The check engine light can be annoying, but recent studies also indicate that it’s quite accurate. In other words, it wouldn’t come on in your European automobile if there weren’t something wrong with the engine. Euro Autoworks can get to the bottom of the illuminated check engine light. Here are common reasons why check engine lights turn on below.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter takes the carbon monoxide in your vehicle’s exhaust and converts it into carbon dioxide. It will clog eventually and begin to malfunction. When this happens, you will not only receive a check engine light warning but your engine may also overheat and you might smell rotten eggs.
Gas Cap
If your gas cap is too loose, the check engine light will turn on. The gas cap is designed to create a vacuum seal over the gas tank to ensure that fuel does not evaporate out of it. Consequently, if sensors indicate that you have fuel evaporating, your check engine light will come on.
Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor
A bad or malfunctioning MAF sensor will also cause the check engine light warning. This sensor measures the air that flows into your European automobile’s engine. If it gets dirty and can no longer sense the air, you will end up with the check engine warning on your dashboard.
Oxygen (O2) Sensor
The same is true with the O2 sensor. Rather than measuring the air that flows into the engine, the O2 sensor measures the exhaust oxygen levels. This part lasts on average about 50,000 miles. If it goes bad, the check engine light will come on and won’t turn off until you replace it.
Spark Plugs
Your spark plugs can also trigger a check engine light warning if they are old or dirty. Chances are, the spark plugs are misfiring, so you won’t only get the check engine warning but you will also feel and hear your engine sputtering. Replacing the spark plugs usually solves the problem.
Transmission
The transmission can also cause the check engine light to turn on if it is having problems. Aside from the check engine warning, you may find it difficult to get your European automobile into gear or to shift it through the gear cycle.
Vacuum Leak
Finally, an engine vacuum leak can also cause the check engine light to turn on. This is a leak coming from one of the vacuum hoses. Usually, the RPM needle will dance when you have a vacuum leak and you will hear suction noises coming from your engine.
Euro Autoworks In Woodbury, MN, is your one-stop shop for all things European. Give us a call today if your check engine light is on.