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What do I do if the check engine light is off but the code is still there?

My check engine light turned on a couple of days ago along with an error code. The engine light flipped off, but the error code is still on my dashboard. What should I do if the check engine light turns off but the code is still on?

avatar
Natalie Todoroff · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The only thing worse than an illuminated
check engine
is having it turned off but still seeing an error code!
Whatever prompted the error code may not have occurred enough times to trigger both the check engine light and an error code to switch on, so you should use an OBD2 scanner to properly diagnose the issue. If you’re having trouble identifying the problem yourself, you should see a mechanic.
A pending engine code will trigger an error code but not the check engine light. Pending engine codes indicate that your car is aware that there’s something going wrong with it, but that it’s not a damage-causing issue yet.
There are a couple of other reasons why the error code could remain after the engine light has turned off, such as:
  • Problem was solved on its own
  • The code is left over in your engine’s long term memory
  • Electrical issue stopping the check engine light from illuminating
  • The issue is non-emissions related
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