The check engine light is one of the most common indicators of something wrong with your car. But what does it mean when it comes on? Let’s take a look at six of the most common ones, so you can know what to look and listen for in the future.
Loose or Faulty Gas Cap
A loose or faulty gas cap is one of the easiest causes of a check engine light coming on. The gas cap is designed to seal up your fuel tank and keep the pressure inside, which helps prevent fuel from evaporating and keeps your car running more efficiently. If you notice that your gas cap isn’t screwed in all the way, or if you detect any cracks or other signs of damage, you should replace it as soon as possible.
Incorrectly Installed Air Filter
The air filter in your car helps prevent dirt and debris from getting into your engine, but if it’s not installed correctly, then it won’t be able to do its job properly. If you recently replaced an air filter, make sure it was put back in correctly; otherwise, your check engine light may come on due to poor airflow.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Your oxygen sensor measures how much oxygen is present in the exhaust fumes produced by your car’s engine. If this sensor goes bad, then it can cause a whole host of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions – which could trigger the check engine light to come on. In this instance, you’ll need to have your oxygen sensor replaced as soon as possible.
Old & Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs help ignite the fuel in your car’s combustion chamber, while spark plug wires help carry electricity from the ignition system to those spark plugs. Over time, these parts can wear down and cause misfires, leading to a check engine light coming on. Have these parts inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic so any worn-out parts can be replaced before they cause major issues with your vehicle.
Failing Catalytic Converter
Your catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions produced by your car’s exhaust system by converting them into less toxic substances before they’re released into the atmosphere. If this part fails, it can cause excessive emissions, which can trigger the check engine light to come on, so you’ll need to have it replaced as soon as possible if that caused the issue in the first place.
Bad Mass Air Flow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor measures how much air enters your vehicle’s engine and sends that information back to the computer so it can adjust accordingly for optimal performance. If this sensor fails, then it could lead to decreased performance and increased emissions—both of which could trigger a check engine light warning signal.
No one likes seeing their check engine light come on, but luckily there are usually simple solutions to fix whatever caused it in the first place! Whether you need a new gas cap, spark plug wires, or a catalytic converter replacement – be sure to take action immediately so any potential problems don’t worsen over time! For auto repair customers dealing with this issue, don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed!
A certified professional will know exactly what needs doing for a quick resolution without compromising safety or reliability!
Visit the incredible team of ASE-Certified mechanics and master mechanics at Dick’s Automotive in Clovis, CA, today. Please contact us today and please schedule an appointment via our website. Also, visit us on our Facebook page and get involved in our community!
