Check Engine Light Problems You Might Face

There are few things as frustrating in the world than when the check engine light illuminates on the dashboard.   This is a feature that seems to come on for no reason and gives you no real indication of what the mechanical problem may be.  The engine will seem to be running the same as it did before the light came on. Most people immediately think a large auto repair bill is coming down the line. This article is to inform all drivers about the most common causes of a check engine light and most of the time this doesn’t mean disaster is eminent. This light is most often triggered by the computer system in your car. So unless you see some visible distress you can go to an auto parts store and most often they can diagnose your problem by plugging into your dashboard and reading your computer.  Diagnosing the check engine light is usually a free service. 

Faulty Gas Cap Often Culprit

When it comes to problems this is a pretty easy one to fix. Many times the cap has just not been put back on tightly enough.  This is a problem because fumes will leak out and that can affect the entire fuel system. That means your gas mileage is going to go down and there will be an increase in the emissions your car emits. This is an easy fix just pull over at the earliest, safest spot you come to. Simply check the cap and if it is loose, tighten it. That should solve the problem. If it is not loose then proceed for further evaluations.  Replacing a gas cap is easy and inexpensive and tightening the cap is free. There can be quite a lag time between tightening the gas cap and the light going out.  So be a little patient and your fuel efficiency should return in short time. 

Diagnostic of Your Vehicle Can Reveal Problems

When a diagnostic of your car’s computer is done, it may read that you need to replace an oxygen sensor. As time passes the sensors are often covered with soot or ash from the fuel burning process. If a faulty oxygen sensor is not replaced the car repair may become significant. The actual replacement is easy and quick and will be a lot less expensive in the short run. This diagnostic can also reveal a problem with a catalectic converter malfunction. A problem in this area would be hard to diagnose on your own and could lead to costly repairs. 

Other Causes of Check Engine Light

Spark plugs are vital to starting a car. When a spark plug is faulty there is a misfire in the plugs. You will know this is happening by feeling a little jolt in the acceleration of your car. Spark plug replacement should be a part of your regular vehicle maintenance. The bad news is that faulty spark plugs are going to happen. The good news is that they are easy and inexpensive to replace. If the spark plugs aren’t replaced then damage could be done to a vehicle or a vehicle won’t start.