What Could Your Check Engine Light Mean?
What Could Your Check Engine Light Mean?
What to Check First When THAT Light Comes On
Your car may have been making some odd noises lately, or you may have had difficulty shifting it from one gear to another. Then you see the dreaded signal – the check engine light – during your morning commute. Unfortunately, the indicator itself doesn’t tell you much. This malfunction indicator lamp is designed to alert the operator of a vehicle to any problem with the transmission, fuel injection, or ignition system. The technicians at ACA Auto in Long Beach, California, can help identify the specific issue that caused the alert and fix it before it causes more significant damage.
Loose Gas Cap
Perhaps the easiest problem to fix when you see a check engine light is a loose gas cap. If the seal is cracked, the gas in your tank may evaporate. It’s essential to get it replaced to maintain fuel efficiency.
Damaged Oxygen Sensor
Another problem that could affect your fuel efficiency is a damaged oxygen sensor. If you ignore this issue, though, more frequent trips to the gas station may become the least of your problems. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can damage both the spark plugs and the catalytic converter.
Poor Catalytic Converter
This malfunction is usually the result of a lax maintenance schedule. Other worn-out parts can overtax the catalytic converter. If it is not replaced, you may not pass your next emissions test. It can also cause your car to overheat, which can lead to various other problems.
Worn-out Spark Plugs
When it’s time to replace your spark plugs, the check engine light is probably not your only indication that something is amiss. You may notice your engine misfiring or that it doesn’t seem to be getting as much power as it should. The mechanics at ACA Auto in Cedar Park, Texas, can replace worn-out spark plugs so that your engine can run more efficiently.
Unless you own a diagnostic tool such as an OBD-II, you may not be able to tell what is wrong with your car when the check engine light comes on. Call ACA Auto in Cedar Park, Texas, and our technicians can diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs to get your car running smoothly again.