Car Doctors Auto Repair advises that a recent study proved how accurate the check engine light is. As such, it’s important that you pay attention to the check engine light if it illuminates on your import’s dashboard. We are going to talk about the check engine light below so you can learn more about this crucial warning system. Paying attention to the check engine light can prevent further damage to your automobile.
Which Engine Part Turns On the Check Engine Light?
Unless you drive a classic import, your car, truck, or utility vehicle has a main computer chip and a series of system sensors. The main computer chip is called the engine control module, and it communicates with the system sensors to make sure everything in the automobile is operating as it should be.
If a system sensor reports a problem to the engine control module, it will turn on an associated dashboard warning light to alert you of trouble. For example, if your anti-lock brake system is malfunctioning, the engine control module will turn on the ABS light and leave it on.
Certain engine problems, such as a vacuum leak, do not have dashboard warning lights. In this case, the engine control module turns on the check engine light for any engine problem that doesn’t have a light of its own. This is your indication that there is a problem in the engine that requires immediate attention.
Why Would I Get a Check Engine Warning?
As we just mentioned, the check engine light is a catch-all for engine problems that have no other way of warning you that your vehicle needs attention. There are common reasons why a check engine light turns on. The most common causes of a check engine warning include
- A clogged or malfunctioning catalytic converter
- An EVAP system that is malfunctioning
- A problem with the engine control module
- A gas cap that has not been tightened properly
- A malfunctioning or dirty mass airflow sensor
- A malfunctioning or dead oxygen sensor
- A problem with the spark plugs or wires
- A problem with your vehicle’s automatic transmission
All of these things have sensors that send a code to the engine control module to report an error. If your check engine light turns on, we run a diagnostic check to get the code that was reported to the engine control module. This tells us the exact reason why the check engine light came on.
Car Doctors Auto Repair is the best auto service shop in Athens, GA, and we would be happy to get to the bottom of your import’s check engine warning. Call us today for an appointment.
