The appearance of the check engine light is one of the worst possible scenarios for a driver. This cautionary indicator frequently flashes when you least expect it. When this happens, most drivers rush to the nearest repair shop. Some people wait a while before making an appointment with a mechanic. Try to troubleshoot the issue on your own before shelling out money for repairs if at all possible. Furthermore, an obd2 scanner might aid in isolating the primary concerns. A loose gas cap or a faulty catalytic converter are both possible causes of the warning light. Other times, it could be a mass air flow sensor or ignition coil that is malfunctioning. No of the nature of the issue, it needs to be fixed without delay to prevent it from spreading and increasing repair costs. Top 5 Reasons Why Check Engine Light Comes On
Top 5 Reasons Why Check Engine Light Comes On
Oxygen Sensor Failure
The oxygen sensor is there to determine how much oxygen is being wasted in the vehicle’s exhaust. Therefore, if a faulty oxygen sensor is not replaced, the engine will waste fuel. The spark plugs and catalytic converter could also be harmed by faulty sensors. You may also notice a decrease in your vehicle’s fuel economy and fewer miles per gallon if your oxygen sensor is malfunctioning.
A Loose Fuel Filler Cap
The fuel filler cap/gas cap becoming damaged, loose, or missing are also frequent causes of the check engine light coming on. The fuel cap’s job is to keep the gasoline system sealed and the pressure inside the tank constant. More importantly, it helps keep gasoline vapours contained inside the car when you’re not driving.
Bad Catalytic Converter
A poorly functioning catalytic converter often results from neglect. The catalytic converter is an essential part of our environmental defence system, as it converts harmful carbon monoxide to less harmful carbon dioxide. There are consequences of a faulty catalytic converter. As a first negative consequence, your car will run extremely hot. The fact that your car won’t pass an emissions test is another huge issue. And both performance and gas mileage will suffer as a result.
Faulty MAF Sensor
If the check engine light turns on and you’ve already checked the three things we mentioned, then it’s likely that your Mass Air Flow sensor is broken. The mass air flow of your car’s engine is a metric that helps you figure out how much gas you need to keep it running. Reducing performance and gas mileage, a malfunctioning Mass Air Flow sensor should be replaced as soon as possible. Furthermore, the oxygen sensor, spark plugs, and catalytic converter can all be harmed by faulty mass air flow sensors.
Bad Spark Plugs and Plug Wires
We finally have faulty spark plugs or plug wires. The spark plug plays a critical role in your vehicle’s engine because it ignites the air and fuel combination inside the combustion chamber. A spark is sent from the ignition coil to the spark plugs through the spark plug wires. Problems like a clogged catalytic converter and ruined oxygen sensors and ignition coils can be traced back to faulty spark plugs and spark plug wires. Additionally, poor performance power, decreased fuel efficiency, and engine misfiring are all issues that can result from faulty spark plugs.
FAQs
Can low oil cause check engine light?
A typical reason for the check engine light to come on is low oil pressure, which can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance.
Is it OK to drive with check engine light on?
It’s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. Don’t freak out if the “check engine” light comes on while you’re driving. Keep an eye out to observe if the car is acting strangely.
Can a check engine light resolve itself?
If you fix the problem that triggered the warning, the check engine light should go off within 10–20 “cycles,” depending on the severity of the problem.
Is engine light always serious?
If your vehicle’s “check engine” light is on, whether constantly on or flashing, it needs to be taken to the mechanic immediately. There are a lot of possible causes for the light to be on, and you should probably take it to a mechanic to get it figured out. You can bet that computers are keeping tabs on your car’s performance.
