Common Reasons for a Check Engine Light to be On

Check Engine Light On? Get It Looked At Now!

It can cause panic and stress when you see your check engine light illuminate on your vehicle’s dashboard. Is your engine malfunctioning? How much will these possible repairs cost? In order to alleviate your fear, it’s important to get to the root of the problem.

Believe it or not, many things can cause your check engine light to turn on. The professional technicians at London’s Automotive in Corvallis, Oregon are here to explain the most common culprits of an illuminated check engine light.

Bad Oxygen Sensor

Faulty oxygen sensors are by far the most common cause of your check engine light popping on. Its job is to measure the oxygen levels in the exhaust and provide the information to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU will then adjust the fuel/air mixture if necessary. If this sensor isn’t working properly, your car will burn more fuel and eventually suffer other issues, like spark plug damage.

Loose Fuel Cap

If you forgot to securely tighten your car’s fuel cap after you’ve gassed up, your check engine light will probably turn on. The cap is a vital part of your vehicle’s fuel delivery system and stops fumes from leaving the tank.

If you notice that your check engine light popped on right after you visited a gas station, pull over to a safe location and check your gas cap.

Faulty Coils or Spark Plugs

Bad spark plugs or coils can throw up your check engine light. These parts ignite the air and fuel mixture in your cylinders to get your car to move. Faulty coils or spark plugs can easily cause misfires or even cylinder troubles.

Mass Airflow Sensor Issue

Your car’s mass airflow sensor, or MAF for short, measures how much air is entering into the engine. If this essential part isn’t working properly, you may have engine problems and an illuminated check engine light on your dash.

Diagnosing Engine Troubles

If your check engine light is on, schedule an appointment at London’s Automotive in Corvallis, Oregon today. Our auto repair experts can properly diagnose the problem and swiftly fix the issue. To schedule your appointment, call us at 541-753-4444. We look forward to hearing from you!