What to Do When Your MAZDA Check Engine Light Turns On

Ask any longtime driver what indicator light causes the most dread in them when it turns on, and “check engine light” (CEL) is likely at the very top of their list. After all, the engine is literally the driving force of any internal combustion vehicle.

The truth is that a check engine light could be on for any number of reasons and is not always cause for immediate concern. That said, you should never just ignore it and act like nothing’s wrong, or worse, try to clear the code and remove the dash light without addressing the cause of the light coming on. That’s because your Mazda CEL could also signal serious trouble that, if left unchecked, could damage your vehicle irreparably.

The takeaway? If your CEL is on, try not to freak out, and know that it could be something minor or more serious. But do take immediate action by bringing your car into a service center. We can help you schedule service over the phone, but you can also just as easily schedule a check engine light diagnostic appointment online.

7 Reasons Your MAZDA Check Engine Light Has Turned On

Whether you’re dealing with a Mazda3 check engine light, Mazda CX-5 check engine light, or Mazda6 check engine light, this info is pretty universal.

This information is not, however, intended to be comprehensive or exhaustive; we recommend referring to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for more detailed information. You can also reach out to any Mazda-certified service and repair center for assistance.

With that being said, here are some of the most common reasons your vehicle’s check engine light may be on:

Solid MAZDA Check Engine Light vs. Blinking MAZDA Check Engine Light

A blinking check engine light is usually indicative of a misfire or other serious issue that should be addressed immediately. If your check engine light is blinking, it may be wise to get your car towed to a Mazda service center.

What to Do if Your MAZDA Check Engine Light is On

• If You Have a Mechanical Background: If you are confident in your ability to fix cars, are ASE-certified, and don’t mind risking voiding your new vehicle’s limited warranty by performing repairs on your car, then we recommend:
  • Using an OBDII scanner to read any pending codes or fault codes to diagnose what is causing the CEL to illuminate.
  • Some sources (even dealerships) may instruct you to reset the light by loosening the negative terminal bolt of your battery, waiting a minute, and reattaching. But we do NOT recommend doing this, because, doing so poses a fire risk and could cause engine damage. Therefore, to fix the problem yourself, use your code reader to clear all fault codes, and this should reset all diagnostic lights, including the CEL.
• For All Others: For the vast majority of Mazda owners (and all lessees), we recommend scheduling Mazda service right away.

Thinking of Trading In Your Vehicle?

In most cases, your CEL can probably be fixed by making necessary repairs. But for some folks, a check engine light is like a bad omen and a sign of more problems to come. If that sounds like you, and you’re thinking about trading in your vehicle, check out our new Mazda inventory now.