The check engine light is never something that has many drivers worried. The signal is often indicative of a problem within the engine that needs fixing. But most drivers will wait until a significant issue arises since they do not see anything worrying when they pop open their bonnet. Below are seven reasons the check engine light comes on.
1. Failing Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensors are designed to manage emissions and to ensure the car’s engine functions at optimal capacity. The sensors are constantly monitoring gasses the engine emits. The gas should have an equal ratio of air and fuel. If the engine is malfunctioning, then fuel efficiency drops, and this subsequently leads to reduce fuel economy while affecting the engine’s performance negatively.
2. Ignition Coil Glitches
Ignition coils are meant to ignite the spark plugs by surging the with a specific amount of electric current siphoned from the battery. If the coils or the spark plugs are faulty, then the current that powers the engine is disrupted. Keep in mind that all the parts that make up the car’s electrical system in the engine face significant wear and tear due to the electricity that flows through them.
3. Spark Plugs And Wire Problems
The spark plugs and wires make up a crucial component of the engine’s electrical system. Signs of problems with these parts include erratic engine power, loss of power, rough engine idling, and the engine misfiring or pinging. Failure to have such issues addressed can cause permanent damage to the catalytic converter, and this leads to costly engine repairs.
4. Mass Airflow Sensor Failures
A mass airflow sensor is tasked with measuring the amount of air flowing into the engine. It also calculates the amount of fuel is needed in the mix. If the information collected by the mass airflow sensor is wrong, then the engine control unit is unable to balance the right amount of fuel and air to deliver to the engine. Subsequently, this lowers your vehicle’s engine performance due to the reduced fuel efficiency.
5. Damaged Evaporative Emission Control System
The Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) is designed to keep the gas vapors emitted by the gas tank and the fuel system from being released into the air. If your car has EVAP system problems, they might be attributed to leaking hoses, vents, vacuum, or defective valves.
6. Clogged Or Dirty Exhaust Gas Recirculation Components
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (EGR) helps the car run smoothly by controlling its emissions. You might have an EGR issue if your engine has rough idling, hesitation, or is misfiring. Such problems often lower the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency. In most cases, you will discover that the cause is that the EGR components are dirty or clogged.
7. Dead Battery And Malfunctioning Charging System
Many of the modern cars have computer systems that monitor the power in the batter and electrical systems. If there is something amiss in the electrical systems, then the computer will activate the check engine light. Keep in mind that the batteries in vehicles age rapidly more so when there are consistently high temperatures in the engine compartment. Professional towing companies are just a call away if your engine fails.