The check engine light is invaluable. This light turns on when there is a problem in the engine of which you may not otherwise be aware. It is so important to take the check engine light seriously because a recent study showed that it is incredibly accurate. JA Motors can get to the bottom of the reason why your check engine light turned on. Here are seven common causes of this dashboard warning.
1. Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter switches toxic emissions into safe ones before they are released through your tailpipe. It can become clogged with hydrocarbons and malfunction. When this happens, you’ll end up with the check engine warning and excessive heat underneath your automobile.
2. Faulty Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit is also called the ECU. This is your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s main computer chip. If this chip malfunctions, you will get a check engine warning and your engine may shut off. Unfortunately, you will be unable to get the engine started again.
3. Faulty EVAP System
The EVAP system in your automobile is designed to ensure harmful fuel vapors do not make their way into the environment. If this system is malfunctioning, you guessed it! Your check engine light will turn on and you may have engine performance issues.
4. Faulty MAF Sensor
You may also end up with engine performance issues if the mass airflow sensor is going bad. This sensor tracks the inflow of outside air into the engine. Generally, this sensor will last the life of your automobile, but it can get dirty and malfunction.
5. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor measures the oxygen levels in the exhaust. This sensor can go bad as early as 60,000 miles or it may last longer than 100,000 miles. If the sensor goes bad, you will have engine performance issues, poor fuel economy, and a check engine warning.
6. Loose Gasoline Cap
The gas cap is part of the EVAP system. It seals the gas tank so gas vapors cannot evaporate out of it. If it is too loose, your check engine light will come on until you tighten the cap. If the cap is no longer able to seal off the gas tank, you will have to replace it.
7. Vacuum Leak
Finally, if you have a vacuum leak out of one of the vacuum hoses, your check engine light might come on. In addition, your acceleration will lag in your engine performance will suffer.
Call JA Motors in Peachtree City, GA, today if your check engine light is on. We will run a diagnostic test to determine the cause and fix the problem.
