Check engine light on in your vehicle can cause concern for you as a driver if your vehicle seems to be running perfectly.
We will examine some of the different reasons why you may find yourself with a steady check engine light in this article, and we’ll also provide you with some recommendations in case you happen to find yourself in such a situation.
Possible Causes of Engine Light On
| Cause | Potential Consequences |
| Faulty Oxygen Sensor | Catalytic converter damage |
| Faulty gas cap or loose gas cap | System issues with evaporative emissions |
| Mass Airflow Sensor Issues | Incorrect fuel injection |
| Problems with spark plugs and ignition coils | Damage to the catalytic converter |
| Issues with catalytic converters | Engine damage due to failing emissions tests |
| Problems with the EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System) | Emissions increase, emissions tests fail |
| Problems with throttle position sensors | An incorrectly injected fuel |
| Misfires that occur intermittently | Damage to catalytic converters and engines |
How to understand the Check Engine Light
Onboard diagnostics (OBD) is what controls your vehicle’s check engine light. OBD systems detect issues within cars’ engines, transmissions, or emissions control systems when this light illuminates.
An engine check engine light that stays on all the time is different from one that flashes, which usually indicates a more severe problem.
Check engine light stays on for a long time
Some problems are more severe than others that can trigger the check engine light on your car while it is running fine. There are several common causes of this problem:
1. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
A bad O2 sensor is the first possible cause. Your vehicle’s exhaust system contains an oxygen sensor that measures the amount of oxygen that has not been burnt.
If your catalytic converter doesn’t work right, it can damage other parts of your car and reduce fuel efficiency.
2. Faulty or loose gas cap
A loose or damaged gas cap is the next thing to check if you notice the check engine light indicating, but your car runs fine.
Vapors from fuel can escape in this situation. If you want to avoid this, make sure your gas cap is tightened after you have refueled your vehicle. In some cases, a replacement of the gas cap is required if the problem persists.
3. Problems with mass airflow sensors
The third cause of malfunctioning airflow in your car is the mass airflow sensor (MAF). You can measure how much air goes into your engine with the mass airflow sensor.
In your car, the computer calculates how much fuel needs to be injected after measuring the air and sending the information to it.
In addition to running rough, reducing fuel efficiency and even causing the check engine light to come on, dirty or bad sensors can cause a number of problems in your vehicle.
4. Ignition coil and spark plug problems
The check engine light stays on when spark plugs are worn and ignition coils are faulty, resulting in poor performance, low fuel economy, and low fuel economy.
However, they should still be addressed promptly even if they are not as severe as those causing flashing lights.
5. Problems with catalytic converters
Keeping your vehicle’s emissions down is possible thanks to the catalytic converter. There can be more serious problems associated with a clogged or failing converter that triggers the check engine light.
6. Issues related to the EVAP system
It prevents the escape of fuel vapors into the atmosphere by means of the EVAP system. It is possible for the check engine light to illuminate if there is a leak or a component failure in this system.
7. Troubleshooting throttle position sensors
Your car’s computer determines the amount of fuel to inject based on the position of the throttle position sensor. As a result of the failure of one or more sensors, the check engine light permanently illuminates, resulting in reduced performance and fuel economy.
8. Intermittent Misfires
A flashing check engine light may not appear immediately when a spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector malfunctions intermittently.
A steady light can, however, be caused by them. Especially when these components begin to fail, you might notice a rough idle or shaking.
Your car runs fine despite having a Check Engine Light
Does your car run well even though your check engine light is on? The following steps should be followed if you have trouble with your car:
- If your gas cap is not tight enough, make sure to tighten it. Make sure that it’s tight or replace it if it’s loose or damaged.
- A scanner with an OBD2 interface can be used to read the diagnostic trouble codes for your vehicle if the gas cap isn’t the problem. Free code reading services are available at many auto parts stores.
- Diagnostic trouble codes can start you on your way to figuring out what’s wrong, but they don’t always pinpoint the cause. In addition to using these codes, a skilled mechanic can make recommendations based on his or her knowledge and diagnostic tools.
- A mechanic will usually recommend driving your car until it runs smoothly again. Be aware if you hear unusual noises, feel vibrations, or notice any changes in performance if you suspect misfiring.
- Any concern symptoms you notice on your vehicle should be investigated by a mechanic immediately to prevent further damage.
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Conclusion
It’s important not to ignore your car’s check engine light when it appears to be running fine. While it may seem tempting to keep driving without finding a solution, this will lead to more serious problems down the road.
