If you are a car owner reading this, your vehicle most likely has a check engine light. The check engine light has been described as a “catch-all warning light” indicating a car problem. What do we quickly look at some of the most likely reasons your check engine light may pop on?
Common Triggers of the Check Engine Light
- Defective Oxygen Sensor:
Your car has oxygen sensors within its emission system to detect any issues with your exhaust. If there is a problem with the emissions or the sensor, the check engine light will likely come on.
- Loose Fuel Cap
Sometimes, you may forget to screw the fuel cap on as tightly as you should, leaving it loose. This may trigger a sudden illumination of your check engine light. So, if your check engine light comes on, check your fuel cap to be sure it is tightly sealed.
- Worn Spark Plugs
Your check engine light may also come on due to worn or damaged spark plugs, which will, in turn, cause engine misfires. We advise getting a professional to replace the spark plugs in such cases.
- Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing your car’s toxic emissions. When the catalytic converter goes bad, your check engine light may come on to warn you of a problem. This, of course, happens alongside other tell-tale symptoms like failed emissions tests.
- Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor
The mass air flow sensor (MAF) measures the air entering your engine to optimize fuel injection. Besides a general decline in performance and decreased fuel efficiency, a faulty MAF sensor may also trigger your check engine light.
- Cooling System Issue
Most cars have separate warning lights and gauges that come on when a car overheats due to cooling system issues. However, the check engine light may also pop on in such cases as an extra warning sign.
- Fuel System Issues
Fuel system issues include clogged fuel injectors, blocked fuel filters, leaking fuel lines, malfunctioning pumps, and contaminated fuel. In such cases, the check engine light may let you know your fuel system needs immediate attention.
- Low Oil Level or Expired Engine Oils
A low oil level or old/contaminated engine oil often leads to engine problems and a loss of power that may trigger your check engine light. The light could suggest that your vehicle is due to an oil change.
- Faulty Battery and Alternator
One of the warning signs of an issue with your car’s battery or alternator is a sudden illumination of the check engine light. The check engine light will come on in such cases because it can sense potential electrical issues.
The Next Step
Your vehicle’s check engine light is very important as it often warns you about issues you may not know of. Never ignore it, even if your vehicle’s performance seems normal at the time. What you should do instead is visit an auto repair shop for inspection.
We will conduct thorough checks on your car to determine why your check engine light pooped on. This includes scanning your car’s diagnostic codes to get more information about the problem. Contact us today for one-stop access to top-shelf diagnostics and outstanding maintenance/repair services.
