Owning a Chevrolet vehicle can be an enjoyable and beneficial experience, however, there are certain issues that require attention. One of them is the check engine light which can turn on for various reasons. If you’re driving a Chevrolet and the dreaded check engine light illuminates, don’t panic.
It’s important to know how to diagnose any issues your Chevy may be having so you can make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs.
In this blog article, we’ll provide helpful troubleshooting tips on what to do if your Chevrolet check engine light comes on, explaining common causes and solutions that can get you back on the road in no time.
What is the Chevrolet Check Engine Light?
The Chevrolet check engine light is a warning indicator on the dash of your Chevy that lets you know when the engine is having trouble.
When the light comes on, it means that the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system has detected a problem with the engine or emissions control system. The OBD system will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the vehicle’s computer to help diagnose the problem.
Most often, the Chevrolet check engine light comes on due to a loose or faulty gas cap. The OBD system detects that the pressure in the fuel tank is not within specifications and sets a DTC.
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If you tighten or replace the gas cap and clear the DTC, the light should go out. However, if there is another problem with the engine or emissions control system, the light will stay on and another DTC will be set.
If you see the Chevrolet check engine light come on, it’s important to have your vehicle checked out by a certified mechanic as soon as possible. They can use a special diagnostic tool to read the DTC and determine what repairs are necessary to fix the problem.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
There are a few different reasons why your Chevrolet check engine light may come on. One possibility is that there is a problem with the oxygen sensor. This can cause the engine to run lean, which means that there is too much air and not enough fuel.
Another possibility is that the mass airflow sensor needs to be replaced. This measures the amount of air coming into the engine so that the correct amount of fuel can be injected. If it’s not working properly, it can cause the engine to run rich, which means there is too much fuel and not enough air.
Another possibility is that one of the catalytic converters is not working properly. The catalytic converter helps to convert pollutants into less harmful gases. If it’s not functioning properly, it can cause an increase in emissions.
Additionally, a clogged fuel filter can also cause the check engine light to come on. The fuel filter keeps contaminants out of the fuel system and if it becomes clogged, it can reduce fuel flow and cause engine performance issues.
Troubleshooting – When Your Engine Malfunctions
If your Chevrolet check engine light comes on, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, check to see if your gas cap is tightened properly. If it is, then you may need to reset the light.
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To do this, disconnect your battery for about 30 minutes, then reconnect it and start your car. If the light is still on, then you’ll need to take it to a mechanic to have it diagnosed.
Dealership Requirements
When you bring your vehicle in for service, the technicians will hook it up to a diagnostic computer which will help them identify the problem. Once the problem is located, they can make the necessary repairs. In some cases, the repairs may be covered under your warranty.
If you’re worried about the cost of repairs, don’t be! Chevrolet dealerships offer competitive pricing on all their services. They also offer discounts and specials from time to time, so be sure to ask about those when you visit.
How Long Until the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Comes On?
The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) on your Chevrolet is there to let you know when the onboard diagnostics system has detected an issue with the vehicle. When the light comes on, it means that the OBD system has found a problem and is ready to store a diagnosis code.
The severity of the problem will determine how long you have until the MIL comes on. If it’s a minor issue, you may only have a few days or weeks before the light comes on. However, if it’s a major issue, you could have months or even years before the MIL comes on.
What do You do When you Have Problems that Don’t Appear to be Intermittent?
There are a few things you can do when you have problems that don’t appear to be intermittent. Firstly, you can check the codes yourself with a code reader or by going to your local auto parts store and having them read the codes for you.
Secondly, you can take your car to a mechanic and have them diagnose the problem. Thirdly, you can research the problem online or in a forum to see if others have had similar issues and what they did to fix them. Finally, if all else fails, you can always take your car to the dealership and have them look at it.
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Common Causes That Make Your Chevrolet Check Engine Light On
There are many different reasons why your Chevrolet check engine light may be on. Here are some of the most common cases:
1. Your gas cap is loose: A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons why the check engine light comes on. Make sure to always screw on your gas cap tightly after filling up your tank.
2. You have a faulty oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor monitors the air/fuel mixture in your engine. If it senses that the mixture is too rich or too lean, it will trigger the check engine light.
3. Your catalytic converter is going bad: The catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions from your car. If it’s not working properly, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
4. You have a misfire: A misfire occurs when one or more of your cylinders isn’t firing correctly. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a dirty spark plug or a faulty ignition coil.
5. You have evaporation leaks: An evaporation leak can occur if there’s a problem with your vehicle’s Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP). This system prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere, so if there’s a leak, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
Can A Non-Chevrolet Mechanic Diagnose Issues On My 2013 Chevy Cruze?
If your check engine light is on, and you took your car to a non-Chevrolet mechanic, they may not know how to properly diagnose the issue. Here are a few things that can help:
Bring a copy of your car’s owner’s manual: This will give the mechanic a good starting point on where to look for potential issues.
Be specific about what the check engine light is doing: You need to check if it is constantly lit, whether or not it blinks, and if it comes on and off.
If possible, write down any codes that appear when the check engine light is on: Doing this will help the mechanic narrow down the potential causes.
Conclusion
It’s important to have a basic understanding of why your Chevrolet check engine light may be on so that you can act quickly in case something is wrong.
We hope this article has helped you do just that – understand when it’s likely a minor issue and when it’s time to take your car in for repairs. If the problem persists or if you want help figuring out exactly what went wrong, make sure you take it to an expert as soon as possible to get your Chevrolet running smoothly again.
We hope you had a wonderful read. Feel free to comment, ask questions or make contributions if you have any.