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Check engine light: what it means
The check engine light (an engine-shaped symbol, usually orange) means your car's computer has found a fault with the engine, fuel, ignition or emissions system. It could be something small, like a loose fuel cap, or something that needs fixing before it causes more damage.
Is it safe to drive?
Steady: get it checked soon · Flashing: pull over when safe. Steady light: book a check as soon as you can. If the car is also shaking, running rough or losing power, treat it as serious. A misfire doesn't always make the light flash. Flashing light: this usually means a serious misfire. Avoid high speeds, pull over when it's safe and call us. Driving on can damage the catalytic converter.
Common causes
- Loose or damaged fuel cap
- Faulty oxygen (O2) sensor
- Worn spark plugs or a failing ignition coil (misfire)
- Faulty air flow sensor
- Catalytic converter problem
Signs that come with it
- Rough idle or shaking
- Loss of power when you accelerate
- Using more fuel than usual
- Car feels normal (very common, but the fault is still there)
- A misfire can show as a steady light too, not only a flashing one
How we fix it
We plug in a diagnostic scanner to read the fault code your car has stored, then test the parts involved to find the real cause. That way you only pay to fix what's actually wrong, not to swap parts and hope.
We'll call you with the cause and an exact price before doing any work.
Common questions
Can I drive with the check engine light on?
If it's steady and the car drives normally, you can usually drive carefully to get it checked soon. If it's flashing, or the car is shaking, running rough or losing power, pull over when it's safe and call us.
Will the light go off by itself?
Sometimes, for example after tightening a loose fuel cap. But the fault code stays stored, and if the problem is real the light will come back. It's worth having it read.
Will it affect my WoF?
A check engine light on its own isn't a listed WoF fail reason, but the fault behind it can be, for example a leaking exhaust or visible smoke. Warning lights for safety systems like ABS, airbags, brakes or stability control do cause a fail. We can check it and fix it before your WoF.
Light on? We can check it for you.
Greasy Hands, 48c Diana Drive, Wairau Valley. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm.
Book a check online or call 09 440 9969.
This is general guidance only. Every car is different, so always check your owner's manual. If you're not sure, stop somewhere safe and call us on 09 440 9969.