Your automobile’s check engine light is controlled by the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU is your vehicle’s main computer. If the computer detects that there is something wrong and there isn’t an associated dashboard warning light, the ECU will turn on the check engine light. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that the car’s check engine light is on for no reason at all. Buellton Garage advises that a recent study showed that this light is very effective in detecting engine problems.
Catalytic Converter Problems
One thing that will turn on the check engine light is a problem with the catalytic converter. This exhaust system part is responsible for handling the carbon monoxide that is produced by your fuel-burning engine. If the catalytic converter is clogged or malfunctioning, the check engine light will come on.
Electrical System Problems
Electrical system problems can also generate a check engine warning. Usually, this means one of the system sensors or the engine control unit itself is failing. If the problem is in the battery or the alternator, the battery light or the ALT light will illuminate on the dashboard.
Fuel System Problems
Fuel system problems can cause a check engine warning because you may end up with too much fuel in the combustion chamber. If this happens, the excess carbons in the exhaust will trigger the ECU to turn on the check engine light. You may also get this warning if your gas cap is too loose.
Mass Airflow Sensor Failure
Another thing that will cause the ECU to turn on the check engine light is if you’re mass airflow sensor malfunctions. This sensor checks to see how much air flows into the engine while you are driving. If it goes bad, the ECU will receive an error code that will cause it to turn on the check engine light.
Oxygen Sensor Failure
One of the most common reasons why a check engine light comes on is that the oxygen sensor is failing. This sensor measures the oxygen in the exhaust. Again, if the ECU receives an error code from the oxygen sensor, it will turn on the check engine light.
Spark Plug or Wire Failure
Your spark plugs can also cause the check engine light to turn on if they are misfiring. The misfiring could be caused by old and damaged spark plugs, old spark plug wires, or a problem with the ECU. The ECU fires the spark plugs in a specific order for optimal engine efficiency.
Buellton Garage is the best auto shop in Buellton, CA, and we’d be happy to get to the bottom of the reason why your check engine light has come on. Call us today for an appointment.