You Can Find Out for Free What the “Check Engine” Indicator Means
The “check engine” light of a car is so mysterious. “Something is wrong!” it visually screams. What’s wrong? Is my engine about to explode? Or did I just forget to put the gas cap back on? The light just sits there, shining on you. “Check this!” Luckily, there’s an easy way to find out for free what it’s trying to convey.
Since 1996, new cars sold in the US have been required to have on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems that allow the mechanic to plug in a device and get a code from the car’s computer that narrows down the source of the problem. If you were to take your car directly to a garage or dealership for a check, that would most likely be the first thing they would do.
A device called an OBD2 or OBD-II scanner gives them a number, which they can then look up and figure out what might be wrong. It’s not just about the engine indicator; The OBD system can provide a wealth of information about what’s going on inside your vehicle. You can buy a cheap OBD2 reader to check basic codes yourself, or a fancy one to get more information.
But you don’t have to buy a scanner or make an appointment at a car dealership just to find out how to read the code. Many auto parts stores will do this job for you for free.
How to Read OBD2 Codes at an Auto Parts Store
Many auto parts stores offer code reading as a free service. Advance Auto Parts , AutoZone and O’Reilly are among the stores that will be open. (Like many other chains and independent stores. Check with your local store to see if they offer this service and if it’s free.)
Knowing the code may not tell you exactly what is wrong with your machine, but it can narrow down the problems you are facing. You can see some of the codes here if you’re interested. For example, there is a code indicating a leak in the emission control system. Often this is due to the fact that the gas tank cap is loose. But it can also mean that the cap is cracked or that there is a leak in the system. There are other codes that indicate a faulty catalytic converter or a misfiring engine.
At the store, the person helping you will tell you what the code means and tell you what to do to fix it. They offer this service because people often check their diagnostics and then buy a part to fix what’s wrong. So if the problem is simple, you can get to the location fairly quickly, but if not, you’ll at least have a better idea of whether or not you really need to make an appointment with that mechanic.