Check engine light, mil, warning light

A moment about your check engine light, also known as MIL (malfunction indicator light).

This can be such a hassle, no single item in your vehicle can create more un-needed stress in your life and the life of your repair facility. This light has so many functions this is meant to be objective advice I suggest you follow it based on the situation.

So the check engine light is usually yellow in color and is situated to be seen very easily. Most likely right near the speedometer it will either have a picture of an engine or it will say "check engine" if you are not sure snap a photo and email or text me, or refer to the back of your owners manual. This will have a diagram with all the lights on it.

Okay so the light came on or is on, here is the list of things to ask yourself.

• Did you recently get gas
• Change elevation drastically
• Have service done on the vehicle (last two to three days)
• Do you top off your fuel, I mean add until you cant add more.
• Is the light flashing***

Okay if you recently got fuel then you may have a loose or faulty gas cap, especially newer models 2006 and newer. These models (most) have vapor recovery systems on them designed to keep you from leaking dangerous fuel vapors into the atmosphere. So if you find the cap off, loose, or think it might be faulty then tighten the cap and drive the car for a day or two. The vehicle has to go through a series of drive cycles with the cap on tight to retest and clear the check engine light. Now this is typically safe to do and as long as the light does not start flashing then you should be on the way to problem solved. I still encourage you to take a glance under the hood, check oil and look for any leaks (this is more for your piece of mind). It is still a good practice.

Change elevation drastically, this is very rare now days but the vehicles in the late 90s and early 2000 had systems designed to compensate or change the computer based on the air intake, you could see a light if the computer is slow to adjust or if the system has build up from use on the adjuster. This should remedy in 12 to 24 hours if not call the dealer, double check the gas cap.

Have you had recent service? I cannot tell you the number of Lexus RX models I would see on a monthly basis that had the light come on a day or two after service with local independent shops. The shops would accidentally knock the hose off the bottom of the air filter intake housing, this is hard to get to, and cannot be seen without removing the air box. If you suspect this might be the case return to the facility that changed the oil and air filter, have them check it. If they do not know or cannot find it then have them commit in writing to pay for repair, if they caused the issue, of course. Most shops will charge around 50.00 dollars to fix it otherwise.
If you top off your fuel.... Stop! Okay this is tempting and hard habit to break especially when fuel prices go up and down. The problem may take years to develop but it will be pricey to fix. You basically are covering the fuel vapor recovery system with fuel, and believe it or not the fuel can damage the seals in the system they stop holding vacuum and it will leak causing a check engine light similar to the loose gas cap, but far more expensive to fix. I have seen this repair exceed 1000.00 dollars and in most states the vehicle will not pass yearly emissions tests if the light is on and the fuel leaks. If your light is not on you may avoid this by stopping the practice, simply let the fuel go until the handle pops. Now this applies to 2006 and newer vehicles, and again it is most models. Double check with me by email or your dealer if you are not sure.

***IF THE LIGHT IS FLASHING this means a system has failed and the vehicle should be shut off and call your repair facility. I promise that I have seen hundreds if not thousands spent in the effort to save a 40.00 tow bill. It is not worth it to try and see if you can get the light to go off by driving slower, getting off the freeway, or adding oil and waiting until morning. You could of course check for obvious things like low fluid, or vehicle engine temp, and leaks. However chances are if the light is on & flashing then you are at a critical point, don't take the chance. Pull over, review the owners manual, and call the tow company. This I promise will save you money.

Okay finally I covered this because the dealer is getting 3 to 5 phone calls a day relating to check engine lights and these issues above are most common, but do not gamble. Most dealers will check codes for free, if they don't then Auto Zone and Pep Boys will once you have the code you can email me or call the delaer. If you are not 100 percent sure like I said do not take the chance, get that code and call.