Most of us in North Kansas City, MO have experienced the sinking feeling in the pit of our stomach when the check engine like comes on. Don’t worry, this is not a self-destruct light. It simply means your engine needs some attention. It comes on without warning and always seems to be at an inopportune time; usually when we are on the highway. For most drivers it means a trip to your local mechanic. This light can mean a costly problem, like a bad catalytic converter or oxygen sensor, or it could be as simple as a loose gas cap.
Do not confuse the “service required” light on the gauge cluster for the check engine light. These warning lights are unrelated. The service required light just means the car is due for an oil change or other routine maintenance. It is not the indicator of trouble that the check engine light is.
Unless your car starts smoking or stalls completely, you have time to get to your regular shop. Do not panic, just give us a call at Northtown Auto and we will run a diagnostic to find the cause of the check engine light. Once you’re here, we will come out and plug a small computer underneath your dashboard and read back a code stating what happened to the car. We will give you an estimate and help give you your peace of mind back.
