Why Your Check Engine Light Came On—and What VanMeter Can Do About It

We’ve all been there. You’re driving along, everything feels fine, and suddenly—there it is. That little amber light on your dash: Check Engine.



Your heart sinks a little. Do you keep driving? Is your car about to break down? Is this going to be a five-minute fix or a full-on repair bill?

At VanMeter Auto Repair, we get those calls all the time. And the good news is: you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.

That check engine light is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II), and while it’s easy to ignore—especially if the car seems to run fine—it’s your vehicle’s way of telling you something’s not quite right under the hood. It could be small, it could be big, but either way, it’s worth finding out sooner rather than later.

Let’s walk through what it could mean—and what we do to fix it.

Common Reasons Your Check Engine Light Turns On

Here are a few of the most frequent causes we see:

1. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap
Believe it or not, this is one of the most common triggers. If your gas cap is loose, cracked, or missing, it can throw off your car’s emissions system and cause the light to turn on. It’s a cheap and easy fix—but left unchecked, it can lead to bigger problems with fuel vapor pressure.

2. Failing Oxygen Sensor
Your vehicle relies on oxygen sensors to monitor how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust system. When one goes bad, it can lead to reduced fuel economy, poor performance, and yes—an illuminated check engine light.

3. Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter
This is a more serious one. The catalytic converter helps reduce emissions by breaking down harmful gases. If it's clogged or damaged, it can cause a noticeable drop in performance and fuel efficiency. It’s also a costly component to replace, so catching problems early is key.

4. Bad Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils
If your car is misfiring or running rough, it could be due to worn spark plugs or faulty coils. These are essential for the combustion process, and when they go bad, your check engine light will definitely let you know.

5. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
This sensor helps regulate the air-fuel mixture in your engine. When it malfunctions, it can cause hesitation, poor gas mileage, and—you guessed it—a check engine light.

So… Should You Panic?

Not at all. But you shouldn’t ignore it, either.

Some drivers see the light and keep going for weeks—sometimes months. The problem is that you’re taking a risk by doing that. A minor issue left unchecked can damage more expensive components over time. What could’ve been a $90 sensor replacement could turn into a $900 repair if it causes a chain reaction in your engine.

What to Do When the Light Comes On

First, check your gas cap. If it’s loose, tighten it and give your car a couple of trips to reset the system.

If that doesn’t turn the light off—or if the light is blinking instead of steady—you’ll want to bring your car in right away. A flashing check engine light typically means there’s a misfire or more serious issue that needs immediate attention.

At VanMeter Auto Repair, we don’t guess—we diagnose.

Our ASE-certified technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to scan your vehicle’s system and pull exact error codes. From there, we dig deeper to figure out what caused the issue in the first place. We don’t just clear the light and send you on your way—we get to the root of the problem and explain your options clearly.

What Makes VanMeter Different?

We’ve been helping families and drivers in Mantua Township and the surrounding areas for years. We know how stressful it is when a warning light pops up, especially when it feels like it comes out of nowhere. That’s why we’ve built a shop that values clear communication, honest pricing, and quality work.

Whether you drive a daily commuter, a family SUV, or a fleet vehicle for your business, we treat every car like it’s our own. And we back our repairs with a 1-year/12,000-mile warranty, so you’re not left wondering what happens next.

Final Thoughts

Your check engine light doesn’t have to ruin your day—and it definitely doesn’t mean you’re in for an expensive repair. But it does mean something’s not quite right, and the sooner you get it checked, the better the outcome usually is.

If your light is on right now, give us a call or stop by. We’ll take a look, run a full diagnostic, and walk you through exactly what’s going on.

At VanMeter Auto Repair, we don’t just fix cars—we keep Mantua running strong.