Whether your check engine light is coming on and staying on or turning on and off, Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair can help. There are many reasons why your European automobile is giving you a check engine warning on the dashboard. Sometimes, there might not be anything wrong at all other than a sensor failure. Other times, continuing to drive your automobile could seriously damage it. Let’s talk about the reasons why a check engine warning comes on.
Electrical Malfunctions
As we said above, malfunctions can turn on the check engine warning. Specifically, your vehicle’s engine control module or any of the system sensors can fail and trick the module into turning on the check engine warning. Generally, replacing the sensor or the module will solve the problem. The check engine light may also come on if there is an electrical problem in the engine.
Exhaust System Problems
The check engine light also comes on whenever you have an issue with the exhaust system. The problem could be a clogged catalytic converter or malfunctioning mass airflow or oxygen sensor. Unfortunately, until the exhaust system problem is resolved, your check engine light will not turn off. You may also smell rotten eggs if the issue lies in the catalytic converter.
Fuel System Issues
Often times, a rich fuel mixture will cause the check engine light to come on because the exhaust system reports too much carbon gases being released out of the tailpipe. Another fuel system problem is a loose gas cap that can no longer seal off the gas tank. If you just filled your tank and the check engine light came on, the problem is likely a loose gas cap.
Ignition Trouble
If your spark plugs are worn and cannot detonate properly, your check engine warning will come on. It used to be that spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles. Today, however, many vehicles can go 100,000 miles before the spark plugs need to be replaced. Check your owner’s manual to see when your spark plugs need to be changed and have that service done if it is due.
Transmission Failure
Finally, your transmission does not have a dashboard warning light of its own and, as such, the check engine light may come on if the transmission has problems. You may also notice issues such as grinding or slipping gears and a hot smell coming from underneath your car. It’s important to have transmission problems addressed right away to avoid expensive auto repairs.
We here at Mechanic One Auto Repair & European Auto Repair in Canton, MI, can find out why your check engine warning is coming on and fix the problem. Give us a call today.
