Driving with your vehicle’s check engine light on can cause engine damage. A study in 2019 showed that the check engine light rarely turns on for no reason. In other words, if your check engine light is on, there is something wrong. Journey Auto Repair can determine why your check engine light has turned on and won’t turn off. Here are common reasons for the dashboard warning.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
It’s possible that your catalytic converter is clogged and this is why the check engine light has turned on. Aside from the check engine warning, you may also notice that your engine bay or vehicle’s exhaust smells like rotten eggs. Your engine may also overheat.
Faulty Engine Control Unit
Another reason why the check engine light comes on is a faulty engine control unit. Also called the engine control module, this unit is your vehicle’s main computer chip. It receives data from vehicle sensors, processes it, and makes adjustments to keep your vehicle running efficiently.
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
You may also have a faulty mass airflow sensor. Also called the MAF sensor, you will find the mass airflow sensor behind your air filter measuring the air that flows into the engine. Usually, this part does not go bad but it can get dirty and malfunction.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Another common reason why your check engine light comes on is a faulty oxygen sensor. Also called the O2 sensor, this sensor is located in your tailpipe. It keeps track of the oxygen levels in your vehicle’s exhaust. If it goes bad, it will send an error code to the engine control module.
Loose Gas Cap
If you were leaving the service station when your check engine light came on, pull over and check your gas cap. It’s possible that you didn’t screw it on tightly and this will cause the check engine light to come on. The reason why is that there are fuel vapors escaping from the tank.
Worn Spark Plugs
Finally, worn spark plugs can also make the check engine light come on. Aside from the dashboard warning, you will also notice that your engine misfires frequently. If bad enough, your engine may also stall frequently until you get the spark plugs replaced.
Again, Journey Auto Repair in New Hope, MN, can run a diagnostic check to find out why your check engine light came on. Once we know the problem, we will let you know what it will take to fix it. Call us today to set up an appointment.