What Could Cause Your Vehicle’s Check Engine Light to Light Up and What to Do About It
On your way back from spending a day at The Farmers Branch Historical Park, you realized how modern technology has made our lives easier. And communicating with your car is one of those advantages we now have. Because this allows us to address issues before they become costly ones.
One of those high-tech wonders is our vehicle’s dashboard warning system. And while it’s great to have this advancement, seeing your vehicle’s check engine light turn on can make your heart sink. Yet, while it may seem alarming, it’s essentially your car’s way of letting you know that something needs attention. So, the experts at Meineke in Farmers Branch take a look at what could be causing your check engine light to light up, and what you should do.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
Loose Gas Cap
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- Believe it or not, a loose or cracked gas cap can trigger the check engine light. Because, a secure gas cap helps maintain proper fuel system pressure. So if it’s loose, it may cause a warning signal.
Oxygen Sensor Issue
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- This sensor measures unburned oxygen in your car’s exhaust. And if it’s faulty, it can decrease your fuel efficiency and lead to increased emissions.
Catalytic Converter Problem
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- The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing harmful emissions from your vehicle. And, issues with this component often result from ignoring maintenance needs such as bad spark plugs or issues with oxygen sensors.
Faulty Spark Plugs or Wires
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- Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the engine. So, worn plugs or damaged wires can lead to poor performance and potentially cause your vehicle to stall.
Mass Airflow Sensor Malfunction
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- This sensor monitors the amount of air entering the engine and helps your car determine how much fuel to inject. And, problems here may affect your fuel economy.
Engine Misfire
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- This occurs when one or more cylinders don’t combust the air-fuel mixture. And misfires can be triggered by a range of issues, such as faulty ignition components or low fuel pressure.
What to Do When the Light Comes On
Check the Gas Cap
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- The check engine light doesn’t always indicate a severe issue. In fact, sometimes, it’s a minor problem, like a loose gas cap. So, if you suspect this could be the cause, tighten the cap and see if the light goes off after a few trips.
Assess Performance
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- If your car is running smoothly, you can continue driving but call Meineke in Farmers Branch to schedule a diagnosis as soon as possible. But, if the car is stalling, misfiring, or has lost power, pull over safely and get help immediately.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual
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- Your vehicle’s manual may provide more information on what a check engine light might mean for your specific car.
Get a Diagnostic Scan
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- Take your vehicle to Meineke on Valley View Lane in Farmers Branch for a diagnostic scan. Because the scan will retrieve the code causing the warning and help pinpoint the issue.
Check Engine Light On? Call Meineke Today
Addressing a check engine light promptly can prevent smaller problems from becoming expensive repairs. And that, along with regular maintenance, can keep your vehicle running smoothly. So, next time that little light pops up, take it as your car’s way of keeping you informed! And head over the Meineke in Farmers Branch.
If the Meineke in Farmers Branch is not a convenient auto repair center for you, Meineke has 11 car repair centers is Texas:
Meineke Car Care Center – Hwy 123
1252 Highway 123
San Marcos, TX 78666
Call (512) 396-8285
Meineke Car Care – Altamesa Dr.
3012 Altamesa Blvd
Fort Worth, TX 76133
Call (682) 703-2378
Meineke Car Care – Bryant Irvin Rd.
5031 Bryant Irvin Road
Fort Worth, TX 76132
Call (817) 744-7900
Meineke Car Care – W Northwest Hwy.
11613 East Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75218
Call (214) 221-1177
Meineke Car Car – Broadway Blvd.
5615 Broadway Blvd.
Garland, TX 75043
Call (469) 366-9360
Meineke Car Care – Burnet Road
7829 Burnet Road
Austin, TX 78757
Call (512) 814-0877
Meineke Car Care – Valley View Lane
2513 Valley View Lane
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Call (972) 247-2600
Meineke Car Care – North Bell Blvd.
2105 North Bell Blvd
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Call (512) 686-5491
Meineke Car Care – Kirkwood Rd.
2343 S. Kirkwood Road
Houston, TX 77077
Call (832) 288-5380
Meineke Car Care – Poly Webb Rd.
5980 Poly Webb Road
Arlington, TX 76016
Call (817) 765-2194
Meineke Car Care – W. Main St.
1550 West Main Street
Lewisville, TX 75067
Call (469) 312-3356
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