Check Engine Light (Solid): What It Means & What to Do
Severity: Medium Drive gently and get it diagnosed soon.
What it means
The engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code. A steady light means a fault that should be checked soon but is usually not an emergency.
Typical color: Amber/yellow
Colors & variants
- Solid amber: fault detected, check soon
- Flashing: active misfire that can damage the catalytic converter (see flashing check engine light)
What to do
- Make sure the gas cap is tight
- Notice any changes in how the car runs
- Read the code with an OBD-II scanner or at a parts store
- Look up the code and fix the cause