It’s distressing to have your check engine light turn on because you don’t know if it’s safe to drive your automobile. There are many reasons why the check engine light comes on because it is the catch-all light that covers problems that don’t have their own lights. Midwest Auto Care lists the common reasons why a check engine light comes on below.
Catalytic Converter Failure
The catalytic converter is tasked with changing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide before it is released through your vehicle’s exhaust. A clogged or malfunctioning catalytic converter will cause the check engine light to come on. Your vehicle might also overheat, and you may smell an odor of rotten eggs coming from the vehicle’s exhaust and the engine.
Electrical System Problem
An electrical system problem can also cause the check engine light to come on. The problem could be with one of the system sensors or your vehicle’s main computer chip, which is called the engine control unit or the engine control module. Sometimes, a malfunctioning engine control unit will turn on the check engine light even though there is nothing wrong with the engine.
Fuel System Problem
Clogs or leaks in your fuel system or a loose gas cap will cause the check engine light to come on. Anytime you have a clog or leak in your fuel system, the balance of the air and fuel in the combustion chamber is thrown off. This can cause a check engine warning and engine performance issues. You may also end up with an illuminated check engine light if your gas cap is loose.
Sensor Failure
Another common reason why the check engine light comes on is a failure of the mass airflow sensor or the oxygen sensor. These two parts help to regulate the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. The information they send to the engine control module causes the module to make adjustments. If the adjustments are incorrect, your check engine light will come on.
Transmission Problems
Finally, transmission problems might trigger a check engine light warning because the transmission doesn’t have a light of its own. Transmission problems might include low transmission fluid, difficulty changing gears, or an issue getting your vehicle into gear.
Call Midwest Auto Care in Lake Station, IN, today if your vehicle’s check engine light is on and refuses to turn off. We will run a diagnostic check to get to the bottom of the problem and fix it for you.