It’s concerning when your check engine light turns on. You don’t know what’s wrong. A recent study demonstrated that the check engine light is almost 100 percent accurate in detecting engine problems, so it’s important that you take any check engine warning that you receive seriously. Miller Auto Care lists the common reasons why check engine lights come on below.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is part of your vehicle’s exhaust system. This part converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Eventually, the catalytic converter can get clogged by the carbons found in your vehicle’s exhaust. It can also malfunction. When this happens, you may smell rotten eggs and end up with an illuminated check engine light.
Faulty Engine Control Unit
The engine control unit is also called the ECU. The ECU is your vehicle’s main computer chip. It controls all of the systems in your automobile. This does not mean that the ECU is invincible, however. It can go bad, and when it does, you will end up with the check engine warning and a dead engine.
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor is also called the MAF sensor. This part can last throughout your vehicle’s life without ever needing to be replaced. The only problem the mass airflow sensor has is that it gets dirty. When this happens, it will malfunction and you may end up with the check engine warning.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is also called the O2 sensor. The average lifespan of an O2 sensor is about 90,000 miles. Some go bad prior to this. When the oxygen sensor malfunctions, you end up with the check engine warning that will not turn off until you replace the O2 sensor.
Loose Gasoline Cap
There is a minor reason why your check engine light turns on and that is a loose gas cap. This is likely the problem if your check engine light turned on when you were leaving the gas station. Another fuel system problem that can cause a check engine warning is a dying fuel pump.
Worn Spark Plugs/Wires
Finally, the spark plugs ignite the air and fuel in the cylinders. They last anywhere from 30,000 miles to 100,000 miles depending on the age of your automobile. If you don’t have the spark plugs changed when they need it, they will wear down and you will end up with a check engine warning.
Call Miller Auto Care in Medford, OR today if your vehicle’s check engine light is on. We will get to the bottom of the problem and fix it.