Check Engine Light is on

My engine light is on mechanics told me it was a camshaft position sensor i got that done engine light still on
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If you have codes to a sensor, it does not always mean the sensor is bad. There may be wiring or connector problems causing erratic or incorrect sensor input to the computer. The code stored in a computer is only a tool for a mechanic to diagnose the problem following the pinpoint tests for the code received.

After repairs, the code needs to be cleared and whether the problem has been fixed should be verified. The vehicle may have wire connection corrosion causing a loose connection at the engine control module. You may need to disconnect it, add dielectric lube to connection pins, reconnect it, and then clear the codes.

I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, determine why the Check Engine Light is on and suggest any needed repairs.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

2021 Chevrolet Malibu Check Engine Light Flashing

Other generally common reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty head gasket, faulty emissions control part, damaged oxygen sensor, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, dirty mass airflow sensor, or broken spark plugs to name a few.

Reset A Check Engine Light: Two Techniques

Start the car, let it run for one second, and then turn it off. Let the engine sit quietly for two to three seconds, and then repeat the whole process two more times.

The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
If the check engine light in your Chevrolet starts glaring, that means that the problem needs hasty attention and your Chevrolet should be brought in now. This blinking light usually indicates a relentless engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.
Will your check engine light turn off by itself? In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”.
The emissions/exhaust system is the most likely culprit for many check engine lights being illuminated. There could be an exhaust leak or a problem with the catalytic converter. The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is another sensor that is easily tripped or can fail.
Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It`s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you`re driving, don`t panic! Pay attention and see if the car is driving any differently than normal.
If the check engine light illuminates, it will either blink or remain constantly illuminated, depending on the problem. A blinking light, or in some cars a red light instead of a yellow or orange light, indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. Either way, you should have the vehicle checked by a mechanic.
No.

Sometimes, the check engine light comes on to let you know that there`s a problem with the car`s internal diagnostic mechanism. That means the system could be “finding” a problem that doesn`t exist, or it could be that loose wire systems are creating a false positive in the system.

While the check engine light can definitely be indicative of serious problems, the most common cause of the flashing is usually an engine misfire. There are many reasons why an engine misfire might be occurring. To run smoothly, an engine must be receiving the correct amount of power from the cylinders in your vehicle.
The answer is – yes! Worn spark plugs can cause your vehicle`s check engine light to illuminate, indicating an issue. It may even be a flashing check engine light. This is because bad spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire, which will trigger the check engine light to turn on.
How long can you drive with the check engine light on? Once you see the check engine light, it is safe to drive with the light on for 50 to 100 miles. This is because if the issue is with the sensors, then this will buy some time for it to reset, turning the check engine light off.
An illuminated check engine light is the first warning sign that your vehicle needs an oil change. It can activate because the oil is too dirty or when there`s not enough flowing throughout the engine.
Low Oil and Check Engine Light

However, low oil pressure, which can be caused by low oil levels, can be a reason for the check engine light to turn on. Low oil pressure can seriously interfere with your car`s performance and disable your vehicle if not addressed immediately.

How to Reset a Check Engine Light Without a Scanner. To reset a check engine light without a scanner, disconnect the negative battery cable and wait a few moments. This will reset the diagnostic system in your vehicle, and if the underlying issue has indeed been resolved, the light should go off immediately.
Common issues with the 2009 Malibu include power door lock failures, damaged headlight wiring, and clunking noises while turning. Power door lock failures are the most widespread problem, happening at around 60,000 miles. Replacing the door lock actuators fixes the problem, but replacing all four costs around $600.
The U0100 code is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that stands for Lost Communication with ECM/PCM.
In some cars, a yellow check engine light means there is a problem that needs to be investigated and a red or flashing light means there is a serious problem and you need to stop right away. Your gauges will help you to determine problems like overheating and low oil pressure.
It`s okay to drive the car if the check engine light is steady. But only if the vehicle`s essential systems such as brakes and lights are operational. Keep a close eye on your car`s dashboard warning lights, including the coolant temperature and oil pressure.
A failed O2 sensor is the most common cause of a flashing check engine light. The O2 sensor is a critical part of the exhaust system, monitoring how much unburned oxygen is exiting the engine in the exhaust. The sensor sends messages back to the engine to adjust the mix of oxygen and fuel being used.
A Blinking Light is Bad

In most cases, a check engine light will shine steadily, a serious reminder that something is amiss in your vehicle. If the light is blinking, however, your minor annoyance and concern just got elevated. If the check engine light is blinking, get to the nearest trustworthy mechanic you know.

