When the check-engine light snaps on, it is not a suggestion, it is your car’s way of saying something in the powertrain or emissions system needs attention. I see it as an early warning system that ...

When the dreaded malfunction indicator light turns on, it’s not the end of the world. Here’s how to cope with an MIL! Whether you know a lot about cars or nothing about them, it's never fun to see the ...

The check engine light has always been a bit of a gamble. Sometimes it’s a loose gas cap. Other times, it’s a four-figure reminder that modern cars are way more complex than they need to be. What’s ...

Plug in, open an app, and your check-engine light finally talks back. Here’s what an OBD2 scanner really does, and five brands worth your money. OBD2 scanners diagnose car issues but can cause ...

It’s the moment every car owner dreads, especially those of us who own older, out-of-warranty cars: The check engine light pops on. Keep a vehicle long enough, and it’s bound to happen. It happened to ...

Today’s cars and trucks are literally rolling test beds of technology, which has tended to make the days of the so-called shade tree mechanic and eyeball diagnoses of what ails a given model a distant ...

When your vehicle's check engine light (CEL) comes on, it's often a sign that something needs attention. But with over 20,000 parts working together in your car — many important for normal operation — ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Jim Gorzelany is a veteran automotive journalist. This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more. This voice experience is ...

When the check engine light comes on in a vehicle, it’s indicating that there is some issue with the car that should be checked out. It could be something minor, such as the gas cap not being screwed ...