If your vehicle is throwing a check engine light, but you don't have a diagnostic scanner handy, here are three tricks to try before seeing a mechanic.

Here are our pro tips for diagnosing a check engine light. Head to your local auto parts store and rent an OBD2 scanner to see what’s what. The staff will also help you read the code.

Consumer Reports explains what the check engine light means and what to do when you see it: how to tell if your car has a loose gas cap—or a serious engine problem.

What Is the First Thing to Check When the Check Engine Light Comes On? Start by checking the gas cap first, since that is easy to fix. Beyond that, it’s not a good idea to try and guess what the cause ...

Your car's check engine light is a car's way of telling you something is wrong, so it should never be ignored.

The check-engine light is a signal that the onboard diagnostics system (or OBD II) has detected a malfunction in the vehicle's emissions, ignition or fuel systems.

What Your Check Engine Light Means When your check engine light turns on, one or more onboard diagnostic trouble codes are stored in the car’s computer.

A check-engine light could be a gentle reminder or a sign of something catastrophic. We explain what a malfunction indicator light is and what you can do about it.

While your check engine light is obviously meant for engine issues, it can often give you clues to problems in other parts of the car as well.

Does a check-engine light really mean something is wrong with your engine? What you should do if yours comes on.

The check-engine light came back on again in my car. What should I do?Q. The check-engine light was on in my 2003 Ford Windstar, so I took it to a shop and they said all of the oxygen sensors were ...