Every car warning light has a meaning, and when it lights up, there’s certainly something your car wants to communicate. One of these indicators is the emission light that may illuminate. If you’re faced with the dilemma of whether to stop or continue driving, we’ll help you here to know the truth.
What Does the “ON” Emission Light Indicate?
The lights and signals that appear on the dashboard exist for a specific purpose. Yes, the emission light turned on in a car can mean many things!
Although there isn’t much risk when the light comes on, you shouldn’t ignore what your car’s system is trying to tell you.
Before knowing the safety of driving with the emission light “on,” it’s essential to understand why the light illuminates. Here are a few reasons.
1. Simply a Sensor Error
When the emission light comes on, but there’s no interruption in your car’s operation, there’s a problem with the sensor.
This means there’s no potential risk you need to consider. It’s a common system failure that causes the dashboard lighting to malfunction.
To be safer, it’s always recommended to consult a mechanic. Sometimes, there may be internal issues that can go unnoticed.
In this case, a vehicle expert would be the right person to contact. These professionals can help you unravel the mystery behind the emission lights.
2. Faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve, or properly, the EGR, helps circulate exhaust gases from the engine for re-combustion.
The valve ensures that fuel is fully used and the output of exhaust gases into the environment decreases. In simple terms, the EGR helps regulate the car’s emissions into the atmosphere.
When the EGR system becomes faulty for one reason or another, the emission control light is likely to illuminate.
That’s why it’s essential to consult a mechanic who will inspect the system and replace the EGR valve if necessary. Refer to the maintenance tips for a DIY process to clean EGR valves.
3. Faulty Vacuum Hose
A rubber tube fitting that connects a manifold vacuum to various components of a car is a vacuum hose.
It’s a component that has the ability to power car components, which requires installing a large number of them.
It’s important to know that the vacuum, being a rubber component, can crack or even disconnect.
This can be another reason why the emission control system light comes on. Although there isn’t much risk if the vacuum hose malfunctions, its replacement should never be neglected.
Consider replacing the vacuum hoses when the emission icon lighting is accompanied by engine RPM fluctuations or when you notice a decrease in fuel consumption.
Is It Safe to Drive with the Emission Light On?
Most of the time, it’s possible to drive safely when the emission light is on. If the emission light is on, but there’s no problem with the car’s proper functioning, you have nothing to worry about!
On the other hand, if the car experiences issues with mileage, speed, power, and responds slowly to throttle action; have it checked. It’s never a bad idea to send your car for an inspection!
How to Reset the Emission Light?
You need to take your automobile to a garage, where it will be thoroughly inspected, the problem will be fixed, and the light will be turned off for you.
If the light doesn’t turn off automatically, you can try the methods listed below. It’s essential that you solve the problem rather than just resetting your lighting without investigating the potential reasons.
The easiest way to reset the check engine light is to drive your car regularly and let the light turn off spontaneously. If it hasn’t turned off after three days, turn it on and off three times in a row.
If the Check Emission Light (CEL) still doesn’t turn off, disconnect and reconnect the battery. While the engine is off, disconnect the positive power cable with a wrench and leave it for 20 minutes.
Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position. Reconnect the positive battery cable and turn the key in the ignition; the CEL should disappear within a few minutes.
If none of these solutions work, you need to take your car to a workshop so a specialist can reset your lighting.
They will also perform thorough diagnostics to establish in the first place the real source of the lighting and whether your automobile has any defects.
FAQ on Emission Light On
- How Long Can You Drive When the Emission Light Is On?
When you notice the check engine light, you can safely drive 50 to 100 miles with the light on.
This is because if the problem is with the sensors, turning off the check engine light will save time for its reset. If the light remains on, check the computer for relevant error codes.
- Is There a Serious Problem with Emission Lights On?
A steady light suggests that you should have your car inspected soon, but a flashing CEL tells you that you need to have your vehicle evaluated by a professional immediately.
- What Is the Cost to Repair a Broken Emission Control System Light?
It’s impossible to estimate the cost of repairing the emission control system message without first identifying the problem.
It could be as simple as a broken gas cap, which costs between $10 and $30, or it could be caused by a faulty catalytic converter, which costs $1,500 or more.
- Can Faulty Spark Plugs Cause Bad Emissions in Cars?
Yes. Misfires in the combustion process can be caused by faulty spark plugs, leading to unburned fuel exiting the engine through the exhaust. The oxygen sensor will identify this as harmful emissions.
- Does an Emission Light Indicate an Oil Change?
The presence of an emission light turned on may indicate that your car needs an oil change. It can trigger if the oil is excessively dirty or if the flow is insufficient throughout the engine.
Ultimately, the car emission light is a useful tool for car owners. It could help you identify possible reasons for your car’s problems. The sooner you identify the emission issue and fix it, the sooner you can get back on the road.