Things Car Owners Say About Their Check Engine Light (And What They Mean)
That little orange light has inspired more creative denial than any other automotive feature. Here's a field guide to CEL excuses.
The Classic Denial
The check engine light is perhaps the most ignored warning in automotive history. Here are the things people say about it—and what they actually mean.
The Excuses
"It's been on for years"
Translation: "I've normalized living with a warning light. We've reached an understanding. The light and I have made peace. If something was really wrong, wouldn't it be a different color?"
"It's just the O2 sensor"
Translation: "I read one forum post in 2019 and have decided this diagnosis is permanent. I will accept no new information. The O2 sensor explanation has served me well."
"It goes away when you clear the codes"
Translation: "I've purchased a $20 OBD2 reader and now I am my own mechanic. The problem isn't fixed but the evidence is temporarily destroyed."
"That's just how these cars are"
Translation: "I bought a used German luxury car and this is my life now. The dashboard is more Christmas lights than information. I've accepted my fate."
"It only comes on sometimes"
Translation: "The intermittent nature of this problem makes it both harder to diagnose AND easier to ignore. Schrödinger's check engine light."
"I'm planning to sell it soon anyway"
Translation: "This is someone else's future problem. I will mention nothing of this light in my Craigslist ad. The phrase 'runs great' will be used liberally."
"The mechanic said it's nothing serious"
Translation: "A mechanic said something vaguely reassuring once and I have chosen to interpret this as permanent absolution from ever addressing the issue."
"It's probably the gas cap"
Translation: "I Googled 'check engine light' once and the gas cap was mentioned. I have tightened it 47 times. The light remains. But still—probably the gas cap."
"The car runs fine"
Translation: "If I can't feel the problem, it doesn't exist. The internal combustion engine is a mystery and I choose to believe everything is working correctly despite evidence."
"I covered it with tape"
Translation: "Modern problems require modern solutions. If I cannot see the warning, the warning does not exist. This is the automotive equivalent of ignoring your email inbox."
The Stages of CEL Acceptance
Stage 1: "Oh no, what's wrong?" (First day)
Stage 2: "I should get this checked out." (Week one)
Stage 3: "It's probably fine." (Month one)
Stage 4: "It's definitely fine." (Month six)
Stage 5: "What check engine light? Oh, that. It's been on forever." (Permanent)
The Truth
Look, sometimes it really is just an O2 sensor or a loose gas cap. But sometimes it's your catalytic converter slowly dying, or a misfire that's washing your cylinder walls with fuel, or any number of things that become exponentially more expensive the longer you ignore them.
Get it checked. Even if it's just to have official documentation that it's fine. At least then your denial will be medically approved.
Actually Address That Light
Okay, we've had our fun—but that light does mean something. Check our Encyclopedia for common issues with your specific model, or browse the Tuning Shop for maintenance guides. Your car (and your future repair bill) will thank you.
