Top Reasons Why You’ve Got a Check Engine Light On

Driving your car, truck, or utility vehicle with the check engine light on is never a good idea. There was a study conducted in 2019 that revealed that the check engine light is almost 100 percent accurate in detecting engine problems seen or unseen. In other words, it turns on when there is a problem even if your automobile appears to be running normally. Advantage Auto Service advises that your check engine light can come on if there is a problem with your vehicle’s main computer chip, its various sensors, or if your engine has a vacuum leak. It can also come on for the following reasons.

Faulty Catalytic Converter

Over time, the catalytic converter becomes clogged with carbon deposits. This is a natural byproduct of a combustion engine. Once the catalytic converter gets clogged it malfunctions. Your check engine light will come on if your catalytic converter is not operating as it should be.

Loose Fuel Tank Cap

The cap over your fuel tank is designed to create a seal to prevent gas fumes from evaporating out of the tank. If the gas cap is no longer creating a seal over the tank, your check engine light will come on. Sometimes, retightening the gas cap solves the problem.

Malfunctioning MAF Sensor

You will end up with a check engine warning if your mass airflow sensor (MAF) is dirty and malfunctioning. The MAF sensor rarely goes bad. Rather, it gets caked with dirt and simply needs to be cleaned to restore its functionality.

Dying Oxygen Sensor

Unfortunately, the oxygen (O2) sensor does go bad. This can happen anywhere from 60,000 miles to over 100,000 miles. If you have a dying O2 sensor in your exhaust system, your check engine light will come on and you will notice engine performance issues.

Worn Spark Plugs

Worn spark plugs and faulty plug wires can also cause a check engine dashboard warning. Aside from the illuminated check engine light, you will also hear and feel your engine misfire. This sounds and feels like stuttering or sputtering.

Transmission Failure

Finally, it’s not unusual for the check engine light to turn on if your transmission needs service or repair. The check engine light covers the transmission because it does not have a light of its own.

Call Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, today if your automobile’s check engine light is on. Again, if you continue to drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle with an illuminated check engine light, you run the risk of causing unnecessary damage to the vehicle.