How Long Can You Drive With the Check Engine Light On?

If your Check Engine light is flashing, you should get to a repair shop immediately, but if it’s solidly illuminated, you could potentially keep driving for miles.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your
Check Engine light comes on
for any reason, it’s still possible to drive your vehicle, but it is only recommended to drive another 50-100 miles before scanning your car’s computer for error codes. 
  • You can potentially drive with the Check Engine light on for many more miles, but it’s recommended to have the engine computer scanned for error codes as soon as possible.
  • Driving with the Check Engine light on—especially if it’s flashing—could potentially cause serious engine damage and lead to expensive
    car repairs
    .
  • The Check Engine light could indicate a range of issues, from simple problems like a loose gas cap to more serious engine trouble.
  • The Check Engine light can be reset and shut off manually, but it’s important to address the underlying issue that triggered the light.

Driving with the check engine light on

Whether you can (or should) drive with the Check Engine light on largely depends on the severity of the issue at hand. 
As a general rule, you should never continue driving when the Check Engine light is flashing. Even if the car runs normally, doing so could damage your car’s engine, resulting in costly repairs.
If the Check Engine light comes on and stays on, it’s recommended you head to an auto repair shop that can use an OBD-II scan tool on your car’s ECU to diagnose any
car maintenance
or car repair needs. Once you figure out the cause, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to continue driving.

How long can I drive with the Check Engine light on?

You should only drive with the Check Engine light on for 50 to 100 miles before at least scanning the computer for
error codes
If the issue is with one of your vehicle’s sensors, driving around for a while can actually allow it time to recalibrate or reset, which will shut the Check Engine light off.
If the light persists after driving for a while, scan the engine computer—once the problem is identified, it is up to you to decide whether to fix the issue immediately or continue driving with the light illuminated.
Ultimately, the length of time you can drive with the Check Engine light on comes down to what your attitude towards fixing the issue is.
Key Takeaway: If your Check Engine light turns on, have the engine computer scanned for error codes as soon as possible to identify the issue. Once the problem is diagnosed, it is up to you how long you want to continue driving with the light on.

What the Check Engine light does

The Check Engine light—and
other warning lights
on your dashboard—serves as a signal from your car’s onboard diagnostics system (the vehicle’s computer). It indicates that some component of your engine is damaged or malfunctioning. 
If turned on, it will either blink or remain solid, depending on the severity of the issue.
Important: If you see your check engine light flashing, it generally indicates an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
What causes the Check Engine light to turn on
Here are some of the most common causes of a Check Engine light coming on:
Key Takeaway: Many of the most common reasons your Check Engine light is on are simple fixes, like a loose fuel cap. But there could also be a serious problem with your engine.

How to shut off the Check Engine light

Your Check Engine light is a type of malfunction indicator light (MIL), so it should shut itself off once the issue that caused it to turn on is fixed. But if it doesn’t or you don’t intend to fix the problem immediately, the light can be reset and shut off manually.
Here’s how to do it:
  • Switch the ignition on and off: Stick your keys into the ignition and turn the engine on and off repeatedly, stopping for a second in each position.
  • Use an OBD-II scanner: Connect the scanner to the OBD connector located under your car’s steering wheel and switch the ignition on. This will establish a connection and give you access to the computer’s stored trouble codes. Use your owner’s manual to solve the problems causing the codes. Then erase the error codes from the scanner and switch off the ignition.
  • Disconnect the battery: Remove the negative car battery terminal and drain any electricity in the capacitor by turning on lights or depressing the horn for 25 seconds. After the electricity is disconnected, leave your car for 15 minutes and then reconnect the electricity.
If none of these work, you may just have to continue driving with the light on or fix the issue that is triggering the light.
Keep in mind: A vehicle will not pass an emissions test with the Check Engine light on. If yours is staying on due to a glitch, you’ll need to have that addressed before getting your vehicle inspected if that’s required in your state.
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