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Here are 5 of the most common reasons your check engine light might be on. Problem With Your Gas Cap. Of all the reasons your check engine light might be on, this one could be the easiest and least expensive to fix. Oxygen Sensor Malfunction. Faulty Spark Plugs. Bad Catalytic Converter. Failing Aftermarket Alarm.
What is the most common cause of check engine light?
Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor — a sensor used to optimize a vehicle’s fuel-to-air mixture to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions — is the most common cause for a check engine light. With over 400,000 repairs nationwide, oxygen sensor replacements account for 8% of all check engine light repairs.
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?
Normally, the appearance of a check engine light indicates a problem somewhere in your vehicle, but nothing seems amiss. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.
Why did my check engine light come on all of a sudden?
A loose fuel cap is one of the most common reasons why the check engine light turns on. The cap is a crucial part of a car’s fuel delivery system. If your check engine light turns on immediately after a fill-up, pull over and make sure the cap isn’t loose — or still on your car’s roof.
Is it safe to drive your car with the check engine light on?
Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It’s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, don’t panic! Just be sure to have your car inspected as soon as possible after the light turns on.
What does a solid check engine light mean?
A solid Check Engine Light can mean something like a loose gas cap, or it can indicate a more in-depth problem like a fuel, timing, or transmission issue. Get your car diagnosed, although the urgency isn’t the same as if the light was flashing at you.
When should I be worried about check engine light?
Unlike a Temperature or Oil Pressure light, a Check Engine light is usually not an urgent, “Stop right now or you may cause permanent damage!” type of situation, unless it is flashing. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
Can low fuel trigger check engine light?
Bottom line: Yes, if you see a pattern in which the engine light comes on during periods that your tank is low, then turns off right after you fill it (and tighten the gas cap!), one of the above issues is probably going on.
What causes engine light to come on and stay on?
The check engine light may stay on steadily or it may flash when the vehicle is accelerated. This is very serious. There is a severe failure of the emission control system that is causing the engine to misfire to the point that the catalytic converter is damaged each time the check engine light flashes.
Why would check engine light come on?
The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine. If the light begins flashing, however, it indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.
What does a solid yellow check engine light mean?
The steady yellow light is telling you to take a look and fix the minor issue as soon as you can, but it’s not usually serious. The flashing light means that your vehicle’s engine is misfiring and you should investigate the problem immediately.
What are the most common reasons for a check engine light to come on?
The Top 5 Reasons Your Check Engine Light May Be On It’s Time To Replace Your Oxygen Sensor. Oxygen sensors are a common cause of “check engine” lights. Your Gas Cap Is Loose Or Faulty. Your Catalytic Converter Is Failing. Mass Airflow Sensor Needs Replacement. Faulty Spark Plugs.
Can engine light come on for no reason?
The check engine light can come on for many reasons. For example, something as simple as a loose gas cap can trigger the warning. And major problems, such as failed internal engine components, can turn on the light, as well.
What makes engine light come on?
A problem with either your spark plug wires or the spark plugs themselves could cause your check engine light to come on. Ignoring this problem may lead to a clogged catalytic converter, damaged ignition coils, or problems with your oxygen sensor.
Why is my check gas cap?
Simply put, if your fuel cap light is on, it means that the computer has detected a leak in the system, typically from a loose gas cap. If this light comes on while driving, pull over in a safe spot and re-secure the cap. Continue driving normally with the light illuminated and it should go off within a day or two.
Can AutoZone check engine light?
Does AutoZone Scan Check Engine Lights? AutoZone can diagnose Check Engine Light codes, yes. If your engine light turned on and you are wondering why, head down to your local AutoZone where one of our store associates can help diagnose the issue through our free Fix Finder service.
