A check engine light is part of your car's onboard diagnostic system. It acts as a sign from your car's engine to indicate that something has gone wrong. If your check engine light comes on while driving, you may need to slow down your car to avoid a heavy engine load or potential damage until you get the problem fixed. Here are some issues that result in your check engine light turning on. You will need to visit an auto mechanic to get these problems fixed.
Oxygen Sensors Get Damaged
An oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburnt oxygen from your exhaust by monitoring how much fuel is burnt. There will likely be a few oxygen sensors in your car. If any of these oxygen sensors get damaged, the check engine light will switch on. These damaged oxygen sensors may reduce your car's mileage and increase fuel emissions. If these oxygen sensors aren't replaced, your catalytic converter will get damaged, which could end up being costly. You will need to take your car to an auto mechanic to get these oxygen sensors replaced.
Loose, Missing or Damaged Gas Caps
The gas cap seals your fuel system and helps maintain pressure within your car's tank. It also prevents hydrocarbons from being released from your engine. A damaged, loose or missing gap cap will also lead to an increase in fuel emission and decreased mileage, while turning on your check engine light. An auto mechanic will determine whether the gas cap is loose or damaged and needs replacement.
Catalytic Converter Problems
A catalytic converter converts harmful exhaust gases like carbon monoxide into harmless gases. A damaged catalytic converter will cause your check engine light to turn on. It will stop converting exhaust gases and will start emitting harmful gases into the atmosphere. Apart from this, your car may also start accelerating slowly. Catalytic converters usually give problems when there is an underlying issue with the spark plug or coil. You will need to take your car to an auto mechanic immediately to get this problem solved.
Faulty Wire Plugs or Spark Plugs
Faulty wire plugs or spark plugs will result in your check engine light turning on. If you have faulty wire plugs, you may experience sudden jolts while accelerating. Your spark plug drives the fuel and air mixture in the combustion compartment of your engine. Ignition coil sparks are usually delivered through spark plugs. They may fail over time because of high under-hood temperatures. If defective, you should ideally get them replaced by an auto mechanic immediately.
If your check engine light turns red or is blinking, be sure to head to an auto mechanic immediately to diagnose an solve the issues.
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