What does it mean if the check engine light comes on then goes off?

What does it mean if the check engine light comes on then goes off?

Remember, a check engine light can turn on as a result of a loose gas cap, so firmly tightening the cap could solve the problem. If the light turns off, there’s no need to get your car serviced. If the light is still on, it could indicate a more serious problem with your vehicle. You shouldn’t take any chances.

Why would my check engine light randomly come on?

The “check engine” light is the on-board diagnostic system’s way of telling you something’s wrong. But that something could be one of many things, big or small. It could pop on because of something small like a loose or faulty gas cap. It could also mean a major engine failure.

Why does my check engine light come on and off when accelerating?

If the check engine light happened to be flashing during these episodes of acceleration, that means there is a serious fault, such as cylinder misfiring, that requires immediate repair. Misfiring, in particular, has the potential to damage the catalytic converter which can result in additional costly repairs.

Will VW check engine light reset itself?

The reset can happen automatically after around 10 to 20 cycles. A cycle is a phase where you turn on the car and turn it off again. For other vehicles, you’ll have to drive around 50 to 100 miles before it resets. As you can imagine, you can drive the car with the check engine light on for long periods.

Why is my car shaking and check engine light on?

Usually, when the check engine light is on and the car is shaking, that means you’re dealing with an engine misfire. Basically, the check engine light comes on whenever there’s an issue that could increase vehicle tailpipe emissions.

Why does my check engine light come on when I press on the gas?

Fuel System Issues Something as simple as forgetting to replace the gas cap could cause your “check engine” light to come on. This is because the gas cap keeps vapors from escaping the fuel tank. A loose or broken gas cap can dramatically reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions.

What does the check engine light mean on a Volkswagen?

If the check engine light in your VW starts flashing, that means that the problem needs precipitous attention and your VW should be brought in immediately. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.