Why Is Your Check Engine Light On?
That check engine light lets you know that something isn’t quite right with your car’s engine, but what is it that’s wrong? The reality is that there can be a multitude of things that aren’t working quite right and that can cause your car’s computer to light up that mysterious light. Here are some of the more common causes for a check engine light that Total Auto Care fixes on a regular basis.
Catalytic Converter Problems
The catalytic converter is the part of your car that takes carbon monoxide and converts it into carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is less harmful to the environment than carbon monoxide is, and when the catalytic converter isn’t working properly your vehicle is going to fail emissions testing and probably have pretty bad gas mileage.
Mass Airflow Sensor Trouble
The mass airflow sensor measures how much air goes into the engine. It’s the key sensor in determining how much fuel needs to be mixed with the air in order to get the right spark going for internal combustion. The problem is that these sensors are a bit fragile and any kind of contamination or damage can cause them to stop functioning.
Engine Misfiring
Misfiring sounds more complicated than it is. Your car’s engine needs to have the right timing of fuel, air, and spark to get the internal combustion working properly. When that mix is off, the engine misfires. There are multiple reasons that your car’s engine could be misfiring, ranging from fuel system issues to worn spark plugs.
Failed Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is crucial because it measures how much oxygen is in your car’s exhaust system. If this tiny sensor isn’t working right, your car’s engine burns more fuel than it needs to in order to run and your gas mileage plummets. Continuing to run the car with a failed oxygen sensor can damage the catalytic converter and the spark plugs.
Loose or Missing Gas Cap
Probably the easiest problem to fix with a check engine light is your gas cap. If it’s loose or missing, your check engine light will come on because you’re more likely to lose fuel through that tiny opening due to evaporation. When you replace your gas cap, make sure you turn the cap until it clicks to ensure it’s sealed properly. Contact Total Auto Care in North Branch, MN if your car’s check engine light is on. Whether your car is warning you about a big problem or a smaller one, we can help you to solve the mystery.