The check engine light will illuminate for a number of reasons. The best way to know what the reason is for your vehicle is to pay a visit to your auto mechanic and let him scan the diagnostic troubleshooting codes. This is really the only way to know for sure.
The check engine light may have been triggered for something as simple as an oxygen sensor needing to be replaced. Or it may be something more serious. Pay attention to how the car is running. If the engine sounds different, the problem may be serious and should be diagnosed soon. If your car is running like normal, you may have more time to fix the problem.
5 reasons your Check Engine Light may go on:
1. Your Oxygen Sensor is failing and will need to be replaced.
Your oxygen sensor measures the quantity of unburned oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust fumes. With a failing Oxygen Sensor your engine will be less fuel-efficient as it will be burning more fuel than it needs, A defective O2 sensor can also harm your spark plugs and exhaust system.
2. Your Exhaust System needs to be checked.
A Catalytic Converter converts the carbon monoxide from your exhaust system into carbon dioxide, making less of an impact on our atmosphere. If the Catalytic Converted isn’t working, your vehicle won’t pass an emissions test.
3. Spark Plugs or Plug Wires require repair.
Spark plugs are an integral part of your vehicle’s motor as they provide the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture within the cylinders. This continuous ignition is what keeps your car going. If spark plugs are not checked with regular services, cleaned or changed when necessary, they can cause engine problems.
Here are 6 signs you need to change your spark plugs:
- Engine has rough idle.
- Trouble starting your car
- Engine misfires or engine surges
- High fuel consumption
- Lack of acceleration
4. Mass Airflow Sensor may fail and need replacing.
With a bad sensor, the engine will not know the right amount of fuel to add, causing problems including poor gas mileage, lack of power and more.
5. Your Gas Cap might need tightening, or replacing.
Unscrew the gas cap and take a look to see if it has any cracks in it. If there are no cracks retighten the cap. Drive your vehicle and see if the check engine light turns off. If there are cracks in the cap you probably need to get it replaced.
These are a few suggestions for why your Check Engine light might be on, but your technician at Bob Hope’s Auto Repair can get right to the real reason so you no longer have to wonder and worry. Contact us today.