Does dread creep into the pit of your stomach when you see the “Check Engine” light illuminate on your dashboard? You’re not the only one. This telltale light is a warning that something’s wrong, but it’s a very unspecific warning. Fortunately, you can easily figure out some common issues behind that all-too-cryptic check engine light.
Why Your Check Engine Light Illuminates
So many things can cause the check engine light to come on, but there are some common causes. These causes usually originate from one of five major parts or subsystems inside your vehicle.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter transforms harmful exhaust gasses into less toxic components. Your vehicle’s oxygen sensors help track your converter’s performance. If they detect a problem, they may transmit an error code to the ECU and in turn illuminate the check engine light.
Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen sensors measure unburnt oxygen levels in your exhaust, helping ensure a proper air-fuel balance. Air-fuel mixtures that are too rich or lean can compromise engine performance. If an O2 sensor is faulty or detects an issue, it may trigger the check engine light.
Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass air flow sensor measures how much air travels into your vehicle’s engine. A failing sensor may not track incoming airflow, leading to diminished fuel efficiency, engine power, and performance. The check engine light may come on if there’s dirt, water vapor, or oil on the MAF sensor.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture and impact the engine cylinders’ operational sequence. Faulty spark plugs can cause engine misfires and mess up its timing. Multiple misfires can cause the ECU to turn on the check engine light.
Gas Cap
An unsealed, broken, or faulty gas cap can lead to fuel vapor leaks. Left unsolved, this impacts your vehicle’s emissions and long-term engine performance. If your vehicle’s diagnostic system detects a fuel vapor leak, it prompts the check engine light to illuminate.
If the problem doesn’t lie with one of these five areas, you may have a less common issue. For instance, a faulty bearing in a wheel hub may trigger the check engine light. Thankfully, you can diagnose the issue yourself with the right tools.
Vehicles Onboard Diagnostics (OBD)
Your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system can reveal some useful details behind that mysterious check engine light. You’ll need a special scanner to detect error codes generated by the OBD. Most auto parts stores, such as AutoZone, stock OBD-II scanners.
Once you have your scanner, diagnostics are simple. Plug the scanner into the diagnostic link connector, included in every vehicle manufactured after 1996. You’ll usually find this 16-pin connector on the left side of the dash, near the steering column. After plugging in the scanner, type in your vehicle’s VIN number when prompted and select the appropriate system. You’ll see the error codes output to the scanner’s display.
Same-Day Delivery for Your Needs
After finding your problem, you can order the parts and complete the work yourself if you’re comfortable DIYing on your vehicle.. AutoZone delivery makes this task easier, providing components and supplies right to your home. Thanks to this convenient service, you never need to stay sidelined.
