GMC Check Engine Light | Top 5 Causes for Each Model

FAQs – GMC Check Engine Light

How long can you drive with the check engine light?

Depending on how serious your Check Engine Light is, you may not want to drive. According to FIXD’s data on Check Engine Light causes, 40% of all Check Engine Lights are serious. Before you continue driving, pull over and figure out why it’s on.

If you have a Flashing Check Engine Light, the issue is likely serious. Misfires, a common cause of a flashing light, can cause severe and expensive engine damage. Unburnt fuel can make it into your exhaust and destroy your catalytic converter, which can cost over $1000 to replace. If your light is flashing, you probably want to get a tow, it will be cheaper in the long run.

If you have a Solid Check Engine Light or one that goes on and off seemingly at random or only under certain conditions (like hard acceleration), you may not need to get a tow and can probably drive a few days without a problem. But, you should pull over to check for common problems just to make sure the light is not an early warning sign of a larger issue like your car overheating, leaking fluids, or not pumping coolant or oil. Just get to a safe spot and check for the most common cause first: A loose gas cap. If that’s all it is, tighten it up and be on your way, the light should reset itself. If not, check out: What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes on. Checking for symptoms like rough idling, loud exhaust, or other warning lights will help you rule out a more serious problem. 

Is it safe to drive your GMC with the check engine light on?

It’s usually safe to drive your car for a few days with your Check Engine Light on as long as it’s not flashing. Some problems like engine misfires, which generally cause your Check Engine Light to flash, can make your car harder to control and can even start a fire in your car if left untreated for long enough. 

Although most times it’s safe to drive with your Check Engine Light on, you should always find out why it’s on ASAP. If something is seriously wrong with your car, the longer you drive, the higher the risk of costly repairs. According to FIXD’s data on Check Engine Light causes, 40% of all Check Engine Lights are serious.

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

When your Check Engine Light is on it means your car has identified a problem with the engine or transmission. There are over 1000 problems that can trigger a check engine light. Some are minor like a loose gas cap. Some, like an engine misfire, are more serious and can cause engine failure and/or damage.

The only way to know for sure what’s causing the check engine light is to diagnose it yourself or have a mechanic diagnose it. If you’d like to save some money; learning how to scan your car’s computer with a code reader isn’t hard and doing so will show you what system in your car is broken and you can narrow it down to likely repairs from there. This can help you decide if you can fix it or at the very least keep you from being overcharged at the mechanic. You can buy a small scanner like FIXD that fits in a glovebox, pocket, or purse if you want a clear answer on the severity of your light before you start driving again. Or check out: Where To Get Your CEL Checked if you need to find somewhere to get it checked fast.

What Does the Check Engine Light Look Like?

The check engine light is typically a yellow, orange, or red light in the shape of an engine on your car’s dashboard. Depending on the car, it might include the words “Check” or “Service Engine” inside or next to the engine symbol. The light might be solid or flashing depending on the cause of the check engine light.