Check Engine Light
What it means
Shown in amber as an engine outline, this light means the engine computer (ECU) has stored a fault affecting the engine or emissions. A steady light means a stored code that should be read soon; a flashing light means a severe misfire, so reduce load and stop soon in a safe place. It is normal for it to glow at key-on and go out once the engine runs.
Codes that may appear with it
The most common stored codes that may turn this light on; scan the car with an OBD reader to find the actual code.
and 542 more codesSymptoms4
- Steady light while the car drives normally or with slight weakness.
- Flashing light with obvious engine shaking and loss of power.
- Higher fuel consumption or a rough idle.
- Limp mode with limited speed or power for some faults.
Possible causes6
- Loose fuel cap or a leak in the fuel vapor (EVAP) system.
- Faulty oxygen (O2) sensor or mass airflow (MAF) sensor.
- Worn spark plugs or a weak ignition coil, the usual cause of a flashing light.
- Vacuum leak causing a lean mixture.
- Low catalytic converter efficiency.
- Faults in the EGR valve, timing sensors or their wiring.
How to diagnose6
- Note whether the light is steady or flashing, and whether there is shaking, weakness or overheating.
- Make sure the fuel cap is tight until it clicks.
- Read the stored codes with a basic OBD reader or at a workshop, and write them down before clearing anything.
- Look up each code, starting with misfire and mixture codes if present.
- Inspect the spark plugs, coils and vacuum hoses as the codes suggest.
- Have the workshop check live data and test the suspected sensor before replacing it.
How to fix6
- Tighten the fuel cap or replace it if its seal is damaged.
- Replace the spark plugs or faulty coil if the code points to a misfire.
- Fix the vacuum leak or clean the MAF sensor.
- Replace the sensor that testing confirms is faulty.
- Repair the catalytic converter, EGR valve or timing parts if confirmed faulty.
- Clear the codes, drive in different conditions and confirm the light stays off.
Repair cost
In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.
In the Saudi market: SAR 40–6,000 (≈ USD 11–1,600)
Our prices come from the Saudi market, converted at a fixed rate (SAR 3.75 per USD). Prices in your country may differ a lot, so we show the cost level.
The fix may be as simple as tightening the fuel cap or replacing a cheap sensor, while the upper end covers a catalytic converter or timing repair.
Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between steady and flashing?
Steady means a stored fault; you can drive gently until the codes are read soon. Flashing means a severe misfire that sends unburned fuel into the exhaust, overheating the catalytic converter with a risk of damage or fire. Slow down, reduce load, stop soon in a safe place, and tow the car if it keeps flashing.
Should I clear the code to turn the light off?
Clearing does not fix the fault, and the light returns if the cause remains. Write the code down first, because clearing erases data that helps diagnosis.
I tightened the fuel cap. When will the light go out?
Usually not right away; the computer needs several drive cycles to retest the system. If it is still on after a few days of driving, read the code.
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