How Accurate Is the Check Engine Light?
A study conducted two years ago confirmed that the check engine light is nearly 100 percent accurate when it comes to reporting car trouble. In other words, it rarely – rarely – comes on for no reason at all. Techway Automotive is going to list the common reasons for a dashboard check engine warning below.
Catalytic Converter Trouble
Problems with the exhaust system’s catalytic converter will turn on the check engine light. You will also experience engine performance lag and detect rotten egg odors in your vehicle’s exhaust. In severe cases, you may end up with black exhaust flowing out of the tailpipe.
Malfunctioning EVAP System
The EVAP system is designed to ensure fuel evaporation never happens. If this system malfunctions, you will not only get a check engine warning but also lose fuel to evaporation. If you drive a classic automobile, you don’t need to worry because there isn’t an EVAP system.
Malfunctioning Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit more module is your vehicle’s main computer chip. The check engine light will come on if this computer chip malfunctions. This might seem strange because it is the engine control module that turns on the check engine light.
Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor measures the inflow of air into the engine. If it goes bad, the check engine light will turn on and you will have engine performance problems such as sputtering and surging. You might also end up with a noticeable reduction in your fuel economy.
Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor
The same things can happen with a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. This sensor measures the oxygen in the vehicle’s exhaust and reports the levels to the engine control module. When the oxygen sensor goes bad, which can happen around 100,00 miles, the check engine light will turn on.
Untightened Fuel Cap
As we discussed above, it’s important that your vehicle prevent the fuel from evaporating outside of it. One part that does that is your fuel cap. If you receive a dashboard check engine warning right after you’ve filled your tank, the cap may be too loose.
Worn and Misfiring Spark Plugs
Finally, spark plugs these days need to be changed every 100,000 miles. In older automobiles, they need to be changed every 30,000 miles. If your plugs are worn and misfiring, you will end up with a check engine warning and a hiccupping and stalling engine.
Techway Automotive in Blakely, GA, Dothan, AL, and Opp, AL, can determine why your check engine light came on and fix it. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.