Posted on 7/25/2025
The check engine light, that little glowing icon on your dashboard, can strike fear into any driver’s heart. It’s designed to alert you to potential issues with your vehicle’s engine or related systems. But how accurate is a check engine light diagnosis? Can you always trust what the code reader tells you? The truth is, while the check engine light is an essential tool, understanding its limitations is just as important as paying attention to it. How the Check Engine Light Works Your vehicle’s onboard computer (the Engine Control Module, or ECM) monitors various sensors and systems to ensure your engine runs efficiently and within emission standards. When the ECM detects a problem that affects emissions or engine performance, it triggers the check engine light and stores a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). These codes provide a starting point ... read more