What Does the Check Engine Light Mean & How to Turn it Off in the Denver Area

Today, vehicles are operated by a sophisticated computer that takes data from a variety of sensors and uses that information to tell the engine how to run. The Check Engine Light is something of a catch-all for any problems the computer may detect. Often, the issue is simply a sensor that needs to be replaced, but other times the problem could be more involved.

Finding out why the check engine light came on means hooking up a specialized code reader. You see, the computer will throw a code when it detects a problem, and it's by reading this code that a technician can determine exactly what the issue is. These code readers can usually "clear" the code, which will turn the check engine light off. However, if the underlying reason for the light coming on isn't addressed, the light will simply come back on a short time later.

It's also important to note that just knowing what the code means doesn't necessarily tell you what's needed to turn the check engine light off. For example, too much fuel can cause an O2 sensor in the exhaust system to go bad. You can replace the O2 sensor and get the check engine light off for a while, but if the fuel issue isn't solved, the new sensor will go bad a little way down the road and you're back to square one. This is why we recommend having an experienced technician take care of any Check Engine Light problem your ride may have.

What Does a Blinking Check Engine Light Mean?

If the Check Engine Light in your vehicle comes on and stays on, you should be able to drive it to an authorized service center like ours at Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton. However, if the Check Engine Light is blinking, safely pull over and arrange to have the vehicle towed in. That's because a blinking Check Engine Light means that something major is wrong, and continuing to drive the vehicle puts the engine at greater risk for catastrophic damage.

Contact the Factory-Authorized Experts at Mike Shaw Subaru, Serving Westminster, CO

We're proud to represent all things Subaru, and that includes our expert service and repair center. Whether you're in need of the next oil change for your vehicle or that noise from under the hood is getting worse, it's easy to schedule a service appointment online. For more involved service and maintenance, it's best to have an appointment. However, you can always stop by in person unannounced at 1650 W 104th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80234. If you have any questions, please give us a call.

Mike Shaw Subaru Service & Maintenance, Serving Arvada, CO

We can't think of a better vehicle for enjoying all that the Front Range has to offer than a Subaru. At Mike Shaw Subaru, we're excited to help drivers throughout the Denver Metro Area get the most from their Subaru. Our state-of-the-art Service Center is staffed with some of the best factory-trained technicians in the business, so you know you can count on quality work. We'll also use OEM and factory-approved parts, products, and components to make sure your Subaru is returned with the same industry-leading reliability it came with from the factory.