Three Reasons Why Your Car's "Check Engine" Light May Come On
Posted on: 7 January 2016
If you're like most vehicle owners, you already know that you should take your car to a mechanic ASAP if your engine starts to make loud knocking signs, if smoke is coming from under the hood, any of the other obvious indications that something is seriously wrong. However, it's confusing when the "Check Engine" light flashes on your dashboard when your vehicle appears to be running fine. Following are are three reasons why your "Check Engine" light may come on and what you can do about them.
Loose Gas Caps
As a part of your vehicle's Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system, your gas cap plays a larger role in vehicle efficiency than simply keeping the gas in the tank. The "Check Engine" light located on your vehicle's dashboard will activate in the event that the EVAP system detects escaping fuel vapors. This can mean that your gas cap simply is not screwed on tightly enough or that the seals have become too worn out to properly do their jobs. Fortunately, it's an easy fix either way -- at the least, you'll simply have to tighten the cap, and at the most, you'll be out the cost of a replacement. The "Check Engine" light coming on is usually the only symptom of a loose gas cap, although the vehicle may fail to start in rare instances. A loose gas cap is one fix that requires no mechanical experience.
Faulty Oxygen Sensors
Every vehicle manufactured after 1980 has an oxygen sensor. Oxygen sensors are located in the exhaust tailpipe and serve to regulate the vehicle's gasoline/air ratio. If the sensor malfunctions or breaks, the engine can become damaged and fuel economy may suffer significantly. Signs that your oxygen sensor may have gone bad include difficulty starting, failure of the engine to hold an idle, jerking while idling, a noticeable rotten egg odor, failure of the catalytic converter, and illumination of the "Check Engine" light. If you've got some rudimentary mechanical knowledge, you may be able to replace the sensor yourself.
Malfunctioning Thermostats
A thermostat that is not working properly will cause the "Check Engine" light to come on. Other signs of a faulty thermostat include engines that rapidly overheat, engines that run cold, temperature fluctuations, and vehicle interiors that don't heat up properly. If caught in time, a faulty thermostat is a fairly easy fix, but if the symptoms are ignored, you might face significant repair bills later on if engine parts and radiators become damaged due to overheating or running too cold. If you're a semi-skilled mechanic, you can replace the thermostat yourself. For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from White Pass Garage.
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