A 2019 study showed that the check engine light is almost always accurate when it comes to detecting engine problems. In fact, the check engine light can signal problems that are undetectable via any other means. Hightech Automotive can find out why your vehicle’s check engine light is on. The reason why is likely due to one of the problems listed below.
Clogged or Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter
If the catalytic converter is clogged or malfunctioning, there will be excess carbon monoxide in your vehicle’s exhaust. This will cause the check engine light to come on. You will also notice a rotten egg smell.
Electrical Sensor or System Problems
The check engine light can also come on if your vehicle’s main computer, the engine control unit, is malfunctioning or if one of the system sensors is malfunctioning. Sometimes, the check engine light will come on if your vehicle is experiencing an electrical problem.
Loose Gas Cap or Other Fuel System Problem
Unbelievably, the check engine light can come on if your gas cap is too loose. It can also come on if the fuel injectors are leaking or clogged if you have a clogged fuel pump, or if you have clogged fuel lines.
Malfunctioning or Dead Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is also called the O2 sensor and it is responsible for measuring oxygen levels in your vehicle’s exhaust. If it is malfunctioning or has died, it will send an error code to the engine control unit and the unit will turn on the check engine light.
Malfunctioning or Dirty Mass Airflow Sensor
The check engine light can also come on if you have a dirty mass airflow sensor or an MAF sensor that is malfunctioning. This sensor measures the amount of air that flows into the engine from the outside. Naturally, it can get dirty over time.
Misfiring, Old, or Worn Spark Plugs
Worn spark plugs can also trigger a check engine light warning. This is because the old spark plugs are misfiring and causing problems with your engine’s combustion. Spark plugs used to have to be changed every 30,000 miles, but in today’s automobiles, they can be changed every 100,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for the specific mileage duration for your automobile.
Transmission Malfunction/Problems
Finally, your vehicle’s transmission does not have a dashboard warning light of its own, so the engine control unit turns on the check engine light if it is experiencing problems. You may also notice issues with your transmission’s behavior, including difficulty getting it into gear and a refusal to shift gears.
Stop by Hightech Automotive in Forest City, NC, today if your vehicle’s check engine light is on.