You just noticed the Check Engine Light on
your dash, but the car doesn't seem to be running any differently than usual. What
will you do next? You can stop and check the car if it isn't running properly. On the
other hand, even though the car is running perfectly, it can be tempting to continue
driving when the check engine light is on. In this video, we cover the top reasons for
this condition. We also look at how to fix it. It’s the Car Problems youtube channel.
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started! Intermittent Problem It's possible that there was an issue, but
you missed it because it was short-lived. For instance, the Check Engine Light
might have come on if the oil pressure suddenly dropped low. It might also be the
result of overtaxing the motor while towing. You might not have noticed a
slight slip in the transmission, but a code might have been set. You must proceed
to our diagnostic steps in order to identify the issue because there are numerous issues that
could have
developed without your knowledge. Loose Or Leaking Gas Cap The gas cap is one of the most frequent
causes of the Check Engine Light turning on without any other symptoms. The gas
cap is essential to keep contaminants out of the system and to seal the fuel
vapors. A code will be set if the gas cap is damaged or missing because
the system can't pressurize normally. The fuel tank pressure sensor may also
be activated if you fill the tank while the engine is running, leading the
computer to b
elieve that the EVAP system is leaking. It is therefore best to
stop the engine before opening the gas cap. Dirty Or Bad MAF Sensor Between the air filter and the intake manifold
is where the mass airflow (MAF) sensor is located. Although it causes the computer
to make the same adjustments as the oxygen sensors do, it measures the volume of air
entering the engine. The computer will make various adjustments to make up for an inaccurate
airflow measurement. However, this sensor may malfuncti
on or get dirty, which would result in a
false reading and turn on the Check Engine Light. Some engines instead employ a Manifold
Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. In either case, these sensors may malfunction and cause issues. Bad Oxygen Sensor The emission control system includes
the oxygen sensors. These sensors are required to measure the amount of oxygen
present in exhaust gas. A signal is sent to the computer telling it to change the
fuel-to-air ratio if the level is low. The Check Engi
ne Light will illuminate if a sensor is
malfunctioning and giving the incorrect reading. Sometimes people with bad oxygen
sensors don't even experience any symptoms. Depending on how much
the air-fuel ratio is changed, it occasionally results in
decreased engine performance. Bad Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils Spark plugs and ignition coils are both
a part of the ignition system. These two components deteriorate with time.
However, when problems first start, the Check Engine Light may not le
t
you fully understand what is going on. However, when the ignition coils and spark
plugs degrade, there will be significant performance problems. The cylinder with
the bad plug or coil frequently misfires. Intake Vacuum Leaks If there is a vacuum leak, air that
shouldn't be in the engine will be drawn in. These leaks can occasionally
be so slight that no symptoms will show. But as the leak worsens, you'll
start to experience performance issues. There may be shaking and
misfiring as the e
ngine runs lean. Failing Catalytic Converter The catalytic converter is required to change
the hazardous gases coming from the exhaust into less dangerous substances. However, over time,
catalytic converters can deteriorate and clog. When tune-ups are neglected and unburned fuel
enters the exhaust, this occurs most frequently. Other than the Check Engine Light,
you might not initially experience any symptoms when the catalytic converter
fails. Until the problem is fixed, the vehicle might a
lso fail an emissions test. Electrical Issue There are wires running all over your car, including under the hood and in the dashboard.
Every sensor and component are linked by these wires. A short will occur if a wire
is damaged or if a connection is poor. The Check Engine Light may turn on due
to these electrical issues. However, until that component is required, you might
not experience any symptoms of the issue. Failing Battery or Alternator You need a functional battery to start
a car.
The alternator is a crucial part of the car that keeps the battery
charged while the engine is running. You might notice the Check Engine Light if
one of these is malfunctioning. Additionally, it might trigger the battery light to turn on.
But if there's a problem with the charging, it won't take long for symptoms to appear, like
difficulty starting the car or dimming headlights. How To Fix? Since the car is running well, you might be
tempted to disregard the issues, but this is not a wise
decision. You only invite bigger issues
if you ignore the situation. Additionally, if another component of the car should malfunction,
you won't know what is wrong because the light is already on. Because of this, we advise
using the steps below to identify the issue. Read Trouble Codes The system generates a code that informs
you of the issue, which is why the Check Engine Light illuminates. Get a compatible
scanner and insert it into the OBD-II port, which can be found under the steering
wheel to
the left or right, to read these trouble codes. You'll receive a generic trouble code for some
issues. The P1450 trouble code, for instance, may appear if there is a leak in the EVAP
system caused by a potentially loose gas cap. Research Trouble Code The trouble code by itself is
probably going to mean nothing to you. Even seasoned mechanics
only remember a select few of the most typical trouble codes. Any other
ones require further investigation. Some of the most popular DTCs hav
e
been gathered in one location for your convenience. There are lots of trouble code
libraries online that contain definitions, explanations of the root causes of
most issues, and potential solutions. Repair The Issue (If Found) You can solve the issue once you've identified
it. It will be simpler to solve some issues than others. For instance, changing the spark
plugs will require a little more work than simply tightening the gas cap. The cost
associated with each repair is another factor
. Reset Codes And Test Drive You must use your compatible scanner to
reset the codes after the issue has been resolved. The Check Engine Light won't turn
off by itself because the codes won't reset. After reseting the light, drive your car to
make sure it stays off. If it starts up again, there might be another issue that was missed. Hope the information was useful
for you. If so - please press the Like button and subscribe to the channel.
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