What is the main cause for a check engine light? Oil, trans, radiator are all fine.?

Answer 1

The cause for a check engine light is simple. One or more of the circuits monitored by the computer is returning a signal outside the range the computer expects to see. The cure is also simple, scan the computer for error codes, fix whatever circuit is giving the bad signal, and reset the light.

Answer 2

It could be a number of things... especially depending on the age of the vehicle. Newer vehicles have more lights to deal with different conditions. You checked all the fluids, which is the first step (except you should check the brake fluid just in case)... now see if you notice anything different with the engine. Any different sounds/smells? Are the guages doing anything they shouldnt? Check the builts to make sure they are still on there and fit properly, and make sure the pumps are working properly (usually on the front of the engine). If none of these fix the problem, take the engine into a shop and have them run a diagnostics test on it. This will usually pinpoint the problem much easier than you can. Sometimes engine lights just come on for regular maintenance, or little problems that the shop can fix quickly.

Answer 3

Check engine lights are caused by any of the many "sensors" on the engine "triggering" an error code in the computer. In most cars, the error code causes the computer to go into "default" mode, rather than continuing controlling the engine functions...and, in some cars, the car simply shuts down, as all too many people have found out, in the wrong place...

However, in my own experience, the most common cause would be the oxygen sensor, which helps the computer control the fuel and air mixture.

Take it to most any shop, and they can tell you in about 10 minutes or less what the "fix" is, and what it will cost.

Answer 4

Young Lady, Some cars store so much information on their on-board computers results will flabbergast most of us.
The biggest issue is oxygen sensor operation.
Odd areas include ABS brake systems and broken transmission or motor mounts.

If you have a 95 car or newer car the information is stored in the computer in your car and your new car dealer can tell in an instant where to pinpoint the problem problem. Good Luck To you!

Answer 5

If it is a red light that says engine, its oil pressure. If its amber and says check engine, then its computer related. Some stores like auto zone and such will read the codes and print them out for free. I'd try that first..might save a buck...

Answer 6

the check engine light is designed to come on after so many thousand of miles so you will return it to the dealer to be repaired 9 out of 10 times the trouble is very minor an the light just needs to be reset

Answer 7

It means it is time to take it to the dealer as it has reached the mileage that is set to turn it on for a complete check up. Forget it, I had mine turned off and after I drove about 1/2 mile it came on again. It sometimes goes away but is on most of the time.

Answer 8

It can be so many things, but usually it is a sensor that has quit working. You need to go to a mechanic that has a computer to read the code and have the resulting prob fixed. Good luck!

Answer 9

With the computers in cars these days it's impossible to tell.You need to get to a garage and have them perform a computer diagnostic test. It does,nt take long but the fault could be expensive to repair.
Not good to just keep driving when your computer is telling you that something is wrong.

Answer 10

Did you check all the fluids? It could mean that the car needs a turn up. They installed a computer chip in the new cars for the last 10 years or so that keeps track of all the maintance needs of the car.