The dreaded Check Engine Light. It can be tempting to look the other way when it lights up on your dashboard, but that may only lead to bigger problems. Often, the Check Engine Light signals a simple repair for your car. But when left unchecked, it can grow into much more serious issues. Each of your car’s dashboard warning lights is there to signal issues with various systems or components in your vehicle so that you’re alerted right away to necessary services or repairs.
If any of your dashboard warning lights come on, the expert mechanics at your local AAMCO are here to help with diagnostics and repairs to put your mind at ease.
What Does the Check Engine Light Signal?
A triggered Check Engine Light doesn’t just signal engine trouble. In general, this dashboard warning light can point to an issue with the engine, transmission, or emissions. Often, if there’s a more urgent problem, the Check Engine Light will come on alongside another warning light, such as the Oil Pressure Light or Transmission Warning Light. Your car’s computer receives signals from various sensors, interprets them, and may trigger a warning light if the data received is abnormal or out of the optimal range.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
The underlying cause of your Check Engine Light coming on can range from a quick, simple fix to a more urgent and serious repair. Start by testing what you can yourself, such as tightening the gas cap, and then move on to other possible causes, which may mean a trip to the mechanic.
Loose Fuel Cap
Did you recently fuel up? If so, fixing your Check Engine Light may be as simple as tightening the gas cap. If it was left even slightly loose, it can allow fumes to escape and throw off pressurization in the gas tank. Try tightening the cap and drive a few more miles. If your Check Engine Light turns off, there likely isn’t another issue. Also, take a close look at your gas cap. If it’s cracked or the seals are worn, it may need to be replaced.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Depending on your vehicle, there are one or more oxygen sensors that monitor exhaust fumes as they travel away from the engine. More specifically, this sensor measures how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust, which then determines whether the air-fuel ratio needs to be adjusted. As these sensors wear out, they can give faulty readings, leading to a too-rich or too-lean mixture in the engine and triggering the Check Engine Light. You’ll also notice poor acceleration power and possible stalling.
Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor
At the other end, the Mass Airflow Sensor monitors how much air enters the engine, which signals how much fuel should be sent into the combustion chambers. Not only does this keep your fuel consumption efficient, but issues with this sensor can impact engine performance and trigger your Check Engine Light. If it’s worn out or faulty, a mechanic will have to replace the sensor to avoid more serious damage.
Low or Bad Engine Oil
Your engine relies on oil to keep moving parts lubricated and generate necessary pressurization within the system. If you’re overdue for an oil change or have a leak in the system, this fluid may be too thickened, degraded, or low to keep the engine running properly. This can trigger both the Check Engine Light and Oil Pressure Light on your dashboard. In most cases, an oil change service will help get you back on the road again and prevent further damage to the engine.
Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils
Once fuel makes it into the engine’s cylinders, it’s ignited by the spark plugs and ignition coils. When either of these components becomes faulty or fails, electrical spark won’t fully combust the air-fuel mixture, leading to a number of issues. Alongside an illuminated Check Engine Light, you may notice misfires and other changes in your engine’s performance. Over time, more serious engine damage can also happen.
Cooling System Issues or an Overheating Engine
The cooling system is essential for proper engine function. Without the flow of coolant to draw heat away from the engine, it can easily overheat, leading to damage and triggering the Check Engine Light. You’ll likely also see the Engine Temperature Light come on your dashboard and may watch the temperature gauge creep upward. It’s essential to avoid further driving with cooling system issues. If you do, you risk serious engine damage or even failure, though most cars will go into limp more to help protect the system.
AAMCO is Here to Diagnose Your Dashboard Warning Lights
Whether your Check Engine Light or another dashboard warning light is on in your vehicle, the mechanics at your local AAMCO can help. We’ll handle diagnostics to gain a full understanding of what’s happening within your car’s engine and other essential systems so that necessary repairs can be done. You’ll drive away confident in your car’s performance again. Schedule your appointment with us today!
