What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On?
That little check engine light just turned on—now what?
At CRM Automotive in San Marcos, CA, we get calls about this all the time. While it might not always be an emergency, your check engine light is your car’s way of telling you something’s wrong. And the sooner you check it, the better.
Let us break it down for you: what it means, what to do, and how we can help.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light (CEL) is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II). When the computer detects something abnormal—whether it’s minor or serious—it triggers the light.
Common reasons include:
Loose or damaged gas cap
Oxygen (O2) sensor failure
Faulty spark plugs or ignition coils
Catalytic converter issues
Mass airflow sensor problems
Emissions control issues
Basically, the light could mean something as small as a loose cap—or as serious as a failing engine component.
Blinking Check Engine Light? Stop Driving.
If the light is blinking, that usually means your engine is misfiring, which can cause serious damage if you keep driving.
Pull over safely, shut off the engine, and call us. We’ll let you know if it’s safe to drive or if you need a tow.
What Should You Do When the Check Engine Light Is On?
Don’t panic. Not all check engine lights mean disaster.
Check your gas cap. Tighten it and see if the light turns off after a few drives.
Schedule a diagnostic check. We’ll scan your vehicle’s computer system to pinpoint the exact issue.
Fix it early. Ignoring the light can turn a $100 fix into a $5,000 repair.
At CRM Automotive, we use advanced diagnostic tools to read the error codes and explain what’s really going on—without the technical jargon.
Why Choose CRM Automotive for Check Engine Diagnostics?
✅ We can diagnose your cars issues
✅ Advanced diagnostic equipment (just like the dealerships)
✅ Honest answers—no unnecessary repairs
✅ 40+ years of experience fixing cars in San Marcos
✅ Trusted by generations of local families
We’ll take the time to explain the issue, give you repair options, and help you make the right decision for your car and your wallet.
Pro Tip: The Check Engine Light Doesn’t Go Away on Its Own
Even if your car seems to be running fine, your vehicle’s computer is still logging the problem in the background. Driving too long without fixing the root cause could damage:
Your engine
Your transmission
Your fuel economy
Your emissions system (which can fail smog tests)
📍 Come See Us at CRM Automotive – San Marcos, CA
If your check engine light is on, don’t ignore it. Come to CRM Automotive in San Marcos for quick, honest diagnostics and repair. We’ll help you get back on the road with confidence—and without the guesswork.
📞 Call: 760.591.0462
📍 Visit: 821 S. Rancho Santa Fe Rd. San Marcos, Ca. 92078
