Is your vehicle’s check engine light on and you’re not sure why?
A check engine light is a common sign in modern vehicles that there is an issue with your car. Noticing it early and being able to know what the issue is and taking it to the mechanic saves you money.
We’re going to give you reasons why the check engine light on, and what you can do about it. Keep reading to learn more.
Failed Engine Sensors
Failed engine sensors are one of the most common reasons the check engine light comes on. These sensors measure different areas of the vehicle, such as exhaust, fuel/air mixture, and engine temperature.
When these sensors malfunction, they can cause the vehicle to operate and the check engine light to turn on. Because the sensors measure different aspects of the engine, their failure can lead to decreased performance, lower fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.
Sometimes, you need to replace the damaged sensors, which can be expensive. It’s important to diagnose why the check engine light is on as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Failed Emissions Control System
The emissions control system is a critical component of a vehicle, as it helps reduce toxic emissions released into the air. If the emissions control system is not functioning, the vehicle’s emissions may be higher than allowed by law.
Failure of the emissions control system may damage other vehicle components and can be very costly to auto repair. As such, it needs to have the emissions control system checked out as soon as possible if you have a check engine light on.
Oxygen Sensor Malfunction
The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases from the engine. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cause the engine to receive too much or too little oxygen, resulting in poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption, and increased emissions.
Without the proper ratio of oxygen to fuel, engines can misfire, stall, or run rich or lean. If ignored, this malfunction indicator light can result in severe engine damage.
If your check engine light is on, have a mechanic check your oxygen sensor to make sure it is working and make sure your vehicle runs the way it should.
Loose Gas Cap
If your check engine light is on and you’ve recently filled your gas tank, your gas cap is the most likely culprit. They design the gas tank caps to form a tight seal and keep fuel vapors from escaping.
When you notice a broken seal or the cap isn’t tightened, the light will come on to show the gas cap is not secured. Over time, you need to replace the gas caps cos it is loose.
Checking and maintaining your gas cap can save you the car repair costs of a more significant problem. Fixing a loose gas cap is quick and easy and could save you a lot of hassle and money. Please don’t put it off, and stay on top of it!
Mass Air Flow Sensor Malfunction
A mass air flow sensor malfunction can cause a check engine light. This part measures the air coming into the engine and feeds that information to the car’s computer system.
If the mass air flow sensor is not providing the correct information, the computer may not be able to decide the right fuel and oxygen the engine needs. The check engine light alerts the driver or mechanic of a potential problem.
You can also use an oxygen sensor to diagnose a mass air flow malfunction. If the car has a problem setting, a qualified mechanic needs to assess the problem.
Especially if the mass air flow sensor is malfunctioning, it’s essential to ensure the system works before you take an action to prevent further damage or injury.
Ignition System Malfunction
Ignition system problems can reduce engine performance, decrease fuel efficiency, and increase harmful pollutants. Ignition system malfunctions can show a spark plug issue, an issue with the spark plug wires, or a problem with the ignition coils.
Sometimes, the cause is a dirty or clogged air filter that restricts the engine from working. Fixing the problem may need changing out one or more parts in your ignition system, such as the spark plugs, spark plug wires, or the ignition coil.
It’s essential to get the issue repaired as possible so your engine continues to run and you don’t end up with further problems due to a malfunction.
Failed Spark Plugs or Wires
When a spark plug or its wire fails, it compromises the spark it’s supposed to provide to ignite the combustion mixture in the engine cylinder. The lack of spark causes the engine to misfire, generating an error code that turns the check engine light on.
If the spark plugs and wires are not replaced, it will lead to more serious engine damage, such as a warped cylinder head or worn piston rings, as the engine will run on partial cylinders. Thus, checking the spark plugs and wires as soon as the check engine light turns on is essential to avoid further damage.
Bad Battery or Alternator
An alternator is part of a car’s electrical system. Its primary function is to charge the battery and provide electricity to the vehicle’s electrical system when the engine is running.
A battery provides power to start the engine and keeps the electrical system running when the engine is off. If either of these components is not working, it can cause your check engine diagnosis to come on.
Possible causes include a broken battery cable or a loose connection on the alternator or battery. If you recently had your battery or alternator replaced, the check engine light can take a few days to reset.
Do These if Your Check Engine Light On
It needs to consider various factors when diagnosing why is your check engine light on. It could be something simple or a result of a more pressing engine issue.
To learn the precise cause of the issue, having a professional check the car for you may be a good idea. Get your engine checked.
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