Home FAQ

Can I drive my van with the engine light on?

The short answer is that it is generally not recommended to drive your van with the engine light on. The engine light, also known as the check engine light, is an indicator that there is an issue with your vehicle's emissions control system or other components. Ignoring this warning light can lead to further damage to your vehicle and potentially unsafe driving conditions.

Understanding the Check Engine Light

The check engine light is part of your van's on-board diagnostics (OBD) system, which monitors various components and sensors in the engine and emissions control system. When the OBD system detects a problem, it triggers the check engine light to illuminate on your dashboard. This light can indicate a wide range of issues, from a loose gas cap to a malfunctioning catalytic converter.

Potential Risks of Driving with the Engine Light On

Increased Emissions: The check engine light often indicates a problem with the emissions control system, which can lead to increased air pollution and higher fuel consumption.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency: A problem detected by the OBD system can cause your van to run less efficiently, leading to decreased fuel economy.

Further Damage to Components: Ignoring the check engine light can allow the underlying problem to worsen, potentially leading to more expensive repairs down the line.

Safety Concerns: Certain issues detected by the OBD system, such as a malfunctioning brake system or steering components, can compromise the safety of your van and other drivers on the road.

It's important to note that the severity of the problem indicated by the check engine light can vary. In some cases, the issue may be minor and not immediately affect the drivability of your van. However, it's still recommended to have the problem diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible to prevent further complications.

What to Do If the Engine Light Comes On

Scan the OBD System: Use an OBD2 scanner or take your van to a mechanic to have the diagnostic trouble codes read. This will help identify the specific problem that triggered the check engine light.

Address the Issue: Once the problem has been identified, take your van to a reputable repair shop or dealership to have the necessary repairs made. Ignoring the issue can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the line.

Monitor the Light: After the repairs have been made, the check engine light should turn off. If the light remains on or comes back on, it may indicate that the problem has not been fully resolved or that a new issue has arisen.

In summary, while it may be possible to drive your van with the check engine light on in some cases, it is generally not recommended. The best course of action is to have the issue diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.

How long can you drive with the engine light on?

You can drive a short distance with a steady check engine light, but a flashing light requires you to stop immediately and avoid driving further. A flashing light indicates a serious issue that can cause expensive damage, while a steady light may be less urgent, but the problem should still be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Steady check engine light

What to do: You can typically drive for a short period to get to a repair shop. However, avoid heavy acceleration and high engine speeds.
What it means: A steady light suggests a less urgent problem, like a loose gas cap or a faulty oxygen sensor.
When to get it checked: Schedule a diagnostic check as soon as you can, ideally within a few days.

Flashing check engine light

What to do: Pull over safely and turn off the engine as soon as you can. Do not drive the car.
What it means: A flashing light signals an urgent problem, such as a misfire that can damage your catalytic converter.
When to get it checked: You need immediate assistance. Driving further can lead to severe engine damage.

Can I drive with the check engine light on and the car shaking?

No, you should not drive with a check engine light on and the car shaking, especially if the light is flashing. This combination usually indicates a severe engine misfire that can cause significant and costly damage to your vehicle's engine and catalytic converter. You should pull over to a safe location and get the car towed to a mechanic.
This video explains the common causes of a flashing check engine light and shaking car: 36scar PROblemsYouTube · Feb 23, 2023
Why you should not drive the car

Severe engine misfire: The shaking is a symptom of an engine misfire, where one or more cylinders aren't firing correctly.
Catastrophic damage: The misfire can send unburnt fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, a very expensive component.
Other component damage: Continuing to drive could lead to further damage to other engine parts.

What to do instead

Pull over immediately: Find a safe place to pull over and turn off the engine.
Do not continue driving: Avoid driving the car further than necessary to get to a safe spot.
Call for a tow: Have the vehicle towed to a reputable repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
Use a diagnostic scanner (optional): A mechanic will use an OBD2 scanner to read the trouble codes and determine the exact cause, which could be a bad spark plug, ignition coil, or vacuum leak.

You can watch this video to see a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting a car with a flashing check engine light: 1mExoni ViewsYouTube · Aug 24, 2024

What is the first thing to check when the check engine light comes on?

The first thing to check when your check engine light comes on is your gas cap. Make sure it's tightened securely, as a loose cap is a common cause for the light to turn on. If the light remains on after you've tightened the cap, check your dashboard for any other warning lights like low oil pressure or overheating and pull over safely if you see any.
Step 1: Check the gas cap

Unscrew the gas cap and then re-tighten it until it clicks.
A loose or damaged gas cap can cause a vapor leak, which triggers the light.
After tightening, the light may not turn off immediately. You may need to drive for a while for the system to reset.

Step 2: Check for other signs of trouble

Look at your dashboard to see if any other warning lights have come on, such as a light for low oil pressure or a temperature gauge that is in the red zone.
Listen for any unusual sounds coming from the engine or notice if there are any changes in how the car is driving, like a loss of power.
If you see other warning signs or notice performance issues, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off the engine.

Step 3: Get the diagnostic code read

If the light is still on and there are no immediate signs of a serious issue, your next step is to get the car's trouble code read.
Most auto parts stores offer free diagnostic services where they can plug a code reader into your car's port and tell you what the issue is.
This code can provide clues to more complex problems like issues with an oxygen sensor or catalytic converter.

Can you still drive with the engine warning light on?

You can likely drive with a solid check engine light, but a flashing light means you should pull over immediately and seek professional help. If the light is solid, drive cautiously to a mechanic and avoid heavy driving until the issue is diagnosed, as it could be a minor problem like a loose gas cap or a more serious one like a faulty catalytic converter.
If the check engine light is solid:

Drive cautiously: It's generally safe to continue driving, but reduce your speed and avoid hard acceleration, heavy loads, or towing.
Check the gas cap: Pull over when it's safe and ensure your gas cap is tight. Tighten it and continue driving; the light may turn off after a few trips.
Look for other symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your car's performance, such as strange noises, loss of power, or smoke. If you notice any, pull over as soon as possible.
Schedule a diagnostic check: Make an appointment to have the car scanned by a mechanic as soon as you can.

If the check engine light is flashing:

Pull over immediately: A flashing light indicates a serious problem, such as a misfire, that could cause significant damage to your engine or catalytic converter.
Turn off the car: Once you've pulled over to a safe location, turn off the engine.
Do not drive: Do not attempt to drive further. Have the vehicle towed to a repair shop for an inspection.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.