Is your check engine light on?

What the Light Means

The "check engine" light can mean many different things, from a loose gas cap to a seriously misfiring engine.

The "check engine" light is part of your vehicle's onboard diagnostics (OBD) system.  Computers increasingly have controlled and monitored vehicle performance, regulating such variables as engine speed (RPM), fuel mixture, and ignition timing. In some cars, the computer also tells the automatic transmission when to shift.

What To Do

The best advice is to read your owner's manual beforehand and learn the purpose of the "check engine" light and every other gauge and warning indicator on your dashboard.

If your "Dash Warning " light illuminates, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic. Take your car and have the code read and the problem fixed.