Branch 1
Antwerpen / Merksem
Bredabaan 1052170 Merksem
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:30 Sat 10:00–17:00
Warning lights and starting
Check engine light on: what does it mean and can you keep driving?
The check engine light tells you that the car’s computer has detected a fault in the engine, the exhaust or the fuel supply. The light does not say exactly what is wrong: that takes a diagnostic read-out and a proper check. If it stays on constantly, have it looked at soon. If it flashes, extra care is needed.
Recognisable signs
What you may notice.
- An orange or yellow engine symbol that stays on
- A light that flashes, especially when pulling away or accelerating hard
- The engine runs unevenly, jerks or loses power
- Fuel consumption goes up, or the car is harder to start than usual
- Sometimes a second message appears as well, such as a notice on the dashboard display
Possible causes
What may be behind it.
These are possibilities, not a diagnosis. A technician identifies which cause fits your car after checking it.
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A sensor or measured value is off
Sensors measure things like the exhaust gases and the air drawn into the engine. A faulty or out-of-range sensor can switch the light on, even when the engine still runs reasonably well.
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Ignition or combustion is not running properly
Worn spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil can make combustion uneven. That often feels like jerking or a rough-running engine.
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A part of the exhaust system
The catalytic converter, the particulate filter or the EGR valve can trigger a warning when they work less well or are clogged.
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Fuel or air supply
A dirty filter, a leak in the air intake or a problem with fuel pressure can switch the light on.
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A minor cause
Sometimes the trigger is fairly simple, such as a fuel cap that is not closed properly. You cannot tell for certain whether that is the case here.
Keep driving?
Can I keep driving with this?
If the light stays on and the engine feels normal, in many cases you can carefully drive a short distance to book an appointment. Avoid heavy loads and long journeys. If the light is flashing or you notice a clear loss of power, it is better not to carry on: driving on can cause further damage.
Check soonHave this checked soon
At WeFix
What WeFix can check.
This is what our technicians can look at to find the cause.
- Reading the fault memory to see which message the car’s computer has stored
- Checking sensors, spark plugs and ignition coils for anything out of the ordinary
- Inspecting the air and fuel supply and the exhaust system
- Comparing how the car behaves with the stored messages: when exactly does the light appear?
If we find something, you hear it first. We only repair after your approval.
Services
Related services.
This is where WeFix Auto’s can help with this symptom.
Branches
Call or drop by.
Not sure, or is it urgent? Call the branch near you and describe what you notice.
2170 Merksem
Branch 2
Brasschaat
Bredabaan 7372930 Brasschaat
Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00 Sat 09:00–12:00
Also read
Related problems.
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Book an appointment
Car suddenly uses more fuel
Higher consumption has many possible causes, from simple things like tyre pressure and driving conditions to sensors, ignition or brakes that drag. It is worth first looking at what has changed, and then arranging a check. Read the explanation -
Check soon
Car jerks when accelerating
A car that jerks or hesitates when accelerating is probably not getting the right combination of air, fuel and ignition, or has a problem in the drivetrain. It can happen with a cold engine, under load or every time you press the accelerator. Read the explanation -
Check soon
White, blue or black smoke from the exhaust
The colour of the smoke gives a first hint, but never certainty. A little white vapour on a cold start can simply be condensation. Persistent, thick white, blue or black smoke points to a possible problem with coolant, oil or combustion. Read the explanation -
Book an appointment
Car failed its test: what now?
A fail is annoying, but it is usually easy to follow: the test report states which defects were found. The aim is to have those defects repaired and then have the car tested again. The rules and deadlines that apply are shown on the test certificate itself. Read the explanation
Have your car checked.
Request a no-obligation quote or call a branch. You hear what we find first.
Please note: This explanation is general information and does not replace a technical diagnosis. The cause can only be established after your car has been checked. If you are worried about your safety, stop and ask for professional help.