My Check Engine Light Went On — Now What?

March 22nd, 2018 by

check engine light


Schedule Service


You’re driving along in Canastota minding your own business when the check engine light in your gauge cluster comes on. Before you do anything else, it’s important to follow some simple first rules:

  1. Stop driving.
  2. Don’t panic.
  3. Read this guide.

Find out what your check engine light could be telling you along with some troubleshooting you can do before bringing your vehicle into Sun Chevrolet’s service department for help.

Woman driving his modern car at night in a city

Why Your Check Engine Light Might Be On

There are a number of common reasons that you might have your check engine light on, including:

Reason What Could Happen if You Don’t Get Service
Oxygen sensor replacement warning
  • Lower fuel economy
  • Spark plug and catalytic converter damage
Loose, damaged, or no gas cap
  • Lower fuel economy
Airflow sensor replacement warning
  • Won’t pass emission test
  • Worse performance and efficiency
Catalytic converter replacement warning
  • Damage to catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, spark plugs, etc.
  • Worse performance and efficiency
Spark plug replacement warning
  • Worse performance and efficiency
  • Damage to plugs, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, ignition coils

What You Can Do to Troubleshoot

One of the most common reasons the check engine light comes on is a failure to tighten the gas cap well enough, so that’s the first thing you should check. If you’re a good DIY handyperson, then you might be able to take care of some of the other parts replacements, but otherwise it’s a good idea to bring it to a pro.

serviceman smiling
service techs working on car

Bring Your Car in For Service Near Utica

If your check engine light has turned on recently, bring your car in for service in Cicero or Chittenango , where we have a full team of factory-trained and certified technicians who can run diagnostics tests, handle repairs, and get your car running again in no time.

Schedule your service online, or contact us if you have questions, like if you should keep repairing your vehicle, or when to tell if you need a new car.

More from Sun Chevrolet

  • 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Interior Dimensions & Upholstery

    There are plenty of reasons to love the new Chevy Equinox—its reliability and affordability are second-to-none in the Oneida area, which might be why it’s the brand’s second-most popular model after the new Silverado. But the 2024 Equinox is not just performant! The interior of the Chevrolet Equinox is comfortable and spacious too. View InventoryContact…

  • 2024 Chevy Equinox Trim Levels

      In Oneida and Canastota, people can’t get enough of the Chevy Equinox. For years, people have loved its performance and spacious interior. However, when you’re looking at the 2024 Chevy Equinox trims, how do you know which one is right for you? The Chevy Equinox models give you four to pick from, and Sun Chevrolet…

  • 2024 Chevy Equinox MPG

      The 2024 Chevy Equinox is a one-of-a-kind crossover that delivers a versatile drive during your Oneida commute and beyond. Features like over-abundant interior dimensions deliver a massive amount of cargo and passenger space, allowing you to take on family, friends, pets, belongings, and everything in between. Generally, when Canastota drivers purchase a crossover, they…

Posted in Information