“It’s nice knowing what’s wrong with the car before you bring it in for service.” Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may ...

Your check engine light can come on a host of reasons, ranging from a loose gas cap to a faulty engine component. If you see a light illuminated on your dashboard, you can use an OBD2 scanner to ...

Before I figured out how to work on cars, onboard computer systems scared me. I’ve had no formal training, after all, so the idea of a car’s complex electricals and countless sensors made DIY work ...

Modern cars are basically computers on wheels. With so many electrical systems, sensors, and motors, there’s so much that could potentially go wrong. When something does go awry, pinpointing the ...

Cars are more than just oil and steel. Modern models have incorporated electronics and computer chips to help manage and optimize their mechanical components. That means maintaining your car's ...

The Check Engine Light (CEL) happens when there is an issue. If you clear it manually, it may keep returning until the ...

Your vehicle has a problem if the check engine light (CEL) glows. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the computer help find the cause.

Gone are the days when a "check engine" light coming on your dashboard automatically meant a costly trip to a main dealer to have your fault code read. Diagnosing issues at home has never been easier.

It may cost you more in the long run. You’re driving along and suddenly your check engine light goes on. But nothing seems to have changed with the way your car is running. It’s OK to let it go for a ...