CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

A flashing CEL (Check Engine Light) is something serious to be concerned about. A blinking CEL indicates that your vehicle’s engine is misfiring, which could severely damage your catalytic converters.

A misfire is when one or more of your engine’s cylinders are not providing power to the vehicle, with raw fuel possibly running into the catalytic converter. Engine misfire is a severe condition that requires immediate attention to avoid expensive repairs.

Repairing this condition immediately is important to save you money and keep your vehicle running longer. The longer the vehicle is misfiring the more damage will occur. Even a non-flashing light could indicate a less serious misfire.

FINDING OUT WHAT’S WRONG AND HOW TO FIX IT

1 – Getting your vehicle’s data
A tool is required to pull information from the vehicle so you may view it. We recommend the Innova 5110.

2 – Download Innova App
Download the Innova RepairSolutions 2 app.

While the tool is able to display some data pulled from the vehicle, the app will be able to provide more information such as the repair and costs needed for your vehicle’s repair.

The app will work with your tool, so please wait for your tool to arrive or you may visit any of our retailers to purchase it today.

3 – Get Report
Setup your account with your tool by following the instructions here.

Then create the report following the directions here.

You should receive a report that appears similar to the one below.

Viewing the repairs and costs for your vehicle

1 – Tap the Engine Element
If your check engine is on, your report should display the red Engine element on your report.
Tap this element to view the details.

2 – View your repair
Your Engine report will display.

Providing you information on the code, the fix needed, and the parts needed for repair.

Your Options

At this point, you have two options.
1. You may attempt the repair on your own now knowing the repair needed, and the needed parts for the repair.
2. You may take the vehicle to repair shop now knowing roughly the cost of repair for your issue.

Innova does not recommend ignoring a check engine light even if the vehicle drives ‘fine’ as this can create the need for very expensive repairs later, such as replacement of a catalytic converter (which can cost on average $1,500), or even the replacement of the entire engine (potentially upwards of $5,000).

Maintaining your vehicle and addressing issues like a misfire quickly maintains vehicle safety, fuel economy and longevity.