You are driving your Rolls Royce and everything is going smoothly, and then you look at your dashboard and see the check light is on. That little glowing icon can bring a big sense of dread, even in the smoothest, most luxurious car on the road. But before you start panicking, you need to know that not all check engine light signals are a sign of a life-threatening situation. Sometimes, it is a small issue and at other times, it is your Rolls Royce telling you that it requires the attention of a professional.
What Does the Check Engine Light Really Mean?
The check engine light or CEL is a part of Rolls Royce’s onboard diagnostics system. This light comes on when there is a problem with your engine or emissions system. Although it may be caused by something as simple as a loose gas cap, it is also associated with various major parts such as the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, ignition coils, or transmission.
One thing you need to know about modern Rolls-Royce models is that they come equipped with sophisticated systems that communicate with each other to inform the driver about the car. When these sensors and systems detect a fault, they send a signal to the driver through warning lights like the CEL.
When You Might Be Able to DIY
There are some situations where it is acceptable to take a look yourself before calling in a professional. However, it is important to note that due to the sophisticated nature of a car like the Rolls Royce, DIY solutions are somewhat restricted and should be approached with caution.
- The Gas Cap is Loose or Missing: This is one of the most common causes of the CEL illumination and it is as a result of the loose or missing gas cap which causes pressure in the fuel system to reduce. Try to tighten it a little and take the car for a ride to check whether the light goes off or not.
- You Know About Basic OBD-II Scanner: If you are familiar with using an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD-II) scanner, you could plug it in and read the code. Most scanners will only tell you vague things like ‘O2 sensor’ or ‘cylinder misfire,’ and that’s not sufficient. However, it could be useful in the sense that it can inform if the problem is an emergency or not.
- No Strange Noises or Smells: If the vehicle is running smoothly, it is not stuttering, the smell is normal and there is no loss of power, then the problem might not be too serious and you can drive the car a little while before taking it to the garage. But do not turn your back on the light for too long. It is very important to note that a minor issue can turn out to be a major one if not well-managed.
When To Call A Professional
- Light is Flashing: A check light that is flashing is never a good sign. It is often an indication that there is a severe problem that may harm your engine or catalytic converter. Pull over and take the vehicle to a reputable mechanic.
- You Notice Performance Changes: Anytime your Rolls Royce is hesitating, stalling, shaking, or losing power, the light is an indication that something is not well with the vehicle. Whether it’s a small issue such as a faulty sensor or something more serious, it’s time to get some professional help.
- Other Warning Lights Appear: If there are other lights such as traction control or battery lights, then you need to take the vehicle to a repair shop. Certified mechanics can use a professional diagnostics tool to get the full picture of what is happening under the hood.
Let’s Keep Your Rolls Royce Running Smoothly
At Mark Douglas Motorworks, we know 
how much you value your Rolls Royce and that is why we handle it with utmost care. We have been working with exotic and ultra-luxury brands for years, and our mission is to do the job perfectly at the first attempt.
Our customers come to us from various cities in Orange County such as Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Hills, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Niguel and we provide the best diagnostic, repair and maintenance services for their luxury vehicles. So the next time you see that CEL on and you are not sure what to do, take it to a shop that understands how to handle your car. Visit our workshop in Mission Viejo today to book an appointment for a CEL inspection.