Check Engine Light Turning On and Off? Why Mississippi Drivers Trust William Wells Tire & Auto

Few things on your dashboard cause more stress than the check engine light (CEL). Sometimes it stays on, other times it disappears the next time you drive. Many drivers think, “If the light went off, maybe the problem fixed itself.” Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.

At William Wells Tire & Auto, with locations in Starkville, Columbus, and West Point, MS, we’ve seen this countless times. A check engine light that turns on and off is usually a sign of an intermittent fault — a problem that’s happening under certain conditions but hasn’t failed completely. Catching it early can save you from expensive repairs and surprise breakdowns.

This guide explains:

• Why your check engine light sometimes comes and goes
  
  
• The most common causes of intermittent CEL warnings
  
  
• Why waiting is a gamble with your car’s health
  
  
• How William Wells Tire & Auto accurately diagnoses and fixes the issue
  
  
• Why drivers across the Golden Triangle trust us to keep their vehicles running strong
  
  

Why the Check Engine Light Flickers On and Off

Your vehicle is equipped with an OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system that constantly monitors sensors, emissions, and engine performance. When something looks out of range, the CEL comes on.

But here’s the key:

• Even if the light disappears, the error code is stored in your car’s computer.
  
  
• Intermittent CELs usually point to developing issues that will get worse over time.
  
  
• Ignoring it gives small problems a chance to grow into costly repairs.
  
  

Think of it like a warning alarm that silences itself. The silence doesn’t mean the issue is gone — only that it hasn’t happened again yet.

Common Causes of an Intermittent Check Engine Light

At William Wells Tire & Auto, these are the most common culprits we uncover:

1. Loose or Worn Gas Cap

A cracked or poorly sealed gas cap can allow fuel vapors to escape, tripping the EVAP system. Tightening it may help, but if the cap is damaged, the light will keep returning.

2. Oxygen (O2) Sensor Issues

O2 sensors measure the oxygen in your exhaust gases. When they begin to fail, they may only send incorrect readings sometimes, triggering an on-and-off CEL. Left unchecked, this can waste fuel and damage the catalytic converter.

3. Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Misfires

Misfires may only occur under certain conditions — like heavy acceleration, high humidity, or cold starts. Once the misfire stops, the CEL may go dark, but engine and converter damage continues.

4. Catalytic Converter Efficiency Problems

Converters sometimes show declining efficiency before they fail completely. Early warnings may come and go — but by the time the CEL stays on permanently, replacement is usually necessary.

5. Electrical or Vacuum Leaks

Loose wiring, corroded connections, or tiny vacuum leaks often cause “ghost” problems. They appear and disappear, but require professional diagnostics to track down.

Why Ignoring It Is Risky

It’s tempting to shrug off a disappearing CEL — but here’s why that’s dangerous:

• Fuel Waste – A failing sensor or coil can reduce efficiency even when the light is off.
  
  
• Hidden Damage – Misfires and faulty readings quietly wear down pistons, plugs, and converters.
  
  
• Bigger Repair Bills – A minor repair today can escalate into a major expense if ignored.
  
  
• Breakdowns Happen Unexpectedly – Intermittent issues often become permanent at the worst possible time — like commuting on Highway 82, driving between Starkville and Columbus, or heading home from West Point.
  
  

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes and Goes

Here’s a step-by-step plan for Golden Triangle drivers:

1. Check Your Gas Cap – Make sure it’s tightened until it clicks. If the light returns, the cap may need replacing.
   
   
2. Watch for Symptoms – Rough idle, hesitation, or poor MPG? These are important clues.
   
   
3. Don’t Assume It’s Fixed – Even when the light disappears, the code remains stored.
   
   
4. Bring It to William Wells Tire & Auto – Our ASE-certified technicians can scan your system, analyze live data, and find the root cause quickly.
   
   

The William Wells Tire & Auto Difference

When you bring your vehicle to us, you’re getting more than a quick code read — you’re getting a complete, trustworthy diagnostic process.

• Advanced Diagnostics – OBD-II scans, live data analysis, and physical inspections.
  
  
• Clear Communication – We explain the issue in plain language, so you understand exactly what’s happening.
  
  
• Trusted Repairs – From sensors to ignition systems, converters to wiring, we fix it right the first time.
  
  
• Full-Service Auto Care – Beyond diagnostics, we provide tires, brakes, suspension, oil changes, alignments, and preventative maintenance.
  
  
• Customer-First Philosophy – Our priority is always your safety, your budget, and your long-term vehicle health.
  
  

Serving Starkville, Columbus, and West Point

With three convenient locations, William Wells Tire & Auto proudly serves drivers across the Golden Triangle region of Mississippi:

• Starkville – 12919 MS-182, (662) 268-4081
  
  
• Columbus – 1625 Gardner Blvd, (662) 240-2414
  
  
• West Point – 93 W Broad St, (662) 495-8558
  
  

No matter where you’re driving in Oktibbeha, Lowndes, or Clay County, you can count on William Wells for expert diagnostics and dependable repair.

The Bottom Line

A check engine light that turns on and off isn’t a harmless glitch — it’s a warning your vehicle needs attention.

At William Wells Tire & Auto, we’ve built our reputation on honesty, precision, and customer care. Don’t wait until a simple issue becomes a costly repair.

Call or visit one of our three convenient locations in Starkville, Columbus, or West Point — or schedule service online at williamwellstireandautorepair.com.

You can watch the video

https://youtu.be/sciAnEdwFK4