The rule of thumb is that if the check engine light is flashing, you can’t keep driving the car. It’s an emergency. Often it indicates an engine misfire. If you keep driving, you will likely cause irreversible damage, mostly to the (expensive) catalytic converter.
Common causes of a check engine light Gas cap is loose: Tighten the gas cap. If you’ve lost it, replace it with a new one. Oxygen sensor is bad: You’ll need a new sensor — but identify which one is bad first. Spark plugs may be fouled or failing: Replace the spark plugs.
Thereof, How do you fix a check engine light?
– Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. …
– Try tightening your gas cap. …
– Reduce speed and load. …
– Use built-in diagnostic services, if available.
Also to know is, How many miles can you drive with check engine light on? So why is the light still on? Here’s something you probably don’t know: after clearing the car’s computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results.
Subsequently, question is, Is it safe to drive with check engine light on? If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, it can be unnerving. … The check engine light means there’s a problem somewhere in your emissions system. Regardless, you’re safe to drive for now as long as the car isn’t performing strangely. Just have the check engine light checked and the problem repaired.
Also, What to do if check engine light is on?
– Look for a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Check your dashboard gauges and lights for indications of low oil pressure or overheating. …
– Try tightening your gas cap. …
– Reduce speed and load. …
– Use built-in diagnostic services, if available.
Can I still drive my car with engine light on?
In many vehicles, there are two types of check engine lights—a solid light and a flashing light. A flashing light could mean a more serious problem like an overheating engine or engine misfire, sometimes causing irreversible damage. You shouldn’t drive further if this is the case.
Why is my check engine light on Hyundai Elantra?
2018 Hyundai Elantra Check Engine Light Flashing Other respectable reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty emissions control part, faulty head gasket, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, damaged oxygen sensor, dirty mass airflow sensor, or defective spark plugs to name assorted.
How serious is a check engine light?
When your car’s check engine light illuminates your dashboard, it’s usually accompanied by a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine.
What could cause the check engine light to come on?
The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine. … The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong.
What can cause a check engine light to go off?
– Failed Catalytic Converter. …
– Faulty Spark Plugs and Wires. …
– Loose Gas Cap. …
– Failing Mass Air Flow Sensor. …
– Faulty Alternator. …
– Ignition Coil Issues. …
– Aftermarket Alarm Issue. …
– Vacuum Leak.
Why is my Hyundai check engine light on?
The check engine light is constantly on: Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system has determined something is wrong and needs to be fixed. Although your vehicle may seem to be operating fine, it’s best to bring it in for service as soon as possible to prevent additional issues.
How do you turn off the check engine light on a Hyundai Elantra?
In most cases, your Hyundai Elantra light will go off after about 20-40 miles. If you drive over that amount and the light is still on, you will need to bring it in to Nalley Hyundai so the light and code can be double-checked and reset.
Can your engine light came on for no reason?
Fuel System Issues Faulty gas cap – Your vehicle is pretty good at warning you of any potential trouble. Something as simple as forgetting to replace the gas cap could cause your “check engine” light to come on. … MAF sensor – Mass airflow sensors are a common item to go bad in vehicles.
Can check engine light turn itself off?
A check engine light will shut itself off if the condition that caused it is remedied. So, if your converter is marginal, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, which creates high demand for the converter, that may have turned on the check engine light.
Can a check engine light burn out?
The quick answer is yes. On a 17-year-old car, you are due for some instrument cluster light bulbs to start burning out. If the check engine light does not illuminate along with all the rest of the warning lights when you turn the key to the Run position, I would bet that the bulb is burned out.
Is it safe to drive my car with the engine light on?
In many vehicles, there are two types of check engine lights—a solid light and a flashing light. A flashing light could mean a more serious problem like an overheating engine or engine misfire, sometimes causing irreversible damage. You shouldn’t drive further if this is the case.
Should I be worried if my check engine light is on?
If the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated, depending on the problem. A blinking light, or in some cars a red light instead of a yellow or orange light, indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic.
Don’t forget to share this post 
References and Further Readings :