4 Common Causes of Check Engine Lights - Fort Collins Muffler - Fort Collins Muffler & Automotive (2024)

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4 Common Causes of Check Engine Lights - Fort Collins Muffler - Fort Collins Muffler & Automotive? ›

The emissions/exhaust system is the most likely culprit for many check engine lights being illuminated. There could be an exhaust leak or a problem with the catalytic converter. The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is another sensor that is easily tripped or can fail.

The emissions/exhaust system is the most likely culprit for many check engine lights being illuminated. There could be an exhaust leak or a problem with the catalytic converter. The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is another sensor that is easily tripped or can fail.

In some cases, a damaged or worn-out muffler can cause your check engine light to come on. This is because the muffler is a part of your car's emissions control system, and if it's not functioning correctly, it can cause issues with your car's emissions.

One common issue that can cause your check engine light to turn on is a failing oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust system, and if it detects a drop in oxygen levels, it will trigger the check engine light.

Yes. While the damage may seem small initially, the longer you drive with a bad oxygen sensor, the worse the damage will become. Eventually, you may experience rough idling, poor acceleration, engine misfires, an illuminated check engine light, and failed emission tests.

Worn/failed spark plugs, coil packs, or spark plug wires can trigger your check engine light to come on. In today's cars, if a spark plug fails and can no longer ignite the air-fuel mixture, then the most obvious event should be the check engine light coming on or even flashing.

Check engine lights can turn on for a number of reasons. Some can be minor problems such as tightening the gas cap, and others can be serious problems like engine issues. If your vehicle is running fine, the check engine light may signal a minor issue, but it is best to visit a mechanic to make sure.

As mentioned, common symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter include an illuminated check engine light, trouble starting the car, poor acceleration, a smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, engine misfires, and poor fuel economy.

Trojan Auto Care advises that the check engine light may illuminate on the dashboard if the exhaust manifold cracks. You may also end up with a CEL warning if the manifold gasket cracks. The reason why is that the crack releases exhaust into the engine and causes numerous problems.

The Check Engine light might be triggered by almost anything affecting the monitored systems, from just a loose gas cap or bad spark plug to a pricey computer control module or catalytic converter. Check your gas cap first.

Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong? ›

The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.

To determine whether the gas cap might be to blame, you'll first need to use a scan tool or code reader to retrieve the DTCs from the PCM's memory. Typically, when the gas cap is to blame for the CEL, the PCM stores a code for an EVAP system leak in its memory.

A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.

To check if it's a clogged cat versus a bad oxygen sensor (when you don't have a check engine light), grab a vacuum gauge. Connect the gauge to an intake manifold vacuum line. Start the engine, let it idle, and check the reading on the gauge.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, it's time to connect an OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner to your vehicle. This scanner retrieves diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that provide clues about the issue. These codes consist of a letter followed by numbers, such as P0420.

Low Oil and Check Engine Light

However, low oil pressure, which can be caused by low oil levels, can be a reason for the check engine light to turn on. Low oil pressure can seriously interfere with your car's performance and disable your vehicle if not addressed immediately.