When the check engine light comes on, it’s usually not an emergency. It might be the result of a minor issue like a faulty gas cap. On the other hand, there are times when the check engine light is serious. If you’re driving and you notice your check engine light comes on, bring it to the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center for CEL diagnosis & testing near Spruce Pine.

A check engine light can be flashing or steady. A flashing check engine is a warning of a serious problem that needs attention as soon as possible. When the check engine light flashes, it usually means the ignition system is misfiring, a situation where unburned fuel is dumped directly into the vehicle’s exhaust system. This can damage the catalytic converter, which is an expensive repair. If you see a flashing check engine light, pull over, shut the car off, and call for roadside assistance.

A steady check engine light is an indication that there’s a problem that needs your attention, but it isn’t urgent. Call the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center and schedule a service visit. Here are a few of the most common problems that can trigger a steady check engine light.

Your vehicle’s gas cap creates a seal that prevents gasoline fumes from being released from the fuel system. If the gas cap is loose, damaged or missing, it will cause the gasoline to evaporate, and you’ll get less fuel economy. Tighten a loose gas cap and replace it if it’s broken or missing. This is an easy fix, so you may want to check the gas cap before bringing your car in for service.

Your Chevrolet has an oxygen (O2) sensor that measures the unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. If you don’t replace a bad O2 sensor, the engine will burn extra fuel. You’ll experience a drop in fuel economy. A faulty O2 sensor can damage the catalytic converter and spark plugs.

Your Chevy’s catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Your vehicle may fail an emissions test if the catalytic converter isn’t working correctly. The engine will produce less power, and there will be a drop in fuel economy.

The mass airflow sensor measures the air inflow of the engine and regulates the amount of fuel needed to run the engine properly. If this part goes bad and isn’t replaced, it can damage the spark plugs, the O2 sensor and the catalytic converter. You’ll notice a drop in fuel economy and reduced performance.

Worn spark plugs and wires can damage the O2 sensors, the catalytic converter and the ignition coils. You’ll notice reduced performance, and you’ll take a hit in fuel economy.

If your engine light comes on, don’t ignore it. Contact the Jim Cook Chevrolet Service Center right away. Our certified technicians will diagnose the issue and fix any problems we discover.