What Causes the Check Engine Light to Come On?

As the miles and years add up on your vehicle, you may start to experience engine issues even though you have been careful to take care of all the recommended engine services.  One of the first warning signs you may notice of engine issues is the “Check Engine” light illuminating on the instrument panel. You may not even feel any difference in the performance of your vehicle. But unknown to you, the damage could be occurring in the engine and a small issue could potentially turn into an expensive engine repair. 

Here are five common problems that cause the check engine light to come on: 

1. A loose, cracked, or faulty Gas Cap 
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor 
3. Failing Catalytic Convertor 
4. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor 
5. Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires

Generally, you can keep driving for a while with that little light on, but if it continues to stay on and you notice some of the issues listed below, head to your auto repair shop for a diagnostic test as soon as possible:

• Knocking Sound – Bad engine bearings
• Excessive Increase in Exhaust Smoke – Black smoke means too much gas is getting into the combustion chamber; blue smoke is a sign of burning too much oil; white or Grey smoke indicates that coolant is leaking in the engine.
• Decreased Power – You may have trouble getting your car up to speed, or you’re getting fewer miles per gallon of fuel.
• Rough Idling – If it feels like your car is going to die whenever you stop, the culprit could be a clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plugs, bad ignition coils, or a failing fuel pump.

A Word of Advice:  If you can drive your car, head to your auto repair shop and ask your auto mechanic to run a diagnostic test to pinpoint the cause of the check engine light.  A small issue can be taken care of before it turns into a major engine repair.

If you need to know more about what causes the check engine light to come on, call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for information about engine repair services and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What To Do When Your “Check Engine” Light Comes On?

If you’re like many drivers, when the “Check Engine” light starts to glow in the instrument panel of your vehicle, you start to feel fearful and anxious.  Wondering what to do when your “check engine” light comes on? You may be asking yourself why you didn’t listen to your auto mechanic when engine service was recommended.  At this point, all you can see is dollar signs for a major engine repair.  

The first thing to do when you see the “check engine” light come on is to stay calm.  This sensor is part of your car’s on-board diagnostic system, constantly monitoring engine performance, air to fuel ratio, and ignition timing. This little light is there to alert you that a “fault” has been noticed within the system.

Can you continue to drive when you see the “check engine” light come on?  Unless the engine is overheating, go ahead and continue to your destination.  But be sure to make an appointment for an engine diagnostic test to pinpoint a potential issue.  It’s safe to say that the majority of times the “check engine” light comes on is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix.  

Here are some tips on what to do when your “check engine” light comes on:

• Try tightening your gas cap. A loose gas cap can trigger a sensor causing the “check engine” light to illuminate.  If the gas cap is broken, it should be replaced.
• Inspect the gauges. If one of the gauges on your instrument panel shows an abnormal reading, pull over instantly, and turn off the motor.
• Reduced engine performance.  If your vehicle is loosing power, slow down, and avoid towing or carrying heavy cargo.  
• Postpone emissions test.  Your vehicle will possibly fail the emissions test so delay to schedule the test until your car is checked and repaired and the light goes off.
• Schedule diagnostic tests. Is the “check engine” light on all the time, or does it flash intermittently?  If the light is flashing, your car wants instant attention.  If the light is solid, you can keep driving for a little while, but schedule an inspection as soon as possible. 

Do you want to know more about what to do when your “check engine” light comes on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for information about recommended engine service and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

What Are Reasons the Check Engine Light Comes on?

When a driver sees the check engine light illuminate on their instrument panel, a sense of fear may come over them. Their first worry is--can they keep driving or should they pull to the side of the road and call a tow truck?  You can relax!  It is okay to keep driving for a little while, but please take your vehicle to your auto repair shop at your earliest convenience to make sure that long-term engine damage is not taking place.  Don’t let a small issue turn into an expensive engine repair.

So what are reasons the check engine light comes on?  Five of the most common reasons are: 

• The gas cap is loose
• Damaged vacuum hose
• Spark plug/ignition coil problems 
• Catalytic converter failure
• Worn out spark plugs  

With advanced technology, most of today’s cars have an on-board diagnostic system that provides a code identifying the specific problem at hand.  As soon as you are able, have your car checked by a certified mechanic.  A diagnostic test can diagnose the issue rapidly and the right engine repair can be performed in a timely manner.  

Don’t panics when you see the check engine light come on? It rarely means anything disastrous.  An engine service will let you know for sure what’s going on in the engine and avoid a potentially expensive engine repair. 

Are you wondering what are reasons the check engine light comes on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.

Wondering What causes the Check Engine light to come on?

Wondering what causes the Check Engine light to come on or start blinking all of a sudden?  Do you want to stop instantly and call a tow truck, or can you keep on driving to your destination?  This little warning light can mean various things, from a loose gas cap to a more serious misfiring engine. It could also be an indication that your vehicle is getting poor fuel economy and polluting the environment more than approved limits.  Though, the critical factor is to make sure that long-term damage is not taking place in your engine and that the driving safety of your vehicle is not compromised.

So, what causes the check engine light to come on?  When the electronic-control system finds an issue it cannot adjust, the vehicle’s computer stores a diagnostic trouble code in its memory and turns on a warning indicator light. This stored code helps your mechanic pinpoint the source of a potential issue.  It may simply be that a sensor is malfunctioning, or it could be more serious, such as low oil pressure or the engine overheating.  It can be caused by an issue in the ignition system, the fuel system, or damage to the internal components of the engine.

The best way to diagnose and repair an engine issue is to ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test.  From the report generated, the issue can be confirmed and the required repair be performed.  Misdiagnosing or ignoring an engine issue can become very expensive later on.  To maintain driving safety, good fuel efficiency, and a longer life for your vehicle do not put off taking care of engine repair problems.

Need to know more about what causes the Check Engine light to come on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.