You’re driving down the road when suddenly the Check Engine Light comes on. What do you do? What does this engine-shaped light mean? At Fiesta Hyundai, we know that it can be confusing to deal with this light, and we want to help you out. Find out a little more on this page, and then come see us at Fiesta Hyundai, serving Eldorado and Agua Fria, New Mexico.
Your Hyundai model is equipped with an ECU, or Engine Control Unit. The ECU is an onboard computer that monitors different vehicle functions related to the engine, including emissions functions. It relies on sensors to feed it information; if one of these sensors sends a signal that is not what it should be, the ECU will cause the Check Engine Light to turn on. Although there are a number of potential causes, some of the more common ones include issues with the following:
When the Check Engine Light comes on, you will need to have your vehicle hooked up to a code reader so that you can figure out the cause of the problem. We can do this at Fiesta Hyundai. The urgency of this service depends on what the Check Engine Light looks like when it comes on.
If the light is solid, it’s likely not an emergency. It’s still important to get the issue addressed as soon as possible since it can affect your vehicle’s emissions, fuel efficiency, or engine power. However, you can continue driving to your destination before scheduling service. Before making an appointment, make sure your gas cap is screwed in tightly enough; sometimes, a loose gas cap can cause the Check Engine Light to come on.
If the Check Engine Light is flashing, things are likely a bit more serious. This usually denotes a misfiring engine, which can cause damage to the catalytic converter. You should pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
If the Check Engine Light on your Hyundai comes on, we invite you to come visit us at Fiesta Hyundai. Schedule a service appointment online, or give us a call. We look forward to seeing you soon at Fiesta Hyundai, your local Hyundai service center, serving La Cienega and Pojoaque, NM.
