Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure it provides you with reliable service as long as you need it to. If you think you are starting to experience engine problems, the “Check Engine” light illuminating on your dash could be the first warning signal. Unless your car refuses to run at all, head to your auto repair shop and ask for a diagnostic test. Your mechanic will plug a small computer underneath your dashboard to “read” what is happening under the hood. Any potential problem can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.
So what could cause the check engine light to come on? When this little light comes on, it could be an easy fix or something more extensive happening in the engine, such as:
- Damaged Gas Cap – If the gas cap is loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions. You may simply need to replace the gas cap.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust, and how much fuel is burned. A faulty sensor does not provide the right data to the computer, reducing gas mileage and increasing emissions.
- Failing Catalytic Convertor – The catalytic convertor reduces exhaust gases by converting carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds. If it starts to fail, you will notice a decrease in gas mileage or your car won't accelerate when you step on the gas.
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor – This sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to the engine. A faulty sensor can increase emissions, cause the car to stall, and decrease gas mileage. Most mass airflow sensors fail because of an improperly installed or clogged air filter.
- Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires – The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine. The spark plugs will misfire if they are starting to fail. Replacing them is an easy fix.
A word of advice: Taking care of recommended engine service items on a regular basis will help prevent small engine problems turning into bigger and more expensive problems.
If you need to know more about what could cause the check engine light to come on, contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service today for more information about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.
Take care of your vehicle with routine engine service. Ask a professional auto technician at Phil’s Service what could cause the check engine light to come on.
Taking care of your vehicle with routine engine service is the best way to make sure it provides you with reliable service as long as you need it to. If you think you are starting to experience engine problems, the “Check Engine” light illuminating on your dash could be the first warning signal. Unless your car refuses to run at all, head to your auto repair shop and ask for a diagnostic test. Your mechanic will plug a small computer underneath your dashboard to “read” what is happening under the hood. Any potential problem can be diagnosed early before it turns into a major engine repair.
So what could cause the check engine light to come on? When this little light comes on, it could be an easy fix or something more extensive happening in the engine, such as:
- Damaged Gas Cap – If the gas cap is loose or cracked, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the whole fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions. You may simply need to replace the gas cap.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust, and how much fuel is burned. A faulty sensor does not provide the right data to the computer, reducing gas mileage and increasing emissions.
- Failing Catalytic Convertor – The catalytic convertor reduces exhaust gases by converting carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless compounds. If it starts to fail, you will notice a decrease in gas mileage or your car won't accelerate when you step on the gas.
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor – This sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air coming through to the engine. A faulty sensor can increase emissions, cause the car to stall, and decrease gas mileage. Most mass airflow sensors fail because of an improperly installed or clogged air filter.
- Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires – The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine. The spark plugs will misfire if they are starting to fail. Replacing them is an easy fix.
A word of advice: Taking care of recommended engine service items on a regular basis will help prevent small engine problems turning into bigger and more expensive problems.
If you need to know more about what could cause the check engine light to come on, contact our ASE Certified technicians at Phil’s Service today for more information about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Killeen, TX, and surrounding area.
