We've all seen it: that glaring and unrelenting check-engine light. Most of us tend to ignore it until we find a convenient time to visit our local Cadillac dealership. But should we be that casual about it? If you care about the health of your vehicle, no, you shouldn't. In fact, once that Cadillac check engine light appears, it's a good idea to get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
The reason is that that menacing check engine light could be the result of numerous factors at play. For this reason, it's always better to get it managed sooner rather than later. Let's explore some of the common reasons for the check engine light.
Common Reasons for a Check Engine Light
Your Cadillac is a complex machine. With all its technical pieces, moving parts, and inner workings, understanding the cause of that obtrusive Cadillac check engine light could be any number of things. However, there are a few culprits that are typically the most common offenders.
- Engine Leak: A car or engine leak can occur if your oil filter detaches through wear and tear. An engine could also happen when an oil gasket isn't correctly tightened.
- Emissions Issues: Emission problems result from a faulty part of the auto piece impacting your vehicle's emissions control. A few typical problems that activate the warning light could be a clogged air filter, a failing oxygen sensor, or some other malfunctioning engine component.
- Fuel System Problems: Usually, disruptive fuel system problems start at the fuel pump. However, a faulty fuel system could also be the result of clogged fuel lines, impaired parts, or a loose connection (all of which could trigger the check engine light).
- Loose Gas Cap: A loose gas cap is an "open border" to dirt and grime. It can also allow fuel vapors to leak from the fuel tank, creating an emissions system error that may illuminate the check engine light.
- Failing Catalytic Converter: If your vehicle delivers a slow and sluggish engine performance, slower acceleration speeds, blackened exhaust smoke, or even the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, these may be the symptoms of a failing catalytic converter.
- Problem with Electronic Control System: Does your Cadillac have trouble starting its engine? Are you stalling out at inopportune times? A compromised electronic control system could be the cause. These issues typically have the same catalyst: improper ignition and fuel system regulation.
- Spark Plug Issues: A few symptoms of spark plug problems can be difficulty starting the engine, uneven vibrations, vehicle struggles to accelerate, fuel economy taking a nosedive, etc. These are all indicators of compromised spark plugs. Moreover, faulty spark plugs can even cause your engine to sound rougher and generate uneven vibrations, especially if you're cruising at an idle speed.
While there are plenty of other possible reasons your Cadillac's check engine light may appear, these are some of the most common. Typically, the catalyst for a check engine light appearing will be one of the above issues.
Flashing vs. Steady Check Engine Light
Sensors trigger the activation of your check engine light when inner issues develop. There are two kinds of check engine light warnings: flashing and steady. A flashing check engine light is an indicator that there is a serious internal problem. If left unchecked, the catalyst of the flashing check engine light can do severe damage to your Cadillac.
Conversely, a steady Cadillac check engine light means there is an internal situation, a minor issue; however, it's not an emergency.
What to Do If Your Check Engine Light Comes On
While a steady check engine light should be no cause for alarm, that doesn't mean it should be left alone. If your Cadillac's check engine light is illuminating, it's best to get it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. They can help diagnose the trouble and solve it on your behalf.
Will the Flashing Check Engine Light Reset?
When you take your Cadillac in for service, the mechanic will diagnose your vehicle's condition and repair the mechanical issue. Once the service has been performed, the vehicle's flashing check engine light will reset on its own. However, unless this diagnostic work is performed by a trained professional, the light will persist.
But worse than that, the issue will worsen, eventually leading to the dreaded flashing check engine light. By then, the issue will have become much more severe than it needed to be. As a result, it's essential that you diagnose and treat these mechanical issues early on.
Is It Safe to Drive Your Cadillac?
Whether you have a steady or flashing check engine light, you may wonder if it's safe to drive your Cadillac. And the answer is that it depends. While you should try to get your vehicle serviced quickly (whether the light is steady or flashing), it is safe to continue driving with a steady light over a flashing one. A steady light indicates the vehicle needs service, but is still (for the time being) operational.
Conversely, the flashing check engine light is communicating a much more serious issue. While there could be a whole host of potential issues, the main thing to remember is that a flashing check engine light requires your immediate attention. As a result, your Cadillac should be brought in for servicing as soon as possible when your check engine light begins flashing.
Service Your Cadillac at Colonial Cadillac
You need a vehicle for everyday life. It streamlines your daily activities and makes things easier. For this reason, mechanical issues that develop can be intimidating, even derailing, if you don't manage them quickly. So, it's important to get your Cadillac serviced then that check engine light first appears. The best part is that we at Colonial Cadillac in New London, CT, can help.
Our expert team of automotive specialists has the knowledge and expertise to service your Cadillac. Regardless of your mechanical issue, we're here to assist. So, if you're ready, contact us today to get your vehicle serviced at Colonial Cadillac.
