Your engine is the heart of your Chevy. It makes the power, moves you from the driveway to the daily grind, and rarely asks for thanks.
When it does speak up, however, it’s usually through a small glowing light on your dashboard, often raising questions and anxiety levels in the process.
At Team Chevrolet of Salisbury, our service team helps you work out what your Chevy is saying and what to do next. In this guide, we’ll cover what those engine lights mean, when to book a visit, and how we keep your engine running strong. Whether you need Chevy engine service, maintenance, or repair, we’ve got you covered.
Two dashboard lights often cause the most confusion, and though people sometimes think they’re interchangeable, they mean very different things.
Think of this dashboard light as a friendly reminder. It signals upcoming routine maintenance, like an oil change, air filter replacement, or transmission fluid service. The key word in this dashboard warning light is “soon.”
Your Chevy isn’t warning you of a potential breakdown; it’s simply telling you it’s time to schedule a service appointment. But don’t let it sit for too long! Putting off routine service for too long can cause unnecessary engine damage and a more costly service appointment than you would like.
The check engine light, also called the malfunction indicator lamp, means your Chevy’s onboard computer has detected an unexpected problem with the engine or exhaust system. The cause can be as simple as a loose gas cap or as complicated as a failing oxygen sensor, engine misfire, or a worn catalytic converter.
In a nutshell, the check engine light means your car’s computers or sensors have noticed something that needs a closer look, and it’s best to check sooner rather than later.
Steady
A steady check engine light is usually a serious-but-not-urgent problem. It’s your Chevy telling you to schedule a visit soon, but it doesn’t have to be done immediately.
Flashing
A flashing check engine light, on the other hand, means something is wrong under the hood, so pull over immediately and have it towed to the nearest service center. For example, a misfire can overheat the emissions system and cause a fire.
Not sure how urgent your Chevy’s symptom is? Use this cheat sheet to get a general idea. Note that only a proper diagnosis can tell you for sure, so when in doubt, bring it in.
| What You Notice | Possible Causes | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Steady check engine light | Loose gas cap, faulty oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor issue, worn spark plugs or ignition coils, failing catalytic converter | Check your gas cap first. If the light stays on after a few miles, schedule a check engine service |
| Flashing check engine light | Engine misfire or timing issue | Pull over safely and shut the engine off. Arrange a tow to a service center |
| “Service engine soon” or service reminder | Routine maintenance is due, such as an oil change, air filter, or fluid service | Book a maintenance visit at your earliest convenience |
| Knocking or pinging from the engine | Too much heat and pressure in the combustion chamber | A loud knock can signal serious detonation problems, so schedule a service soon |
| Ticking or other unusual noises | Varies, so it will need a proper diagnosis | Schedule an inspection before a small noise becomes a big repair |
| Rough idle or hesitation | Worn spark plugs, ignition problems, or an air/fuel mixture that’s too lean or too rich | Schedule a diagnostic check |
| Loss of power | Worn combustion parts that have lost compression, a lean air/ fuel mixture, or a failing oxygen sensor | Schedule a diagnostic check |
| Dropping fuel economy | Faulty oxygen sensor, engine misfire, or air/ fuel mixture issues | Schedule a diagnostic check |
| Engine overheating | Dirty coolant, coolant leaks, or a worn cooling system part (radiator, hoses, water pump, or thermostat) | Stop driving as soon as it’s safe and have the cooling system inspected |
| Excessive exhaust smoke | Varies, so will need a proper diagnosis | Schedule service as soon as possible |
Technology keeps evolving, and our Chevrolet Certified Service technicians keep up with the latest automotive tech. They receive the latest training and have access to the most up-to-date diagnostic tools, ensuring your Chevy repairs are done right.
Our team starts with a diagnosis, not a guess. Advanced tools read your Chevy’s onboard computer and pull any trouble codes, and a hands-on inspection checks for leaks and worn components. The result can range from a minor ignition repair to, in rare cases, a full engine replacement.
When your Chevy needs parts, we use only genuine GM parts. These parts are designed, engineered, and tested to rigorous standards, built for your Chevy make and model.
Our top priority is keeping your engine out of trouble before it starts. Following your Owner’s Manual maintenance schedule for oil changes, coolant service, and filter replacements helps prevent overheating, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces the risk of major repairs down the line.
Engine repair is serious business, but saving money doesn’t have to be. Check out our current Chevy service coupons and special offers below!
Browse our current service and parts specials to see what you can save on your next engine service visit.
It means your Chevy’s onboard computer or sensors have detected a problem, often in the engine or emissions system. The cause could be minor, like a loose gas cap, or more serious, like a failing catalytic converter or a misfire. Either way, it’s worth getting checked.
It depends on the cause. If the light is steady and the car drives normally, a short drive to the dealership is generally reasonable. If you notice a change in performance, slow down and get to a service center as soon as you can. If the light is flashing, pull over safely and shut the car off, because your Chevy may have a major malfunction.
You can, but it won’t fix the underlying problem, and the light will likely come back on. A reset also clears useful information a technician can use to diagnose the issue.
Follow the maintenance schedule in your Owner’s Manual. It tells you when to schedule oil changes, coolant service, filter replacements, and more. If you don’t have access to your owner’s manual, contact our service team, and we can work with you on a maintenance schedule for your make and model.
Yes! We use GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco Parts, which are designed, engineered, and tested to rigorous standards and backed by General Motors.
We understand that your time is valuable, and we want to ensure that our team can help you right when you walk through our doors. The best way is to schedule a service appointment online. However, if the problem is critical, such as a flashing check engine light, call our service center at 704-603-6957, and we will walk you through what to do next.