The most common causes of misfires are worn, improperly installed, and mishandled spark plugs, malfunctioning ignition coils, carbon tracking, faulty spark plug wires and vacuum leaks.
A steady check engine light indicates a non-emergency issue, such as a loose gas cap. Flashing check engine lights warn of severe situations requiring immediate attention. Standardized diagnostic codes help identify the trouble.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Check engine light refuses to go off after engine replaced
ANSWER : Hello there, you have a long series of issues going on with your 2013 Hyundai Sonata. If you keep getting a repeating oil light on than there is likely a fault in that system.

Since this fault has lasted after the engine was replaced it could be a oil pressure sensor, wiring harness fault, ECU fault, oil pump, oil strainer clogged, or low oil pressure.

To diagnose this issue properly you need a complete vehicle inspection to start from square one and identify the root cause of all this.

Read Full Q/A … : Check Engine Light is on

While driving on freeway truck goes into a limp mode, and the check engine light, abs light, parking break light, service brake
ANSWER : It is possible that you could be having an issue with your powertrain control module. This is somewhat of a common problem on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by the dealership to determine if the powertrain control module is functioning properly. If not, a reflash of the powertrain control module may resolve the issue but often times it must be replaced.

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Car started to slow down and then the check engine light, battery, and engine oil light came on. What could cause this?
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the battery cable came loose or the wires to the oil pressure sensor has came loose or failed. Check the battery cables and make sure that the terminals are tight and clean. Check the wires to the oil pressure sensor and make sure that they are connected and not broken. If everything looks good, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed. Plus, check the computer for codes and see what is stored. This will lead you to the part that could have failed. I recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor then checking to see if the lights will go out. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with the warning lights that came on.

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2006 Ford Mustang has check engine light on
ANSWER : There are countless potential causes for your illuminated check engine light. The mechanic manually turned off the light, but it came back on because the problem has not been fixed. The first place to start is retrieval of the stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). These codes serve as a starting point for any further diagnostics a mechanic may perform. Codes will be stored anytime the check engine light is on. Since the first mechanic was unable to fix your concern, I recommend giving the professionals at YourMechanic a call. We offer expert check engine light diagnosis and repair.

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Check Engine Light comes on after starting pickup
ANSWER : Hello there, thank you for asking about your 1992 Isuzu Pickup. A professional will have the correct equipment to read OBD1 codes. Retrieving the diagnostic trouble code(s) is the first place to start when diagnosing your vehicle. Increasing RPMs changes engine load, which can in turn affect many different sensors and components, causing the Check Engine Light to illuminate. The only way to narrow down the options and find the culprit is through in person diagnosis with an OEM compatible scan tool. A certified technician from YourMechanic can retrieve the OBD codes at your home or office.

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p0011 code,check engine light one, changed bank 1 vvt solenoid and check engine light still on?
ANSWER : The P0011 code is typically caused by oil issues with the car. I would particularly make sure the engine oil level is not low. The VVT solenoid relies on proper oil levels to do their job. If they don’t have enough oil, they won’t work. You can have a mobile technician from YourMechanic visit your home or office to inspect the Check Engine Light for you. If you follow through with a repair with us you will be reimbursed for the cost of inspection.

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Traction light/reduced engine power and check engine light coming on
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe, it would appear that your vehicle may be experiencing some sort of intermittent wiring or sensor issue. If the problem occurred again after driving over a bump, then it may be possible that a damaged or loose wire is shorting or having contact issues. A common issue that can cause stalling is a faulty crank position sensor or wiring. I would carefully examine the engine for any loose or damaged wires. If the Check Engine Light comes back on, I would recommend having the trouble codes scanned before resetting the computer.

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2012 equinox reduced power light engine light and traction light came on. Lost a lot of power got home and all light except engine
ANSWER : Your car has what is called a "safe mode" that will be engaged by the computer when it detects that something critical has gone wrong related to any of the major components in your engine chassis or power train. This may be related to a number of things, most of which should have been registered in the computer when the check engine light came on. I recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to inspect your check engine light and diagnose any codes registered by your vehicle’s computer.

Read Full Q/A … : Check Engine Light is on