Your vehicle’s check engine light might come on if it’s time for a preventative maintenance service. You may also see a service warning light on your dashboard. More often than not, however, the check engine light comes on because there is something wrong with one of the five things listed below. Stringer Auto Repair, LLC, can run a diagnostic test to see why the check engine warning is on and then fix the problem so you needn’t worry about the warning any longer.
1. Catalytic Converter
Hopefully, your check engine warning isn’t coming on because your catalytic converter is going out. The only reason we say this is that it can be expensive to replace the catalytic converter and your vehicle cannot run without it. The catalytic converter is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system and if you notice a rotten-egg smell along with the check engine warning, this is probably the problem.
2. Gas Cap
Hopefully, your check engine warning came on because you didn’t screw on your gas cap tight enough the last time you filled car, SUV, or truck. A loose gas cap will return a check engine warning because there should be a vacuum seal created with the cap once you’ve tightened it. If your cap is loose because you didn’t tighten it, cracked, or if the seal is broken, your check engine warning will come on.
3. Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor in your vehicle’s engine measures the air coming into the engine to make certain the right amount mixes with fuel. If you aren’t getting the right air/fuel mixture, your engine might stall or refuse to start. When the mass airflow sensor fails, your check engine light will come on because the onboard computer received a signal that there is a problem with air/fuel mixture in your engine.
4. Oxygen Sensor
The same holds true for the oxygen sensor. This crucial part measures how much unburned oxygen is in your automobile exhaust and if there’s too little or too much, it could damage other engine parts. A faulty oxygen sensor will return a check engine warning every time. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons why a check engine light comes on while you’re driving your automobile.
5. Spark Plugs
Finally, worn spark plugs or plug wires will result in a check engine warning. Just about anything wrong with your vehicle’s ignition system will likely cause your check engine light to come on. If you haven’t had your plugs changed and your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it, it’s time for new plugs and possibly new wires. Stalls are another indicator of spark plug trouble.
Stringer Auto Repair, LLC, in Johnstown, OH, offers check engine light diagnostics. Bring your vehicle into our shop or give us a call today.
