6 Signs You’re in Need of Check Engine Light Repair

6 Signs You’re in Need of Check Engine Light Repair

Having your check engine light illuminated can be daunting, especially if you have no clue why it might have come on. But don’t worry, there are plenty of auto shops out there, like Fred’s Auto Repair, that specialize in check engine light repair.

To put your mind at ease, we’ve collected some insight here into why your check engine light might be illuminated and what to do about it, so read on!

Why is My Check Engine Light On?

Your check engine light is connected to many of the different components of your vehicle, so there could be a number of reasons why it’s on. Even a simple loose gas cap can make it illuminate. However, there are many more serious issues it could be, such as failed internal engine components.  So, bringing it in for an inspection ASAP is key!

Different Reasons that Will Cause the Check Engine Light to Turn On?

Your check engine light is an important part of your vehicle’s computer diagnostic system. That means it’s connected to a variety of things, such as:

• A Faulty Gas Cap
• Tailpipe Emissions
• Your Engine & Transmission
• Internal Engine Misfire
• Anti-Lock Brake Systems (that are connected to the powertrain)

What is the Difference Between a Solid Check Engine Light & a Flashing One?

The meaning and severity of your check engine light being illuminated can also depend on whether it’s flashing or remains solid. Either way, one or the other signifies that there’s an issue with your engine that needs to be addressed. However, if your check engine light is flashing it means you have a serious engine problem that should be addressed by a professional mechanic immediately.

Additionally, in lieu of a flashing check engine light, your car’s light might appear different colors to indicate the severity of your issue, such as red or orange instead of the traditional yellow light.

Some of the Most Common Engine Problems

The most common problems that will cause your check engine light to illuminate include:

• Emissions Equipment Problems: There are a number of components on your vehicle that are part of the emissions system – such as its evaporative emission system, its catalytic converter, or gas recirculation system; any of these will cause the engine light to turn on if there’s an issue.

• Engine Problems: An issue with your engine is the most common cause of your check engine light coming on. Your on-board computer system will illuminate the light any time it detects a problem with your engine or one of its related components.

• Transmission Issues: Problems with your transmission can also cause the engine light to turn on because your transmission is directly connected to your engine. Transmission issues may also cause tailpipe emission problems since the two parts are so closely connected.

• Air/Fuel Delivery Problems: To run at peak performance levels, your car requires the proper amount of engine and fuel. If it gets too much or too little of one or the other, it will trigger the on-board computer to illuminate the engine light.

• Ignition System Problems: Your car’s ignition system includes coil packs, spark plugs, and all the other things necessary to initiate combustion and start your engine. So, a problem with any one of these things may trigger the check engine light.

• Modules & Sensors: Every vehicle is equipped with a host of different sensors and modules that monitor its components. This means that even the slightest variance in one of them may cause the check engine light to come on.

Diagnosing Your Engine Issue

When your check engine light is illuminated, you might be wondering what to do next. The first thing is to bring your car to a certified mechanic with computer diagnostic equipment to determine where the issue lies, and whether or not it needs repairs. Your car’s computer will register a diagnostic code to help the mechanic determine the right course for repairs.

What a mechanic will do is connect a specialized tool to your vehicle to scan and retrieve the code. Although the code doesn’t diagnose the exact problem your engine may have, the mechanic uses it as a starting point to troubleshoot your vehicle, eventually determining what the problem is without a shadow of a doubt.

Once that’s been done, they’ll provide you with a detailed breakdown of how repairs will proceed or if you need to have a part replaced.

Let us handle your check engine light repairs!

If your check engine light is illuminated, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule an appointment with Fred’s Auto Repair today or call us at (914) 762-1131.