The check engine light usually isn’t an emergency, so there’s no need to panic. It may be a minor issue, such as a broken gas cap. On the other hand, it could be something serious, like a misfiring engine. If you notice the check engine light has come on, bring your car in for Bridgman CEL testing & diagnostic service.
To understand whether the check engine light is alerting you to a serious problem, look to see if it’s flashing or steady. A flashing check engine light is an indication of a problem that needs immediate attention. The primary cause of a flashing check engine light is a misfiring ignition system that’s causing unburned fuel to be dumped directly into the exhaust system. This will quickly damage your vehicle’s catalytic converter, leading to an expensive repair. If you see a flashing check engine light, pull over, turn off the ignition, and call for roadside assistance.
A check engine light that’s steady isn’t urgent. A steady light means the car’s computer system isn’t getting data from one of the sensors. It can also mean the data is outside the normal range or there’s a problem from a system other than the engine. If your car’s check engine light comes on and isn’t flashing, schedule a visit with the Brookfield CDJR Service Center as soon as you can.
Some of the common reasons the check engine light may come on include:
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor measures the exhaust system’s unburned oxygen. Failure to replace a faulty oxygen sensor will cause the engine to burn more fuel than necessary. In addition to lowering your vehicle’s fuel economy, it can damage the catalytic converter and spark plugs.
Missing, Damaged or Loose Gas Cap
The gas cap seals the car’s fuel system and prevents gasoline fumes from escaping. If you don’t replace the gas cap, the fuel may evaporate, causing lower fuel economy.
Bad Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Driving with a damaged catalytic converter can cause your car to fail an emissions test, reduce performance, and lower fuel economy.
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor measures the engine’s air inflow and controls the amount of fuel needed to run the engine efficiently. If the mass airflow sensor isn’t replaced, it can damage the catalytic converter, the oxygen sensor and the spark plugs. Your car will experience lower fuel economy and performance.
Broken Spark Plugs
If your car needs new spark plugs or spark plug wires, it can reduce the vehicle’s power, lower the fuel economy, clog the catalytic converter, and damage the ignition coils and oxygen sensors.
If your vehicle’s engine light comes on, don’t ignore it. Call the professionals at the Brookfield CDJR Service Center. We’ll diagnose the problem and quickly correct any issue we locate.
Brookfield Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
1845 Pipestone Road
Benton Harbor, MI 49022