Yes, transmission problems can cause your check engine light to come on. Your automobile’s main computer, the engine control module (ECM), talks with system sensors to make sure everything is okay. If the transmission sensors report a problem, the ECM will turn on the check engine light. This is just one reason why your check engine light will come on. Midwest Auto Care lists the other reasons below.
Catalytic Converter Failure
One common reason why you get a check engine warning is that your catalytic converter is failing. This failure can be caused by the part itself dying or clogging. The catalytic converter is an important component in the exhaust system. Its failure or other exhaust system problems, such as clogs or leaks, can cause your check engine light to come on.
Loose Gas Cap/Fuel System Problems
If your check engine light comes on right after you’ve finished filling your automobile with fuel, it could be that you didn’t screw on the gas cap tight enough. The gas cap creates a seal over the gas tank to prevent gas evaporation. Another fuel system problem that can cause the check engine light to come on is a lean or rich fuel mixture due to clogged or leaking fuel injectors.
Mass Airflow Sensor Failure
The mass airflow sensor keeps track of all of the air that flows into the engine. If the sensor is dirty or starts to fail, it will send incorrect data to the ECM and adjustments will be made that will cause either a lean or rich fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This will cause the ECM to turn on the check engine light and you will notice engine performance issues such as sputtering or surging.
Oxygen Sensor Failure
The same thing can happen with the oxygen sensor. It is located at the beginning of your tailpipe and is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen that is being released through your vehicle’s exhaust. If it is failing, the ECM will make the same incorrect adjustments that it does when there is a problem with the mass airflow sensor and the check engine light will come on.
Spark Plug Trouble
Finally, if the ECM is malfunctioning, it may be causing the spark plugs to misfire. Old and worn spark plugs will also misfire. This will not only cause the check engine light to come on, but it will also create knocking sounds coming from the engine as the multiple detonations go off in the incorrect order.
Midwest Auto Care in Lake Station, IN, can get to the bottom of why your check engine light comes on. Once we know what the problem is, we can fix it.
