›
The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
What is the most common check engine code? ›
The Most Frequent Diagnostic Codes for Check Engine Lights & Their Meanings
- Engine Misfire: P0300 to P0305. ...
- Emissions Issues: P0400 to P0499. ...
- Failed Oxygen Sensor: P0150 to P0175. ...
- Catalytic Converter Problems: P0420 to P0434. ...
- Mass Airflow Sensor Damage: P0101 to P0104 & P010A to P010D.
Diagnosing your check engine light
Buy an OBD-II scan tool: There are affordable tools that allow you to run a diagnosis yourself.
How long does it take for check engine light to clear? ›
In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”. A cycle, in this instance, refers to the process of turning the vehicle on, running it for some time, and turning it off again.
Is there a way to bypass your check engine light so your car can still use the remote start? ›
The best way to bypass the check engine light so you can still use the remote start is to fix the problem that the Malfunction Indicator Lamp is trying to tell you exists. Take the car down and have the codes read to find out where the problem lies. Better yet, have the car diagnosed a and repaired.
