3 Common Causes Of An Illuminated "Check Engine" Light
Few things are more disconcerting behind the wheel than seeing your "check engine" light pop up on your car's dashboard. When this light comes on, there are dozens of potential causes to consider. By being aware of a few of the most common causes of an illuminated "check engine" light, you can keep yourself informed and know when it's time to seek help from an auto repair shop.
1. A Loose Gas Cap
The first thing you should do when your "check engine" light comes on is to check your gas cap. It may not seem like your gas cap and engine could possibly be connected, but the reality is that a loose gas cap can allow fuel vapors to escape from the tank. This, in turn, can cause issues with your car's built-in emissions system that can trigger the engine light to come on.
2. A Bad Oxygen Sensor
Another possible culprit when it comes to a car's "check engine" light can be an oxygen sensor that has gone bad. These sensors are responsible for monitoring fuel usage and the functioning of your car's catalytic converter. When one of these sensors goes out, your readings of these metrics may be off, which can trigger an engine light within the car's computer system.
The good news? If a bad oxygen sensor is to blame, this is a relatively quick, easy, and inexpensive fix that will have you back on the road in no time.
3. Ignition Problems
If you're noticing that your car seems to struggle when you turn the ignition (or that the ignition won't turn at all) in addition to a "check engine" light, you may be dealing with a bad ignition coil or even damaged spark plugs. Coils and spark plugs are only designed to last for about 30,000 to 50,000 miles, so it's not uncommon for these to need replacement on occasion.
What Should You Do Next?
If your "check engine" light is on and you still can't figure out why, the best thing to do is to bring your car to a reputable auto repair shop. A mechanic will have access to an OBD scanner that plugs directly into your car's computer, which will be able to determine exactly which error code is causing the light on your dashboard. This, in turn, can help to more accurately diagnose the cause and decide on the right repair so you can get back on the road.
For more info about auto repair, contact a local company.
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