Why Your Check Engine Light is ON and Steps to Follow

Your car’s check engine light is more than just a warning symbol – it's a critical alert system that helps you detect issues early. It should never be ignored as sometimes a seemingly minor issue could actually be a serious problem underneath. When the check engine light comes on, it indicates that the car’s onboard computer has detected a problem with the engine or its related systems. We explain its significance and what to do next when it turns on to help you avoid expensive repairs and ensure your car runs smoothly.

Common causes for the check engine light

Several issues can trigger your check engine light, ranging from minor to more serious. Here are the most common reasons and what they mean.

Engine internal issues: Internal engine problems include worn-out timing belts, electrical issues, loose or damaged exhaust pipes, ignition coil malfunction, and more. These issues could be severe, and immediate action is required. Running the engine with internal problems could lead to a major overhaul.

Catalytic converter issue: The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions by converting harmful gases into less toxic ones. If your catalytic converter isn’t functioning properly, your car may emit excess pollutants and perform poorly.

Dealing with catalytic converters required the experience of expert mechanics. Hence, you must contact a car workshop and either repair or replace the catalytic converter.

Transmission problems: Transmission issues can cause the check engine light to come on, as your car’s ability to shift gears is crucial for smooth operation. It could be a serious issue because transmission failures can result in a total loss of driving capability. You must get your transmission inspected by a professional mechanic.

Loose or damaged fuel filler cap: As simple as it sounds, a loose or damaged fuel filler cap can trigger your check engine light. This occurs because a loose gas cap allows fuel vapours to escape, affecting the fuel system's pressure. You must tighten the fuel filler cap until you hear a click or replace it if it's damaged.

Oxygen sensor malfunction: The oxygen sensor allows the engine control unit (ECU) to monitor the air-fuel ratio for optimal combustion. A faulty sensor can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increase toxic emissions. The best way to handle this issue is to replace the oxygen sensor with a new one.

Faulty spark plugs: Spark plugs are used to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. The check engine light comes up if the engine misfires due to malfunctioning spark plugs. Misfires can cause damage to the engine over time, and poor ignition can reduce fuel economy. To remove this problem, all spark plugs must be replaced as early as possible.

Mass airflow sensor problems: The mass airflow sensor determines the amount of air entering the engine. A malfunctioning sensor can disrupt the air-fuel balance, leading to poor engine performance and lower fuel economy. The mass air flow sensor must be cleaned or replaced to resolve the problem.

Steps to take when check engine light turns on

Stop and Check: When the check engine light comes on, the first thing to do is pull over safely and inspect the loose fuel filler cap. If the fuel filler cap doesn’t resolve the problem, you can continue driving if the warning light is steady. You should be alert and notice any strange sounds or sensations till you reach a mechanic.

If the check engine light is flashing, you must stop immediately in a safe location and turn off the engine. A flashing check engine light typically indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention.

Scan the engine: if you have a handy OBD-II scanner, you can retrieve the error code from your car’s system. This code will point to the specific problem that triggered the warning light. This error code will help you decide whether it’s something you can handle or if you need professional help.

Seek professional help: if you do not own an OBD-II scanner, it is best to visit a professional car workshop like FourDoor for complete engine scanning and inspection. Expert mechanics will identify the root cause of problems by which will prevent minor issues from turning into costlier malfunctions down the line.

The criticality of ignoring the check engine light

Ignoring the check engine light can turn a minor issue into a significant problem. For example, driving with a faulty oxygen sensor might reduce fuel economy, but over time, it damages the catalytic converter. Catalytic converter repairs are far more expensive than replacing an oxygen sensor. Additionally, running a car with engine issues can lead to excessive emissions.

Preventing future check engine light problems

To avoid seeing the dreaded check engine light, here are some regular maintenance tips:

• Regular oil replacement: Fresh engine oil keeps your engine lubricated and running smoothly.
• Inspect your fuel filler cap: Make sure it’s tight and not damaged to prevent unnecessary warnings.
• Inspect the battery: A weak battery can cause various electrical issues and multiple warning lights can come on.
• Inspect spark plugs: Replacing spark plugs when necessary ensures efficient engine performance.
• Use diagnostic tools: An OBD-II scanner lets you quickly check for any issues before getting professional help.

Conclusion

Your car’s check engine light is triggered when your car’s computer identifies any error code in the system. It helps you catch issues early before they become major problems. On seeing the warning light, you must act promptly to avoid serious issues and expensive repairs. Ensure the engine is operating at its best condition with regular maintenance and professional inspections to prevent the errors and warning lights.

FAQs

Q. What causes the check engine light to come on?

The engine check light indicates a problem with the car’s engine components, such as faulty sparkplugs, sparkplug cables, ignition coil, worn-out timing belt, loose or damaged exhaust pipe, catalytic converter, mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensor, loose fuel filler cap, the internal problems with the engine, etc.

Q. Can I drive my car if the check engine light is on?

You can continue to drive if the engine check light is steady. But if it is blinking or has turned red, you should immediately pull over safely and turn off the engine to prevent any significant damage.

Q. Do all cars come with built-in diagnostic systems?

Yes, almost all modern cars come with built-in diagnostic systems. It is called the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system.

Q. How do you fix the engine check light?

Solutions to fixing the engine check light can be as simple as closing the fuel cap tightly to complex repairs which can be performed only by professional mechanics.

Q. Is the check engine light normal?

No, the engine check light turning on is not normal. It indicates that your car’s computer has identified an error in the system.