Neither black tape nor a magic marker is the solution when your car or truck's check-engine light comes on. When the light, which is shaped like the outline of an engine, illuminates, do not panic!

Although commonly referred to as the “check-engine light,” some cars may instead display the message “Service Engine Soon,” or show a yellow or orange outline of an engine, perhaps with the word ...

I took my car in to the shop because the "check engine" light was on and found out this was simply due to my gas cap being loose. Why would that set off the warning light? – Louis in Duncan, B.C.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us? Your Check Engine light is shining like a beacon of bad news. What's going on? The ...

Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all, so let’s start by understand exactly what the check engine light is. In automotive terms it is known as MIL (Malfunction-Indicator-Lamp) and is an ...