The Top 5 Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Turned On

Every car owner has been there. You are enjoying your drive, and suddenly the “check engine” light turns on. In such moments, your first worry is to panic. Why is my check engine light turned on? Will my car suddenly stop running in the middle of the road? If you are in an isolated place, you also get concerned about your safety or where you can get help. The good thing is that there is no need to panic. Although this is something you should not ignore, it does not mean your engine is about to explode. Here are five reasons why your check engine light turned on.

Faulty Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is responsible for converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. This ensures harmful gases are not emitted, hence protecting the environment. Most catalytic converters can serve you well the entire lifetime of the car. A spoiled catalytic converter reduces fuel economy. It is good to have the catalytic converter inspected and fixed if you notice reduced fuel efficiency, decreased performance, and a strange smell.

Your Oxygen Sensor Needs To Be Replaced

Another reason for the check light engine turning on is the oxygen sensor. It is located in the car’s emission control system. Its purpose is to ensure your engine runs at peak performance and burns the right amount of fuel. This reduces its ability to check the oxygen mix and fuel system in the engine, hence malfunctioning. To have this fixed, go to the auto repair shop.

Replacement for Mass Airflow Sensor

To determine the amount of fuel needed for the engine to run, the amount of air entering the engine needs to be measured. That is the responsibility of the mass airflow sensor (MAS). It is susceptible to dirt and oil buildup. If you do not service your car regularly, your MAS will start malfunctioning and provide incorrect information. This will contribute to failure in other parts of the engine, leading to reduced engine performance.

Faulty or Loose Gas Cap

Can a loose gas cap really cause issues? Is it one of the reasons my check engine light is on? It may seem like a small thing, but it can also contribute to the check engine light turning on. A loose or faulty gas cap can throw off your car’s emission system due to fuel vapors leaking out. This leads to reduced vehicle efficiency. Fortunately, fixing is easy. Check the gas cap. If it is loose, tighten it, and if it is damaged, visit a mechanic and have it fixed.

Faulty Spark Plugs

A spark plug can last anything between 45,000-125,000 miles, depending on the year the car was manufactured. But when it is faulty, it will cause spark plug wires to start misfiring, and this will cause the warning light to turn on.

If you are facing any of these issues, Pat Doll Automotive LLC can sort you out. We are an auto repair shop that will come and tow your car, take it to the repair shop, and fix it. We offer a variety of services, including transmission and engine work and general vehicle maintenance. Call us today.