When the check-engine light snaps on, it is not a suggestion, it is your car’s way of saying something in the powertrain or emissions system needs attention. I see it as an early warning system that ...

Neither black tape nor a magic marker is the solution when your car or truck's check-engine light comes on. When the light, which is shaped like the outline of an engine, illuminates, do not panic!

Although commonly referred to as the “check-engine light,” some cars may instead display the message “Service Engine Soon,” or show a yellow or orange outline of an engine, perhaps with the word ...

The dashboard of your car provides plenty of useful information while you're driving, from the speed you're traveling at to the amount of gas left in your tank. The check engine light is another ...

Onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems have been around since the 1980s and were developed to help limit harmful automotive exhaust emissions. Between 1988 and 1995, U.S.-built vehicles came with what's ...

While your car can’t talk, it communicates with you using chimes, icons, and messages. One icon that you should never ignore is the check engine light. It turns on when the car’s onboard computer ...

It may cost you more in the long run. You’re driving along and suddenly your check engine light goes on. But nothing seems to have changed with the way your car is running. It’s OK to let it go for a ...

The dreaded check engine light has just flashed on on the dashboard of your car. Do you need to pull over right way? Is the car about to stop in its tracks? Why is the light on in the first place?

How to determine whether your car has a loose gas cap—or a serious engine problem This is what the check engine light looks like. By Consumer Reports You’re driving along in your car or truck and ...