Picture this. You’re enjoying a nice relaxing drive. Windows down. Music blaring. Refreshing breeze in the hot summer sun. Just the absolute time of your life until suddenly, you see a dreaded yellow light pop-up on your dashboard. Like the other 99% of car owners, chances are you have no idea what’s wrong.
The check engine light is the most complicated and feared of all the dashboard lights, and it could mean a handful of different things. Unless advised otherwise, your first steps should be to call and make an appointment to bring your car into our local service center. Below is a short list of reasons as to why your check engine light may be lit in your vehicle.
Oxygen (O2) Sensor Needs Replacing
An Oxygen Sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust system. When the oxygen sensor fails, the vehicle will most likely not pass an emissions test but will likely operate normally
Gas Cap is Loose, Damaged or Missing
A gas cap is responsible for sealing and helping maintain proper fuel tank pressure. When the gas cap is cracked, loose or missing, gasoline fumes and other harmful chemicals will be let loose even when the car isn’t being driven, which can be damaging to our Earth’s atmosphere.
Catalytic Converter Needs Replacing
A catalytic converter is responsible for converting carbon monoxide, a dangerous poisonous gas, into carbon dioxide, a safer chemical easily filtered by trees. Neglected maintenance on a failing catalytic converter will likely make your vehicle stall out and unable to drive.
Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Needs Replacing
A mass airflow sensor’s main function is to maximize engine and fuel efficiency by controlling the air pressure and fuel levels inside your engine. When not functioning properly, your engine goes into a “reduced power mode,” and doesn’t function with the same typically expected power.
Insufficient Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Flow
Exhaust Gas Recirculation is meant to lower your car’s emission levels by reusing exhaust gas in the engine’s cylinders. Whenever clogged or not functioning properly, rough idling or valve knock may occur, and the engine’s valves should be inspected
Spark Plugs or Plug Wires Need Replacing
A vehicle’s spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. That spark is then transported from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. Spark plugs go out every now and then, and cause basic engine failure when not replaced in adequate time.
Why is My Cars Check Engine Light Blinking?
If your check engine light is blinking, you may have a more serious problem on your hands. Pull over and assess your vehicle service manual. Schedule an appointment and have your vehicle looked at by a professional immediately. Ignoring the warning could land you in a costly and unsafe situation.