How to determine whether your car has a loose gas cap—or a serious engine problem This is what the check engine light looks like. By Consumer Reports You’re driving along in your car or truck and ...

The check engine light means one of your car’s systems is malfunctioning. If it’s flashing, pull over as soon as you safely can. If it’s steady, follow these simple steps. Many, or all, of the ...

When the check engine light comes on in a vehicle, it’s indicating that there is some issue with the car that should be checked out. It could be something minor, such as the gas cap not being screwed ...

Onboard diagnostics (OBD) systems have been around since the 1980s and were developed to help limit harmful automotive exhaust emissions. Between 1988 and 1995, U.S.-built vehicles came with what's ...

When your vehicle's check engine light (CEL) comes on, it's often a sign that something needs attention. But with over 20,000 parts working together in your car — many important for normal operation — ...

"At some point," said Maurice Tuff, "your check-engine light will come on. Every vehicle that I've owned, the check-engine light has come on." And for Tuff, that dreaded light has shined not only in ...

When my check engine light came on recently, I decided to try the FIXD scanner to avoid an unnecessary mechanic visit. The device plugs into the OBD2 port and pairs with my phone via Bluetooth, giving ...

When that check engine light comes on, it can be the start of a long, hassle-filled ordeal. You can make it a little less expensive, though, by taking your car to an auto parts store and asking for ...

Whether you know a lot about cars or nothing about them, it's never fun to see the check-engine light—also known as a malfunction indicator light (MIL). This is your car trying to tell you it has ...