In 2019, there was a study to see how effective the check engine dashboard warning light was, and it passed with flying colors. The study proved that when your check engine light comes on, there is definitely something wrong with your automobile, even if your vehicle is running just fine. Dad’s Automotive can figure out why your check engine light is on. If any of the following seven parts or systems go bad, your check engine light will turn on.
1. Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter treats engine exhaust so it can be released into the environment. If the converter malfunctions or gets clogged, your check engine light will come on. You may also notice strange odors that smell like rotten eggs.
2. EVAP Control System
The EVAP control system is a system that prevents your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s gasoline or diesel fuel from evaporating into the environment. Aside from a check engine warning if the system fails, you might also have engine performance problems.
3. Engine Control Unit
Your vehicle has a main computer chip called the engine control unit. It is also called the engine control module. A faulty module will turn on the check engine light and cut the engine. Unfortunately, your engine will be impossible to start up again.
4. Gasoline Cap
The gasoline creates a seal over the fuel tank to make sure you don’t end up with any fuel evaporating out of the tank. The engine control unit can sense if the gas cap is not tight. If it isn’t, it will turn on the check engine light.
5. Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor reports how much air flows into the engine from the outside to the engine control unit. This sensor can get dirty and start to malfunction. System sensor error codes will turn on the check engine light.
6. Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor reports the levels of oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust to the engine control unit. In newer automobiles, you can expect to get about 100,000 miles out of the oxygen sensor. It generally goes bad after that.
7. Spark Plugs
Finally, the spark plugs need to be replaced every 100,000 miles in newer automobiles. If you drive an older vehicle, you will need to have the plugs replaced sooner. If they go bad, your engine will misfire in the check engine light will turn on.
Call Dad’s Automotive in New Era, MI, today if your check engine light has turned on. We will run a diagnostic test so we can find the problem and fix it.
