Is your check engine light on? What Does it mean

Your car’s engine is nothing less than the brain of your vehicle. It holds all the necessary power that can enable your car to function properly. Check engine light on meaning: Your car’s engine is the place where the fuel power is converted into mechanical power which ultimately translates into your car’s ability to run. ABE is the best place where you can find the best pre-owned cars with great service.

There is a check engine light that is located on the dashboard panel. This light goes on when there is something harming or about to harm your car’s engine. So, if you are wondering when the engine light comes on what does that mean? Then, we are here to guide you through the probable reasons.

9 possible reason Why Your Check Engine Light Might Be On

The check engine light in your car essentially denotes an issue with your car’s emission control system. The light is turned on when your car’s computer senses an oncoming or an ongoing engine problem.

If your check engine light is on, then you can check your vehicle for the following problems

Oxygen sensor malfunction

In the event of a faulty oxygen sensor, your car might run erratically or you could experience rough idling. This messes up the essential functions of your car’s engine like combustion intervals and timings. As a consequence to this, your check engine light might be turned on.

Unstable gasoline cap

If your gasoline cap is too loose or unstable then the fuel system pressure will be affected and therefore, the check engine light will turn on.

Ignition coil and spark plug problems

If your vehicle’s ignition coil is not working properly, then it won’t be able to send the required voltage to the spark plugs and this will affect your car’s engine. As a result of this your check engine light will be on and the vehicle might stall when you try to stop your car.

Defective spark plug wires

If you feel that there is something wrong with your car in terms of decreased mileage, a reduction and power, improper acceleration and when you find your driving with check engine light on, then you shouldn’t definitely get your car checked for faulty spark plug wires.

Faulty mass airflow sensor

If your vehicle’s engine is stalling or if you feel noticeable jerks while accelerating, then your car’s mass airflow sensor might not be working efficiently. This will make it difficult for you to start your car’s engine and therefore the check engine light will be on.

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Problems with an aftermarket alarm

If your aftermarket car alarms have not been out by a professional or if they are not set properly then there is a probability that your car’s check engine sign is on without any legit provocation.

Leakage of vacuum

If some air bypasses the intake tract of your engine, then it can cause a loss of power to the engine which will result in a flashing check engine light.

Failure of the exhaust gas recirculation valve

This can cause serious performance issues in your vehicle like less fuel efficiency, loss of power and acceleration. It will also increase your car’s emissions. If your car’s check engine light is on, this could also be one of the reasons.

Battery failure

If your car’s check engine light is on, the headlights are dim, there is clicking sound when you turn your key in the ignition, slow crank, backfiring etc, then you should get your car batteries checked as all these are signs that your car’s battery is going bad or it is completely failed.

There are plenty of reasons that might provoke the check engine light on your car’s dashboard panel to go on. Some of these reasons might be small while others might actually cause imminent danger if not addressed immediately. No matter what the reason is, it is important that you pay attention to your flashing check engine light pronto! The aim is to avoid any of these problems to snowball into something big and super damaging for your vehicle.

FAQ’s

1. What could cause the check engine light to come on?

There could be a number of reasons for your car’s check engine light to come on like battery failure, lack of vacuum, faulty aftermarket alarms etc.

2. Does check engine light mean engine is bad?

The check engine light might be turned on due to a number of reasons, some of which might not always attribute that your car’s engine is bad. For example, a check engine light that has come on due to an unstable gasoline cap will go away once you fix the fuel cap.

3. How long can you drive with the engine light on?

Driving with check engine light on is never a good idea. You should always get your car checked for what is triggering the light. The reason in question will help you in determining the duration for which you can drive your car with the check engine light on.