Your driving down the road, or you just started your vehicle. Your check engine lamp comes on, and stays on. What do you do now? Should you drive your vehicle, or is it time to call for a ride?

 Let's explore the check engine lamp only for now.  The check engine lamp on 1996 and newer vehicle is mostly for emissions related failures. To understand a little more about how this lamp works we need to begin with the key on engine bulb test. This works for most other gauges and warning lamps in your vehicle also. 

Turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine. You should see most of the warning lamps come on at least for a few seconds and in some cases the gauges sweep they're full travel. This is designed into the vehicle for a good reason. If you don't know if the lamp, or gauge works how can you depend on it to warn you of problems?

Now for the check engine lamp. Again this is for emission related concerns. If the lamp comes on a stays on there's a issue that need to be dealt with. With some vehicles able to supply trouble codes to a proper diagnostic tool, it's time for a check-up.

When you should have the vehicle checked depends. Here's some basic tip's:

If the lamp is on, and not flashing. Schedule a appointment to at least have the codes read. Do not let anyone clear the codes at this point. There is valuable information stored in the engine control computer that can be used to save you money.  Write the codes down, and call your service provider if you had the codes read somewhere else.

A technician with expereince working on your vehilce can help you determine if the car can be driven to the shop, and if it can wait a few days or it needs to happen now.

If the check engine lamp comes on a flashes this needs to be taken care of right now. If the lamp is flashing a condition exist that can and wil cause damage to components of your emmisions reduction systems of your vehicle. Move to a safe location and shut the engine down. Your vehicle needs service to prevent further damages.