5 Check Engine Light Warnings and Why They Pop Up

Beep, beep and a flashing light on your dashboard – most drivers dread seeing the check engine light shine brightly on their dashboard. Well, one thing is certain; check engine lights are not there to torment you but rather to warn you of a problem. Think of it as your road guide that spots potential issues that could cause bigger problems. Below are 5 common problems that may cause your check engine light to come on and what they actually mean:

• Case 1

  Your Oxygen Sensor Needs Changing:
  Oxygen sensors are sensors that measure the amount of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust system of your vehicle.

  What the warning actually means and why you shouldn’t ignore it:
  Your car will use up more fuel than normal (up to 40% more). A damaged sensor can cause damage to your catalytic converter and spark plug.




• Case 2

  Damaged, missing or loose gas cap:
  Your gas cap seal ensures that your gas tank is sealed and the pressure inside it is kept fairly constant. Also, it prevents your gas from evaporating into the open air.

  What the warning actually means and why you shouldn’t ignore it:
  You will obviously spend more money on gas. Most of your fuel will be lost via evaporation as fuel is highly volatile.




• Case 3

  Broken Catalytic Converter That Needs To Be Replaced:
  Catalytic converters are crucial in that they convert the environmentally harmful carbon monoxide gas into carbon dioxide. Catalytic Converters usually break down when maintenance is ignored for an extended period.

  What the warning actually means and why you shouldn’t ignore it:
  You may experience overheating issues. Your vehicle will fail the emission test. Your vehicle may consume more fuel and become less efficient.




• Case 4

  A Broken Mass Airflow Sensor That Needs to Be Replaced:
  Mass airflow sensors help to measure the quantity of air coming into the engine and the quantity of fuel that is required to run the engine effectively.

  What the warning actually means and why you shouldn’t ignore it:
  Reduced efficiency and fuel economy. Damaged sensors can damage your O2 sensors, spark plugs and catalytic converter.




• Case 5

  Damaged Plug Wires or Spark Plugs:
  Spark plugs help to ignite the mixture of air/fuel in your engine’s combustion chamber. The spark plug wires help to convey the spark to the spark plugs from the ignition coil.

  What the warning actually means and why you shouldn’t ignore it:
  Reduced Engine power. Damaged or old lugs can clog the catalytic converter and considerably damage the O2 sensors and ignition coils.




Outlined above are just the five common reasons, other issues may trigger your check engine light to come on. If you have any check engine light issues and you’re in Austin, Texas, visit Tech One Automotive automobile experts to have it checked out.