Does Check Engine Light Turn Off Automatically After Repair

At least once in a while, the check engine light turns on. This could be due to some technical failure. But, what happens if you had your light ON for some time and then it turns off? Can it do that?

Can Check engine light turn itself off? – Yes "The answer is Yes. When some car system fails to pass a test the check engine light turns On. It takes 2 failures for the light to turn on. After your car has failed to pass those 3 tests, it takes 40 passes in order for the light to turn itself off."

Let's get more into that:

Can Check Engine Light Turn Itself Off?

The reason why the check engine light comes 'on' is because the car has failed some type of test. Whether that is a continuous monitor like misfires or engine timing, or non continues monitor like the catalyst or the EVAP system, or air-fuel ratio.

That kind of stuff. So, it runs all these tests and when it sees a problem, it fails the test. For the most part, it has to fail these tests two times in order for the light to actually illuminate telling the driver there's a problem.

Now, one failure us as technicians we can go in with our diagnostic equipment and we can look at that and see that. We can see that the light is 'on' and we can get the code generally, not always but generally with one failure. But in order for the light to come on, it does take two failures which are called a two-trip monitor.

Why Is My "Check Engine" Light On?

Why Does The Check Engine Light Turn Itself Off?

So, let's say that your check engine light is on and you take your car to the mechanic. The mechanic takes your car out for a ride and comes back with the check engine light turned off. Why does that happen?

Well, at some point that car has passed the test three times. It takes three times of passing these tests, whatever tests had failed, will turn the light off.

At this point, you might feel that maybe you don't actually have an engine problem, but it's best if you let the mechanic run some diagnostics. Even with the light turned off, the technicians can see which test has failed and why the check engine light was turned on in the first place.

Is It Safe To Drive With Check Engine Light On?

If nothing seems to be wrong with the engine, transmission, or the way the car is driving it means that a non-evasive sensor has failed or a simple mechanical failure is present such as a vacuum leak has occurred, you can then continue driving without additional damage to any components.

This is because the computer is equipped with predetermined values for each sensor which enables the engine to keep running without issue. This computer mode is called 'limp mode'. This gives you time to get the car to the repair garage or to read the codes yourself and perform repairs to help save you money.

Why The Mechanic Isn't Able To See The Issue

Sometimes the mechanics are not able to tell you what your issue is. What Audi and Volkswagen do, after 40 passes of the same test, both the light is off and the error code is gone. After your car performs 40 tests and they all pass, the mechanic could run diagnostics but he won't be able to see any errors.

Can I Diagnose The Problem Myself?

Yes, you can do that. But, in order to do that, you will need an OBD scanner. You will have to connect this scanner to the car's main computer which is pretty easy. This type of scanner is connected to your mobile phone and you will receive the error codes on your mobile phone.

Here are some of the most common error codes that you will get:

Oxygen Sensor Code: P0171-P0175. This error code appears when you have a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and gives this information back to your engine computer so it knows how to adjust the fuel mixture.
Engine Misfire Code: P0300-P0305.This is a very common issue as well. This happens when one or more cylinders are not functioning properly. The mechanics work on these issues on a daily basis. The OBD Scanner is able to diagnose this issue without a problem.
Evaporative System Code: P0411, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0455.The EVAP has a mission to contain and remove vapors that are created when fuel is burned. Even a loose gas gap that allows the vapors to escape from the fuel tank can trigger this failure code.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation Code: P0401.The EGR controls the emission of smog from the engine. This could be if you don't change your engine oil on time or you drive your car on short trips without warming it up which will cause carbon buildup.
Catalytic Converter Code: P0420, P0430. This device converts the toxic gases into less toxic pollutants. This is a very important part of the vehicle, but will eventually become worn out and will have to be changed.

Was this article helpful? Tell us about your issues in the comment section below.

Is your engine oil due for a change? Visit our Car Fluid Guide Website to learn the importance of changing your oil on time, which type of engine oil is best for your vehicle, and much more.

link to 8 Common Noises Your Car Makes and How To Fix Them

8 Common Noises Your Car Makes and How To Fix Them

When your car starts developing a problem, often the first sign is going to be an unfamiliar sound that you hear when you're driving. This is the way your car will communicate with you and indicate...

link to Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking When I Brake?

Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking When I Brake?

I was driving around the other day and as I was about to make a complete stop, my steering wheel started shaking as soon as I pressed my brake pedal. To be honest, I didn't know what was causing...