You're on the road, thinking about your own business, when out of nowhere an illuminated light appears in your dashboard. It could be the outline of an engine or possibly it has the words "check" or"check engine" on top of it. This is the check engine light - one of the most unwelcome images known to mankind. We have both good and bad news for you if you are in this scenario. The good news: Check engine lights don't necessarily mean that something is terribly incorrect with your vehicle. In reality an engine light could indicate that there is something seriously wrong with your car. Don't worry, we'll explain. Common reasons your check engine light may be inWith that in mind, let's look at the most frequent reasons that your check engine light might be on. 1. Engine issuesProblems with the engine can trigger the check engine light to blink. A control module monitors the engine's operation through a set of sensors. And when it detects a problem, it turns on the check engine light. 2. Transmission problemsYour car's transmission manipulates engine power before transferring it to drive wheels. Because the two assemblies work together so closely any issue with the transmission could increase tailpipe emissions. When the control module detects any problem with the transmission, it will illuminate the check engine indicator. 3. Emissions equipment problemsModern cars have a myriad of emission equipment that is on board. There's the exhaust gas recirculation systems, the catalytic converter, the evaporative emissions system - - the list goes on and on. Each piece of the puzzle is designed to reduce tailpipe emissions, thereby, protecting the environment and creating a more secure environment. We won't discuss the parts and systems separately because there are too many to mention. We can guarantee that a malfunctioning emission system is likely to cause a check engine light to come on. 4. Problems with modules and sensors (electronic Powertrain Controls)Today's powertrains are controlled by a array of sensors and components. The modules also have the ability to communicate over a large data network. Issues with sensors or modules, networks, and wiring can result in the check engine light. 5. Air/fuel delivery problemsFor your car to function properly, it needs both air and fuel. The control module can tell if the engine is getting too much or too low of either air or fuel. The check engine light is then switched on by the control module. 6. Issues caused by the ignition systemThe ignition system comprises the spark coil packs and plugs along with everything required to ignite the fuel/air mixture. The control module controls the functioning of the ignition system as you have probably already guessed. And it will turn on the check engine indicator if it finds a fault.
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It can be nerve-wracking to see the check engine light on your car come on. The fear and anxiety a check engine lamp can result in can make you feel like you're being given a bad diagnosis. Instead of worrying about it, follow the following steps to determine whether your car requires a larger repair or small fix such as an unintentional gas cap. Have a look at https://www.motoradvices.com/ site if you need specifics info concerning engine light. Find issues that require Immediate AttentionThere are many actions you can take immediately when your check engine light goes on. They can help you determine the root of the problem or offer a an immediate solution. These are the problems that you need to tackle as soon as your check engine light comes on: A cap that is missing from your engine: If liquid is exposed, it may trigger your check engine light. Unplugged or loose wire could break by itself or be destroyed by an external force, like the squirrel or mouse, which can quickly set off a check engine light. Low pressure on the oil Low oil level can cause your car's check engine light to go off. It is usually displayed as a glowing light, as well as the check engine light on the dashboard. Overheating: A check engine light can be triggered when your engine temperature increases. If you see the temperature gauge rising you should stop as soon as possible Some of these issues are easy DIY repairs, such as adding more oil or changing the cap. However, if your car is overheating or an internal wire has been eaten by a mouse, it may require a trip to the mechanic. A yellow light will be visible on certain models to indicate that there is an issue. A red light means that the system believes you must immediately stop. If you aren't certain that this is the case, nevertheless, make a stop as quickly as you can regardless of what specific color indicators you're seeing. No matter the size of the repair itself, when your check engine light comes on when your car breaks down, it's important to assess the situation thoroughly, avoid making repairs on the spot and, in general, stay safe until you have your vehicle transported to a mechanic shop so that it can be properly diagnosed. Make sure your gas cap is tightOne of the most frequent reasons for triggering the check engine light is the simplest to fix. The easiest thing to fix is if you don't put the gas cap on correctly, loosely or in a way that does not seal properly. This could trigger the dreaded check engine lamp to illuminate. Sometimes all you need to do is examine your gas cap and make sure it is in place. If this is the case you must be aware that the light may not stop for a few trips after you fix the cap. You can risk driving at this point to determine whether the light goes off. It is recommended that you or your mechanic run a diagnostic test (more information about diagnostics in the future). This will enable you to verify that you are not exacerbating the problem that caused the light start flashing. Reduce the Size of Your LoadThe speed you drive at and the excess weight could put additional stress on your vehicle's engine. Your engine might be under-taxed if you are frequent drivers on roads or you have a hitch mounted on your smaller vehicle. This could lead to a loss of power, which could trigger the check engine light to turn on. It's possible that you can solve the problem by reducing the demands for your car. Reduce the load you are taking on, at least for a short period of time. Don't speed to check if the engine light goes off. Once again, even if you suspect load size or speed to be the cause, it's recommended to run a diagnostic. Check to see if there's any other issue and determine if you already caused any damages that may become worse. Perform a Diagnostics TestPerform a diagnostic test when your check engine light turns on. The check engine light is an external element of the internal diagnostic system. It's a part of an internal computer system which monitors your vehicle's performance and looks out for any issues. You or a professional depending on your expertise level and comfort, can use the OBD1 diagnostic tool or OBD2 to identify the reason of the check engine light. Beware of testing for emissionsIt is best to avoid testing your emissions until you have resolved all of your concerns. Emissions testing is a requirement in many states to verify that your vehicle isn't producing too many emissions.In some states, a check engine light is a major problem that could cause the test to fail. In some states, just the simple fact that the check engine light is on can make you fail the test. Even when the light was activated by a wire or gas cap it is still the case. After you have resolved the problem, you might require driving for a short time before passing your emissions test. It is generally recommended that you travel between 50 and 100 miles before passing the test to make sure that the system has reset. |
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