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- Any time the MIL symbol lights up on your dashboard, your car's brain is trying to tell you something is out of a normal range. It could be something simple, like a worn part that needs replacing, or something less benign, like your engine is on the verge of overheating.
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Apr 12, 2023 · The check engine light in your car is vital to help uncover problems. But there’s a lot more to understand than just a dashboard warning. This detailed article reviews the most common causes for a check engine light coming on, how to identify troubles, and what the repairs will cost you. David Goldberg.
- Oxygen Sensor Failure
- Loose Fuel Cap
- Catalytic Converter Failure
- Spark PLUG/IGNITION Coil Issues
- Bad Spark Plug Wires
- Mass Airflow Sensor Failure
- Issues with An Aftermarket Alarm
- Vacuum Leak
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve Failure
- Dead Battery
A failing oxygen sensor will usually trigger your car’s check engine light. The oxygen sensor (sometimes called an O2 sensor) measures the amount of unburnt oxygen in a car’s exhaust system. It sends data to the vehicle’s computer, which uses it to regulate the mixture of air and fuel that enters the cylinders. An engine will keep running even if a...
A loose fuel cap is one of the most common reasons why the check engine light turns on. The cap is a crucial part of a car’s fuel delivery system. It notably prevents gasoline fumes from leaving the fuel tank, and it helps keep the whole system under the correct pressure. If your check engine light turns on immediately after a fill-up, pull over an...
A catalytic converter failure can also cause your car’s check engine light to turn on. The catalytic converteris integrated into a vehicle’s exhaust system. It turns the carbon monoxide generated during the combustion process into carbon dioxide. It’s a fairly simple part, and its failure can often be prevented. That’s good news because a new one c...
Spark plug/ignition coil issues can trigger your car’s check engine light as well. Put simply, an ignition coil generates the electricity the spark plugs need to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders. Classic cars have a single coil, but many modern vehicles use one coil per cylinder (it’s often called a coil pack). If your ride has a V8...
A bad spark plug wire can and will make your check engine light turn on. As its name implies, a spark plug wire transfers electricity from the coil to the spark plug. Without it, the fuel and air mixture in the cylinders wouldn’t ignite. The vast majority of cars use a single wire per cylinder, but there are models — notably, some older Mercedes-Be...
The mass airflow (MAF) sensor can trigger your car’s check engine light. The MAF monitorshow much air enters the engine. It’s a part of the engine-management system, so your car wouldn’t be able to adjust to changes in altitude without it. Symptoms of an MAF failure include a rough idle, trouble starting, and a sudden change in the position of the ...
An aftermarket alarm system can wreak havoc on your car—and consequently make your check engine light turn on—if it’s not installed properly. It can drain the battery, trigger the check engine light, or even prevent the vehicle from starting. Then, when you least expect it, it’ll go off in the middle of the night because a leaf from an oak tree fel...
A misfiring vacuum system can trigger your car’s check engine light. Every car has a vacuum system that performs a wide variety of functions. The brake booster is vacuum-operated, and the vacuum system also helps lower emissions by routing the fumes as gasoline evaporates through the engine. If your car’s idle begins to surge or settles at an unusu...
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system lowers the amount of nitrogen oxide that comes out of the car’s engine and helps it run more efficiently. It directs the hot exhaust gases back into the combustion chambers, which makes fuel easier to burn. It also reduces emissions. A clogged or failing EGR can make your car’s check engine light turn on. ...
A dead battery may not only cause the battery light on your car’s front panel to turn on, but your check engine light as well. The car batteryis as simple as it is important; without it, your car won’t start. Today’s batteries last much longer than before and they’re maintenance-free. The price of a new one depends on the type of car you drive, but...
Oct 18, 2024 · When the check engine light comes on, it’s indicating that there is some issue with the car that should be checked out. This article provides tips on what this signal could mean, and even how to diagnose a check engine light at home.
Jul 17, 2024 · The engine management light (EML), sometimes known as the ‘check engine light’, normally looks like an engine block and appears on the dashboard behind your steering wheel. It’ll light up either amber or red and can be solid or flashing, depending on the issue.
6 days ago · Step 2: Check for Common Issues. Before jumping to conclusions, here are some common issues you can check yourself when the check engine light is on: – Loose Gas Cap: A loose or damaged gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light. Make sure your gas cap is tightened until it clicks. If it’s damaged or worn out ...
Jul 31, 2024 · As a rule of thumb: Red warning lights mean you need to take immediate action. Amber warning lights (or other colours) often mean something needs checking by a garage. Green lights mean everything is OK. It’s normal to see some of these lights briefly while you start your engine.
Mar 6, 2024 · A check-engine light could be a gentle reminder or a sign of something catastrophic. We explain what a malfunction indicator light is and what you can do about it.
