Why is my check engine light on Chevy Trax?

Understanding the Check Engine Light on Chevy Trax
When the check engine light comes on in your Chevy Trax, it’s important to understand the potential reasons and how to react to it. The check engine light is an indication that the vehicle’s electronic control system has detected a problem that it can’t correct on its own. Ignoring this warning could lead to significant damage to the engine. Here are some key points to consider:
Immediate Action Required: It’s advised to get your Chevy Trax checked immediately when the check engine light comes on. Ignoring the warning could lead to major, extensive damage to pricey engine parts.
Potential Causes: The check engine light can be triggered by various issues, including problems in the electronic control system, emissions system, sensors, catalytic converter, or other engine-related components.
Severity of the Issue: A steady and continuous glow of the check engine light usually indicates something less serious, while a flashing check engine light reveals that the vehicle’s engine is in serious trouble and requires immediate service.
Driving with the Light On: If the check engine light comes on, it’s recommended not to drive the car extensively, especially if the light is flashing. It’s best to schedule Chevrolet service immediately.
Common Reasons: There are common reasons for the check engine light to come on, such as issues with aftermarket components, exhaust, or other items that can wreak havoc on the vehicle if not installed properly.
It’s important to note that a blinking check engine light indicates a critical issue, while a solid light reflects a non-emergency situation. Once a loose gas cap is ruled out as the cause, it’s imperative to have a mechanic diagnose the issue as soon as possible.
In summary, when the check engine light comes on in your Chevy Trax, it’s crucial to take immediate action and have the vehicle checked by a certified mechanic to diagnose and address the underlying issue.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, feel free to ask!

What does the check engine light mean on a Chevy Trax?

The check engine light warns of issues ranging from a gas cap that’s not accurately tightened to a more serious failure like a bad catalytic converter or a problem with one of the car’s oxygen sensors, so it good to get the proper code reading and diagnosis.

What is the first thing to check when the check engine light comes on?

The Check Engine light might be triggered by almost anything affecting the monitored systems, from just a loose gas cap or bad spark plug to a pricey computer control module or catalytic converter. Check your gas cap first.

How do you turn off the check engine light on a Chevy Trax?

How to Reset the Check Engine Light

1. Turn off the ignition and put on safety glasses and gloves.
2. Locate the negative terminal on your car battery.
3. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a wrench and pull the negative connector from the battery.
4. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten it with your wrench.

Can you drive with your check engine light on?

Whether or not you can drive with the check engine light on depends on the severity. If the light comes on and remains on, yet everything seems to be working like normal, you should be able to continue driving. But it is important to schedule an appointment to have the issue diagnosed and fixed.

Will check engine light reset 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”. A cycle, in this instance, refers to the process of turning the vehicle on, running it for some time, and turning it off again.

What does a solid check engine light mean?

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.

Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?

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.

Can I clear check engine light myself?

While a code reader is usually the most immediate way of resetting a check engine light, there are a few alternative methods you could try: Temporarily disconnect the battery; start by locating the negative terminal and disconnecting it, then repeat with the positive terminal.

What can trigger a check engine light?

Common minor and major reasons for a check engine light to turn on include:

• Loose gas cap.
• An internal problem in the engine.
• An issue with or even theft of the catalytic converter.
• Faulty spark plug, spark plug wires, or ignition coils.
• Malfunctioning oxygen sensor.
• Damaged mass airflow sensor.
• A bad tank of gas.

Why is my 2016 Chevy Trax engine light on?

2016 Chevy Trax Check Engine Light Flashing
Other mostly common reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty head gasket, dirty mass airflow sensor, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, broken oxygen sensor, defective emissions control part, or damaged spark plugs to name a few.