Common Causes of an Illuminated Check Engine Light

Although your car cannot speak, it has other ways of communicating the need for repairs. An illuminated check engine light may be caused by many different issues. Your automotive repair specialist can help you diagnose the cause of your check engine light and perform the repairs you need to get you back on the road. […]

Although your car cannot speak, it has other ways of communicating the need for repairs. An illuminated check engine light may be caused by many different issues. Your automotive repair specialist can help you diagnose the cause of your check engine light and perform the repairs you need to get you back on the road.

Gas Cap

A gas cap that has not been replaced properly often prompts the “check engine” light. When your gas cap is loose or broken, gasoline vapors may leak from the tank. This leakage affects the entire fuel system inside your car. Because this issue can be easily resolved, it’s the first thing you should check when you see the check engine light. If the cap is loose, simply tighten it; if the gas cap appears damaged, you should have it replaced.

Oxygen Sensor

Your engine’s oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the amount of fuel that is burned inside the engine. Over time, these sensors can be affected by dust, dirt, and oil ash, limiting their functionality. A faulty or broken oxygen sensor won’t send the right information to your engine, thus impacting your gas mileage. When your car determines that one or more of the oxygen sensors in the engine are faulty, it will often illuminate the check engine light.

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter reduces the harmful emissions from your car by mixing the byproducts of automotive combustion with a catalyst that renders them less harmful or inert. A failing catalytic converter often causes poor gas mileage and limited pickup when you press on the gas pedal. The check engine light could indicate your car has a damaged or failing catalytic converter; you’ll need to have your automotive repair specialist fix or replace your converter to address the issue.

Are you experiencing a check engine light, poor gas mileage, or other problem with your vehicle? Schedule a visit to Automotive Recalibration Center in Tucson today by calling (520) 433-4147. You can find out more about keeping your car or truck maintained with us on the web.