You’re driving along and your check engine light suddenly comes on. The first question that runs through your mind is whether you should keep driving. You don’t hear or smell anything strange, and your vehicle is handling the same way it always does. This does not mean that you shouldn’t pull over, however. Eddie’s Auto Repair lists reasons why your check engine light has come on below, and as you can see, some of the reasons are causes for concern.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are one reason why the check engine light comes on. The problem could be with the electrical system, the Engine Control Unit (ECU), or the system sensors. The ECU monitors and controls your vehicle’s operation, and it will turn on the check engine light if it detects a problem that it cannot fix on its own.
Exhaust Problems
Exhaust problems definitely trigger a check engine warning. Usually, the problem is caused by the catalytic converter, mass airflow sensor, or oxygen sensor. The catalytic converter is particularly dangerous, as it could push exhaust back into the system where it will make its way into your cabin, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fuel Problems
Anytime your vehicle’s gas cap is too loose or the air and fuel mixture is out of balance, you will notice changes in how your automobile performs. Oftentimes, the mixture will be off because of problems with the mass airflow or oxygen sensor. If the mixture is rich with fuel, your check engine light will come on because there’s too much carbon in the exhaust.
Ignition Problems
Spark plugs detonate the air and fuel mixture discussed above in the cylinders. This detonation is timed, and if any causes the timing to be off, your engine will knock and/or sputter or stall. Worn spark plugs or plugs that are not installed correctly can throw off your engine’s timing and trigger a check engine alert. Dirty spark plugs can also throw off things.
Transmission Problems
Finally, if your transmission is not operating as it should be, the ECU might turn on the check engine light. Sometimes, this light signals low transmission fluid. You might also hear your gears grind as they shift or your vehicle hum or whine while it is in neutral. Transmission repair can be costly, so have the problem checked ASAP.
Swing into Eddie’s Auto Repair for a diagnostic check to find out why your check engine light is on. We’re the best auto repair shop in Kingston, TN, and we’ll find the problem and fix it.
