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What Do Car Trouble Codes Really Mean?

Your vehicle has a problem if the check engine light (CEL) glows. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the computer help find the cause.
There's nothing more intimidating for many drivers than to find a warning error light appear on your vehicle dashboard. While some may be confident in their ability ...
You’re driving along in your car or truck and suddenly a yellow light illuminates on your dash telling you to check or service your engine. If you’re like most car owners, you have little idea about ...
View post: Ford Offers Fresh 2025 Escape PHEV Lease Deal for September Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. It’s ...
Code readers are diagnostic tools that every car owner should consider owning. Having one of these is as important as carrying a spare tire or a fire extinguisher in the trunk. Back in the day, before ...
Throughout your vehicle’s lifetime, you will encounter a range of issues. For instance, your brake pads may become worn, your AC unit might start to produce an unpleasant smell, or your axle may break ...
Cars are more than just oil and steel. Modern models have incorporated electronics and computer chips to help manage and optimize their mechanical components. That means maintaining your car's ...
Three of the main reasons the check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) turns on are: a loose fuel cap, issues with the ignition system, and problems with the emissions system. Many ...
This article was updated in August 2025 with new products and information. That little yellow check-engine light is sneaky. Most of the time, you forget it could be there. But when it detects an issue ...
We've all been there—that pesky check engine light pops up on your dashboard. Instantly, thoughts of expensive mechanic bills, weeks of it being repaired in the garage, and inconveniences galore flash ...
When your vehicle's check engine light (CEL) comes on, it's often a sign that something needs attention. But with over 20,000 ...