Why is the Check Engine Light On in My Car, Truck? Is it Safe to Drive?

While that ominous orange symbol on your dash most often is not alerting you to immediate catastrophe, it does require immediate attention, especially if it's blinking! If you, like many people, are unsure what the light means, check out this video! In this video, Andy demystifies the check engine light, talks about some common causes, and why you should stop driving as soon as possible if the light is blinking! He also covers some easy ways for you to scan your car or truck's computer to get to the answer to "why is the check engine light on?"

0:00 Did your check engine light come on?
0:12 What is a check engine light?
0:30 Whats the difference between MIL, DTC, SES, and CEL?
1:14 Should you drive with a check engine light on?
1:23 Can you drive with a flashing check engine light?
1:44 Would a check engine light come on for no reason?
2:18 Will low oil cause a check engine light to come on?
3:05 What if the check engine light goes away?
3:43 Can you turn off the check engine light?
4:02 Does the scan tool tell me what to replace on my car?
4:25 What is a readiness test?
4:44 Can I clear the check engine light to pass inspection?
5:04 Subscribe! | See links in description!

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[daveporter]

Respect for people like you who help other people.
Yes, bring more of this type of information about scanning the OBDs. Thank you gentlemen's.

[marie]

Thank for this video and the explanation! My engine light came on during evening rush on my way home and I was very anxious until I got home. Praying it doesn't start flashing until I can get in for a tune-up. Appreciate your work!

[WiringRescue]

This video is really great! Andy did an amazing job explaining Check Engine Lights!

[akkarparkiamopas]

This is very helpful brief. Straight to the point. Thanks

[edwardbonner]

If that light comes on, it’s the start of your worst nightmare trying to find a cure .

[THEjcbella]

Economy of words. Lays out all the possible problems with possible solutions. Blinking vs Solid. 👍

[albertomartinez]

Car companies, or truck companies, should make very reliable ingines, or motors, with all this technology that is available, the consumer should not be afraid buying any vehicle out there, I hate it when some one goes to the dealer and he or she ends up getting a lemon, that's so horrible, shame on the dealerships out there !!!

[MadNotAngry]

Learning lots from watching your great vids, thanks! Something else I've noticed from watching your vids? You start most every sentence with "Now ..."

[knightfall]

Can I just put electrical tape over the light?

[k-spetznazhelmet]

This guy talks with his hands a lot...
🙌👐👏

[RetroPCUser]

My engine light would be on for 2 days and would be off for 2 days (O2 Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 Performance P0141), but after the O2 sensor was replaced, no more codes.

[davidweum]

Ignore it. My check oil light came one. I do my own oil it's perfect

[SiporahGiaikre]

I have problem with my toyota hiace bus engine light on when installing new injector pump..no power to climb mountakns..whats the problem?

[ahmokmokhtar]

I have that problem engine light it's appear, I follow that instructions it was work 👍👍👍 thank for sharing u are knowledge person 👍👍👍

[carolloveskiwis]

Do you have a recommendation of what brand stand alone scanner to use other than the FIXD unit? FIXD constantly charges $ upgrades every time you use it. I don't want to use a phone app every time I need to find out what's wrong and be charged an upgrade. Any suggestions for a good entry level unit that a non- mechanic like myself can use that will let me know what the code means?
Thanks. I love your vids. You are so helpful and provide easy explanations! ❤️

[banjammy]

Have been driving my car for 2 years with it on, l would like to shake the hand of the guy that came up with this

[Fizzbann]

Can't find the OBD I reader or similar like I had these days. My plugs got taken here and there, and eventually threw it out as I couldn't get new plugs for it.
I still drive 90 model chevy trucks, and now fixing up an 89 Ford. An OBD1 scanner would be nice since I don't like poking a paperclip in just to miss how many flashes went by before I could get up. Haha

[adamissah]

Wow thank you daddy I have learnt something from you

[danielchavira]

I have had my engine light on for 7 months none blink it’s just on.