Free Check Engine Light Testing Near Me (2024)

Have you just started your car and suddenly noticed the check engine light? While this can be very alarming and unsettling, you may be looking for someone to help diagnose the problem as soon as possible. Although most auto parts stores can assist with your check engine light, you don’t necessarily want to pay for a quick fix if there are free alternatives.

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The best 9 Places to test your check engine light for free are below, read on to see the full list.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Which Places Offer Free Check Engine Light Testing Near Me?
  • 1. Autozone
  • 2. O’Reilly Auto
  • 3. Pep Boys
  • 4. Advance Auto Parts
  • 5. Aamco
  • 6. Local Auto Parts Stores
  • 7. Car Dealership
  • 8. Your Mechanic
  • 9. Check The Codes Yourself
• Related Questions
  • Can I Reset The Check Engine Light Myself?
  • What Are The Common Reasons For The Check Engine Light?
  • Our Check Engine Light Tests Accurate?

Which Places Offer Free Check Engine Light Testing Near Me?

Most auto parts companies offer check engine light testing. While most of these checks can be completed in minutes, they aren’t all free. They can easily cost up to and above $100 from a mechanic or service center.

For the check engine light testing, a technician or mechanic will use a diagnostic tool to read the code associated with the check engine light. This will then be relayed to you to determine the problem with the car.

1. Autozone

Autozone is a well-established auto parts store and is the leader in the distribution and supply of automotive replacement parts. They have many stores across the U.S and a range of parts for consumers.

Autozone’s Fix Finder service is a complete warning light check performed by a skilled technician based on a comprehensive database. Once you locate your closest Autozone store, ask for a free check engine light report. Once complete, the technician will review the information with you and recommend and explain the fixes required.

The best part about this free service is getting a digital and printed report. So if you need to fix a few issues with your car in the future, you can always refer back to the report.

2. O’Reilly Auto

If you have an O’Reilly Auto Parts store near you, they can help test your check engine light. They offer free check engine light testing. After testing the check engine light, they print out a report with the fixes and even help refer you to a workshop that can assist with fixing your car.

3. Pep Boys

If you’re looking for a place that offers free check engine light testing, then Pep Boys is a good option. They have some free services and other services for a reduced cost. For example, their free engine light code pull service scans your vehicle’s onboard computer and analyses the trouble codes. Then, it uses the database to check for any reported errors by the car’s manufacturer.

This service is free, and you can book an appointment online via their website. Pep Boys have many locations, and there may be a Pep Boys near you to help test your check engine light.

4. Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts offers a few excellent in-store services. These include battery testing and installation, wiper blade installation, starter and alternator testing, and free check engine light testing. However, not all stores may offer this service, so it’s best to use the store locator to find a store close to you.

5. Aamco

Aamco has promotional offers that include a free check engine light testing. However, this offer is only available at some of their testing centers. The basic test is free, but there are additional tests and checks on request for an additional fee. You can locate your nearest Aamco via their website.

6. Local Auto Parts Stores

Local auto parts stores near you may offer check engine light testing for free. In addition, if you have previously used a service center or auto parts store, they may be willing to run a quick diagnostic test on your car. They will also give you feedback on any issues, especially if you will be using their services to fix your vehicle.

Google Maps is the best way to find your closest local auto parts store.

7. Car Dealership

If your car is new and you notice your check engine light is on, you may be able to get a free check engine light test from the dealership you purchased your car from. Most new vehicles have a warranty and extended warranty policy that allows for tests like this and other fixes on your vehicle should anything be wrong with it.

8. Your Mechanic

If you have an existing relationship with a mechanic and have helped you with your car previously, they may be able to assist in testing your check engine light for free. There are also ways to negotiate, and any mechanic will be willing to check a car if they will be hired to fix the vehicle if it needs fixing.

9. Check The Codes Yourself

There are a few ways to test the check engine light yourself. Although this option isn’t for everyone, it’s an excellent DIY option to solve the check engine light issue.

You can test the check engine light by purchasing a device on Amazon to test the warning codes, or you can use your smartphone with a Bluetooth OBD2 adaptor to scan your car for codes. Check out our automotive deals for possible deals on devices like this.

Generally, there is always a reason why check engine lights come on. Sometimes they go away on their own, but if you do see a check engine light, you want to know what’s causing it. Sometimes to avoid extra charges, you may try to figure it out yourself. Maybe you have other questions regarding the check engine light and why it is displayed.

Can I Reset The Check Engine Light Myself?

Two of the ways you can reset the check engine light and check what’s wrong with the car is to use an OBD scanner. Once you fix the issue, the light should go off. The second method is to turn the ignition on and off again until the light disappears.

What Are The Common Reasons For The Check Engine Light?

There are a few reasons why the check engine light may be on. These should all be checked if you see the check engine light. The five most common causes for the check engine light coming on are the following:

• Catalytic converter
• Gas cap
• Mass airflow sensor
• Oxygen sensor
• Spark plugs

Our Check Engine Light Tests Accurate?

Since check engine light tests use a diagnostic tool to pick up issues on your car, they can be pretty accurate. If you are having your check engine light tested at a reputable store, they will have the best diagnostic tools and data to provide you with an accurate report. However, if you purchase a diagnostic tool, they may be slightly less accurate.