Common Causes for the Check Engine Light to Come On
A check engine light can illuminate on your vehicle’s dashboard for several root causes. The light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system, which monitors different parts of the vehicle to ensure they are functioning correctly.- Malfunctioning Oxygen Sensor: One common reason for the check engine light is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. This sensor measures how much unburnt oxygen is present in your car’s exhaust system. If it fails, it could lead to increased fuel consumption and lower mileage.
- Damaged Mass Airflow Sensor: Another possible cause is a damaged mass airflow sensor which monitors the amount of air entering the engine. When faulty, it could affect the vehicle’s efficiency and hamper acceleration.
- Faulty Gas Cap: A loose or faulty gas cap can also trigger the check engine light. This is because it can cause fuel to evaporate, leading to a reduction in gas mileage or increased emissions.
- Catalytic Converter Issue: The light could also come on due to an issue with the catalytic converter. This part is responsible for converting carbon monoxide into harmless compounds, and if it’s not working correctly, your car may fail its emission test and will likely run at a higher temperature.
- Spark Plug Issue: The check engine light may also alert you to problems with your spark plug or plug wires. These parts are critical for igniting the mixture of air and fuel in your vehicle’s cylinders. Faulty plugs or wires can cause a reduction in power and mileage while increasing emissions.
- Ignition Coil Problem: Issues with the vehicle’s ignition coil or other engine parts can trigger the light as well. Since these parts are responsible for starting the car, any malfunction can lead to a decrease in power, increased fuel consumption, or the car not starting at all.
- Transmissions Issue: Finally, in some vehicles, the check engine light may be related to automatic transmission issues, involving sensors, solenoids, or the fluid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, low oil can trigger a check engine light. When the oil level drops, it decreases the lubrication inside the engine. This lack of lubrication creates extra friction, causing the engine to overheat. Heat produces higher emissions, which are detected by oxygen sensors and reported to the engine’s control unit. When the control unit reads emission levels higher than usual, it triggers a warning, activating the check engine light.
A blinking or flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle’s engine is experiencing a major problem that has the potential to cause severe damage when the vehicle is driven. If your check engine light is flashing, it’s crucial to stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic immediately to avoid causing further damage.