5 Top Reasons Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Do you know what your check engine light really means? Obviously, it’s a warning that something might be wrong with your vehicle, but there are some very common reasons that a check engine light will come on. We’re detailing the 5 top reasons your check engine light comes on so you can be aware of what to check on your vehicle if this would happen to you.

Reason One: Gas Cap

This is first on our list because it is often the most common reason that a check engine light comes on. If yours begins to blink, we suggest checking the gas cap first. The gas cap seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. If this is damaged, it can throw off the fuel system. It also prevents gasoline fumes from being released into the atmosphere while you aren’t driving your car. It is a very important piece of equipment. If this happens to you, you should replace it as soon as possible. The reason being, if you choose not to replace it, you could loose fuel through evaporation and have to make more trips to the gas station. Best just to take care of it right away.

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Reason Two: Oxygen Sensor

If your check engine light comes on, the oxygen sensor might need to be replaced. An oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust. This helps to monitor how much fuel is burned. A busted sensor means that it’s not providing the right data to the computer and causes a decrease in gas mileage. This is caused by the sensor getting covered in oil ash over time, causing a reduction in accuracy. You or a mechanic can replace this, but this is one reason your check engine light might come on that should be taken care of immediately.

Reason Three: Spark Plugs or Plug Wires

Make sure to check your spark plugs and plug wires if your check engine light comes on. This is a common occurrence. Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. When the plugs are failing, the spark plug will misfire, this means that you’ll feel a little jolt in your car’s acceleration. It is an easy and cheap fix, and your car will thank you for it. You should certainly take care of this replacement quickly.

Reason Four: Catalytic Converter

The catalytic cover helps protect our environment by converting harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If this piece of your car is damaged, it usually stems from a lack of regular maintenance. If you fail to replace it, your car won’t pass an emissions test and you will experience reduced performance and fuel economy. Also, your car may run at a higher temperature. Best practice to just replace it and quickly.

Reason Five: Mass Airflow Sensor

This piece of equipment tells the car’s computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through the engine. If this malfunctions, it can increase emissions, cause the car to stall, and decrease your gas mileage. So, it’s pretty important. This can be a result of an improperly installed (or never replaced) air filter. You should get this replaced quickly if you find that this is the cause of your check engine light. You could keep driving for a bit, but after a while, you will notice a decrease in gas mileage. Plus, your vehicle will start stalling a lot. Just avoid trouble and get it replaced as soon as you notice that this is the problem.

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Now, as always, these are things that definitely could cause your check engine light to come on, however, it is not a list of all of the possibilities that could trigger your light. Unfortunately, there is always a chance that your check engine light may be an indicator of something more serious, and you should still get your vehicle inspected by a professional. Regularly servicing your vehicle will not only help to prevent future problems, but also can help you increase your car’s value come trade-in time. Preventative maintenance is one of the best ideas a responsible car owner can have! Your car will stay healthy and will run longer. Looking to replace your old car? Check out our inventory or stop by Queens Auto Mall, Inc. to see what we have in store!