‘Check Engine’ Light on Your GMC? What It Could Mean & What to Do Next

You may be driving along the road on the way to Florence Mall, thinking everything is fine, when you glance down at your vehicle’s dashboard and see a symbol pop up. An illuminated yellow rectangle that looks like a car’s engine is, in fact, the dreaded ‘check engine’ light. The official name for this is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp or MIL, but whatever you call it, it could mean that your GMC truck or SUV may have a serious problem.

This is why it is important for you to understand what the ‘check engine’ light means and what you need to do next when it is illuminated on your GMC’s dashboard. For drivers like you, it is good to know that you have a GMC service center near Florence to bring your truck or SUV when the ‘check engine’ light comes on. At McCluskey Buick GMC, our team of service professionals can help you with all of your GMC’s needs, from routine maintenance to major repairs. Stop in at any time to get your vehicle properly serviced.

What Should You Do When This Light Comes On?

The ‘check engine’ light comes on when the vehicle’s computer identifies a problem that it cannot automatically fix. As a result, the problem may be a minor issue or it could be an indication of a major malfunction. Whatever the reason, you should not ignore this indicator. First, pay attention to your vehicle. Is it making an odd sound? Is it having trouble getting into gear? Does something feel different while you are driving it? These are questions that the technician will ask since this could help diagnose the problem.

One thing you shouldn’t do is continue on your way, ignoring the ‘check engine’ light. There will be other afternoons of fun, but for now, you need to give your truck or SUV your full, undivided attention. If you were to ignore the problem and head downtown for shopping, you might find yourself unable to start your car later because you ignored this problem. Instead, you need to reroute yourself to your nearest GMC service center to get this problem addressed immediately.

What Are Some Issues That Cause This Light to Come On?

There are a number of different things that can trigger your ‘check engine’ light. Some are relatively minor, while others are indications of potentially major problems. If you had just put gas into your GMC’s tank and saw the light come on when you started your vehicle, it could be that the gas cap is loose. If this is the case, pull over, take the gas cap off, and then screw it back in securely. When you restart your truck or SUV, the ‘check engine’ light should turn off. If it does not, then you may have a bigger problem.

A bad tank of gas can also trigger the ‘check engine’ light. Some vehicles are designed to run on higher-octane gasoline. While most are fine with 87-octane gas, this is not the case with those other vehicles. If you accidentally put the lower-octane gas into your tank, this will cause the ‘check engine’ light to turn on. When this happens, you should have a mechanic drain your gas tank and replace the fuel with the proper octane-level gasoline. Driving your vehicle on low-octane gas could cause poor engine performance or overheating, so this should be addressed.

The ‘check engine’ light can also come on for more serious problems. For example, there could be a major internal problem with the engine. A hose or connection within the engine that is leaky or broken could eventually damage your GMC’s powertrain if it is not immediately addressed. There could be problems with faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or spark plug wires; this will result in your engine not properly functioning. These may not need major repairs if immediately addressed.

Sometimes, the sensors on the engine themselves may trigger a ‘check engine’ light warning. The vehicle’s computer has a number of different sensors inside of it that check the various features and systems of the engine. Things like airflow and oxygen are monitored by the vehicle’s computer to make sure that everything is functioning properly. However, sometimes the sensors themselves may malfunction. When this happens, the computer is unable to get the data it needs, which will then result in the ‘check engine’ light coming on. This can be fixed by a trained GMC technician replacing the defective sensor.

What About Your Catalytic Converter?

One of the most serious problems that can trigger the ‘check engine’ light is your GMC’s catalytic converter. Since the institution of more stringent regulations of emissions began with the ban on leaded gasoline, vehicles are outfitted with a catalytic converter that is tasked with scrubbing the emissions. Over time, this device can get damaged or begin to function less efficiently; this could be due to overheating, environmental problems, or contamination. If the catalytic converter begins to malfunction, this will trigger the ‘check engine’ light on your GMC.

We have also seen a rise in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles. Thieves are looking to either get at the expensive components inside the device or to resell the catalytic convertors to disreputable repair shops. If the catalytic converter is stolen from your vehicle, the ‘check engine’ light will illuminate. If your GMC truck or SUV is still under warranty, you may be able to get the catalytic converter replaced for no charge. Otherwise, you may want to report it stolen and see if you have insurance that will cover the cost of repairing or replacing one on your vehicle.

What Happens If You Ignore the ‘Check Engine’ Light?

If you continue to drive your GMC while ignoring the ‘check engine’ light, you do so at your own peril. While the problem may be as minor as a loose gas cap, the reality is that it could be something much more serious. If there is a problem with your engine, then continuing to drive your vehicle will begin to do serious damage to your engine and transmission. This could turn a minor problem into a major repair. The same goes if there is an issue with a sensor; the onboard computer will not be able to operate the system properly if it is not getting the right data.

Many people get the ‘check engine’ light confused with the ‘engine maintenance’ light, which can appear as a yellow oil can or crossed tools on some vehicles, and the words “MAINT REQD” in yellow on others. You can continue to drive for a number of miles before you bring your vehicle in for the required maintenance, which will usually entail an oil change and tire rotation. This is not true of the ‘check engine’ light, which requires urgent action so you can avoid a larger problem down the road. Getting the attention you need can save you one big headache in the future.

Get Your GMC Proper Attention When It Asks for It

Florence drivers have much to appreciate in their hometown. With its excellent shopping and welcoming parks, Florence has everything a person can desire when choosing a place to live. Driving a GMC truck or SUV gives folks in Florence a great way to get around town, whether they are a family driver taking the kids to school, a commuter heading to work every day, or just someone who wants a rugged and dependable vehicle.

However, sometimes things go wrong, which is why the computer on your GMC has the ‘check engine’ light to alert you to a possible problem. When that happens, head over to our dealership to get the proper attention your GMC truck or SUV requires from our experienced team of factory-trained technicians!