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.

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.