My cars Check Engine Light is on: What should I do?

Horsham PA; June 23, 2010; You're driving along in your car or truck and suddenly a red light illuminates on your dash telling you to check or service your engine. As drivers, we are trained to respond to orders of this sort. When a light flashes "Low fuel," we hurry to a gas station. When the tiny oil indicator comes on, we add oil. But "check engine"? Unfortunately, this indicator light is one of the most misunderstood indicators on your vehicle's dashboard. But by ignoring this indicator, there are many dangers and potential financial risks, and it is vital to address.

After the fear and panic of the light's first flash, the driver who doesn't rush to a service center usually notices as the days pass that nothing at all seems to be wrong. However, by continuing to drive with the light indicator on, you may be exacerbating problems by driving with an issue. The light may mean many things. One frequent problem, for example, is that the emissions system is off kilter, and the car is polluting the air; another is that the gasoline cap is loose, causing the car's computer to detect an unusual pressure level in the tank (tighten it and the light will eventually go off). But the glitches that activate the check-engine light are often nothing a driver would readily notice. As a result, the country is full of people driving around with check-engine lights aglow - often while trying to figure out how to shut them off.

If you continue to drive your vehicle with the check engine light on, you may experience a difficulty starting your car, a loss of power, and lost fuel economy. There is a reason why the manufacturer installed the check engine light and it is in your best interest to pay attention to what it's telling you. As a general rule it is less expensive to have the check engine light code repairs when it first comes on.

If you choose to continue ignoring the service light, repairs can become costly and potentially create a cascade effect of issues. The most common check engine light is the old "forgot to tighten the gas cap" signal. Either you did not replace the cap after filling the tank, or you did not properly reseal the pressurized fuel system.

In late-model cars, a blinking light usually indicates an engine misfire so severe that unburned fuel is being dumped into the exhaust system, where it can quickly damage the catalytic converter, requiring an expensive repair. If that happens, you should reduce power and have the car or truck looked at as soon as possible.

According to a Consumer Reports study in 2009, "The customer is really, in the long run, potentially hurting their pocket book by leaving that light on and ignoring it," says Jim Collins, a national training team leader for Ford Motor Company. In some extreme cases, the car's computer may reduce power for you, as it tries to limit the risk of damage.

Cottman does free check engine light analysis with their Transcheck 21+ service The check-engine light, formally known as a malfunction indicator lamp, is an indication of a failure somewhere, and the problem is often emissions related. If you bring your car into your local Cottman Center they will perform a FREE TransCheck 21 Plus(R) with a FREE computer scan. The TransCheck 21 includes checking the level and condition of the transmission fluid, road testing your car, and a diagnosis of the external transmission controls. Armed with the result of the TransCheck and computer scan your Cottman Technician will know what it will take to fix your vehicle.

Your local Cottman center transmission specialist will evaluate the issue for free and make recommendations regarding the course of action for repair after performing the TransCheck 21 PLUS(R) service. If you have a transmission problem, the TransCheck 21 PLUS(R) Service determines if the problem can be corrected with an external repair or adjustment. Cottman's exclusive TransCheck 21 PLUS(R) Service is the most complete transmission check in the industry… and it's absolutely FREE. Cottman's TransCheck 21 PLUS(R) Service includes a road test and external examination of your transmission, where we will evaluate the performance and condition of your vehicle's transmission, and determine what services, if any, are required.

If Cottman makes a recommendation for service based on any Cottman Diagnostic Service, and you choose not to have the work done on your vehicle, you need only pay for the services or parts you have previously authorized, and take your car home. But remember, the longer you drive your vehicle, the worse the condition might become

About Cottman Transmission Systems, LLC

Founded in 1962, Cottman Transmission is a leading chain of transmission and total auto care service centers. With locations coast to coast, Cottman specializes in every phase of automotive repair and maintenance including a specialization in servicing both automatic and manual transmissions. Cottman technicians undergo regular, rigorous training and use the latest state-of-the-art electronic diagnostic equipment. Cottman takes a "whole car" approach to auto care; including brakes, tune ups, oil changes, shocks, belts, hoses, cooling, and even transmissions. For more information, please visit Cottman's website at www.cottman.com.