It might seem as if there’s no reason why your check engine light should be on, but rarely does this light turn on if there isn’t something wrong. In fact, a 2019 study revealed that check engine lights and diagnostic checks find hidden problems in automobiles more often than not. Fountain City Auto Clinic recommends that you take your check engine light warning seriously, even if your car is running fine. Let’s talk about the check engine light below and how it can save you money in the end.
How Your Check Engine Light Works
As you already know, cars, trucks, utility vehicles, and vans, are basically giant computers on wheels. Your vehicle’s main computer is the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU is responsible for monitoring all vehicle systems and making adjustments while you drive your automobile to make sure everything is operating safely and efficiently. If the ECU cannot make an adjustment to resolve a reported problem, it will turn on an associated dashboard warning light to let you know what is wrong.
If there isn’t a specific light for the problem, such as your brake light for a problem in the braking system, the ECU will turn on the check engine light. This light is designed to cover any problems that do not have an associated dashboard warning light or gauge. This makes it hard for you to know right away what is wrong with your automobile. In some cases, it makes it hard for us, too, which is why we run a vehicle diagnostic check. This check sends us directly to the problem.
Problems the Check Engine Light Covers
There is one reason why your check engine light will come on that isn’t anything to worry about. If the check engine light came on as you were pulling out of the gas station, it’s possible that you didn’t screw your gas cap back on tightly. Pull your vehicle over to a safe space and check the gas cap. Retighten it to see if this turns off the check engine light. It’s important to understand that this is the only minor problem behind a check engine light warning. Other problems include
- A clogged or failing catalytic converter
- A problem with your vehicle’s electrical system
- A clog or leak in your vehicle’s fuel system
- A dirty or malfunctioning mass airflow sensor
- A malfunctioning oxygen sensor
- Problems with the spark plugs and their firing sequence
- Problems with your vehicle’s transmission
As you can see, these problems are serious and should be addressed right away. Fountain City Auto Clinic is the best auto shop in Knoxville TN. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for your automobile.