For any vehicle owner or driver, the check engine light activation is a dreadful feeling, especially when the car is running.
Common Causes of The Engine Warning Light Turning On
There may be many reasons why your car’s check engine light is on. Here are some of them.
1. Loose Fuel Cap
- A common reason why the check engine warning light is displayed is that the fuel cap is loose or open.
- Incorrect air pressure within the fuel tank may trigger the engine warning light on.
- If the fuel cap is loose, ensure that you close it tightly.
- In case the cap is damaged, or the rubber has worn off, it is time for a replacement.
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- The role of an oxygen sensor is to measure the levels of unburned oxygen in the car’s exhaust.
- The data is sent to the electronic control unit (ECU), which then regulates the ratio of fuel and air in the engine.
- In case of a faulty or failed sensor, the vehicle could burn more fuel than normal.
- A defective or damaged O2 sensor could damage other components of the vehicle as well.
- For this reason, the engine warning light turns on if there is a problem with the oxygen sensor.
- A solution to this issue would be to get the faulty O2 sensor replaced by a new one.
3. Damaged Spark Plugs
- Damaged or faulty spark plugs may also cause the engine warning light to turn on.
- Spark plugs are small, but important components of the vehicle, responsible for igniting the mixture of gasoline and air in the combustion chamber.
- Spark plugs are those electric components that do not require replacement every time.
- However, if it has been a long time before they were replaced, or the odometer reading displays 100,000 miles, it is definitely time for you to get them replaced.
4. Problem With the Catalytic Converter
- The catalytic converter is a part of the vehicle’s exhaust system, which converts harmful and toxic emissions into less harmful gases.
- A problem with the catalytic converter can reduce the vehicle’s performance, result in lower mileage, and emission of sulphur-like (rotten-egg) smell from the engine.
- The engine warning light may be displayed due to a fault in the catalytic converter.
- A minor fault in the catalytic converter can be repaired.
- However, if the catalytic converter has malfunctioned, it will need a replacement, which is quite expensive.
5. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
- The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to ensure that the air/fuel mixture is in the right proportion.
- A faulty mass airflow sensor can trigger the engine warning light on.
- If the mass airflow sensor stops working completely, replacing it is costly.
Be it an engine warning light or any other problem with your vehicle, Urban Lube is there to help you. Urban Lube specializes in offering a wide range of services such as battery boost, tire replacement, oil change, and roadside assistance to inspect issues in your car that flashes engine warning light.
Contact Urban Lube today for any help or assistance with your vehicle.
