Used Cars and the "Check Engine Indicator Light"

Since as early as 1981, on board computers in automobiles have evolved into a very sophisticated system of giving the owner of the car real-time-diagnostics.  The system uses various sensors for almost every working facet of the car ; exporting important data to the vehicle's on-board-computer.  When there is a problem with the engine, brakes, or fluid levels, for example, the computer indicates this to the driver by a visual light or both light and sound alarm.  Today, we will focus on one such indicator called, "The Check Engine Light".

The check engine light should not be taken lightly (no pun intended), as some drivers view this particular indicator as a nuisance.  What these owners don't understand is the danger of ignoring the check engine light, especially if this light is flashing on and off consistently.  What they will understand, when it is too late, is how much the cost will be down the road.  This indicator is there for two purposes: "The safety of the operator and to aid in the continual up-keep of the vehicle".  In other words, "To keep the car in safe-running-operation; so that the operator, and passengers, are safe.  This is something to keep in mind, when buying a used car.  The following paragraphs contain some advice for using the check engine light, to determine if the engine is good or bad for a used car deal.  

Turn the ignition key enough to have the dash board indicator lights come on.  You should be able to see the "Check engine" light, which is usually distinguished by a lit symbol that resembles the outline of car motor or engine.  Older model cars may just have the words, usually in red or yellow-orange, "Check engine".  Turn the key to start the engine.  When the engine has started up, the check engine light should turn off.  If, the check engine light remains on, after the engine has started, then something is wrong with the engine of the car (or with one of the engine's components).

Now take the car for a test drive in the city, and finally on the freeway (assuming the check engine light is off).  All the while, you want to listen for strange noises coming from the engine, and keep an eye on the check engine light.  If the check engine light or indicator comes on while you are conducting the test drive, there maybe something amiss with the engine.   After driving the car for while, the engine should be sufficiently warm.  Most likely, you have returned to the point where you started the test drive.  While the engine is running, check the temperature gauge for a sign of the engine overheating.  That is, the pointer needle of the temperature gauge would be pointing to the red mark and/or the word "HOT".  Or, the temperature gauge may use lights that illuminate red or light the word, "HOT".  If this is the case, something is causing the engine to overheat, which is never good.

Now, if you like the car but the "darn check engine light" was coming on, then call a qualified mechanic to take a diagnostics of the engine for you.  Call around and get a decent price for the mechanic to take the computer equipment and pinpoint what the exact problem is.  Perhaps it was an inexpensive component or sensor and not the engine at all.  Or, it was the engine and the mechanic just saved you bucks and headaches.