A study in 2019 showed that the check engine light is almost 100 percent accurate in detecting engine problems. Rarely, do you receive a check engine warning that is false. In order to get that light to turn off, you must fix the problem that has caused it to turn on. LP & Sons Auto Care lists common reasons why a check engine light comes on below.
Catalytic Converter Failure
The catalytic converter is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It handles the carbon monoxide released in the vehicle’s exhaust. Over time, the catalytic converter can clog or fail. If it does, your check engine light will come on.
Electrical Problems
If your vehicle is experiencing electrical problems, the check engine light will turn on. It’s possible that there is a problem in the electrical system, with one of the system sensors, or with the engine control module.
Fuel Problems
Fuel problems can definitely cause the check engine light to come on because excess fuel in the combustion chamber will affect how your engine fires and your vehicle’s exhaust. In fact, if you have too much fuel in the combustion chamber, your vehicle will fail an emissions test.
Loose Gas Cap
One thing that you can fix yourself is a loose gas cap. If you just filled your automobile with gasoline and the check engine light turned on as you were pulling out of the service station, it’s possible you didn’t secure the gas cap tight enough. Find a safe place to park and check the gas cap.
MAF Sensor Failure
If the mass airflow sensor goes bad in your automobile, it will send an error code to the engine control module and the module will turn on the check engine light. The mass airflow sensor measures how much air comes into your engine while you are driving your automobile.
Malfunctioning O2 Sensor
The oxygen sensor takes care of keeping track of the oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust. As with the MAF sensor, if the O2 sensor goes bad, it will send an error code that will result in a check engine light warning. Replacing the oxygen sensor is the only way to get the light to turn off.
Spark Plug Misfires
If your spark plugs are old and worn, they, too, can cause the light to come on. You may also notice that your vehicle is misfiring and stalling.
Transmission Issues
Finally, transmission Issues are another common reason why check engine lights come on. Aside from the check engine warning, you may also notice that your vehicle is having difficulty shifting gears.
LP & Sons Auto Care in DeLand, FL, can help. Call our shop today to schedule an appointment for a diagnostic check. We can fix the problem that is causing your engine light to turn on.