You're driving your car, and the check engine light (CEL) suddenly comes on. If you're not sure what to do, you're not alone. In this article, we'll outline the different reasons your vehicle's check engine light may come on and explain the best actions to take. Fortunately, if you live or work in Pocatello, check engine light service is close at hand when you bring your vehicle to the Hirning Buick GMC Service Center.
In most cases, the check engine light isn't warning you about an emergency. But there are times when the check engine light is serious. Whatever the reason, when the check engine light comes on, bring your car to Hirning Buick GMC for CEL diagnosis in Pocatello.
Your car's check engine light can either be steady or flashing. A steady light indicates a situation that needs to be checked and repaired. A flashing means there's a serious problem that needs immediate attention. In most cases, a flashing check engine light is an indication that the ignition system is misfiring. This causes unburned fuel to be deposited directly into the car's exhaust system, resulting in a damaged catalytic converter. When you see a flashing check engine light, pull over, turn off the ignition, and call for roadside assistance. Don't ignore this; it will lead to an expensive repair.
If the light is steady, there's a problem that needs your attention. A steady check engine light isn't an emergency, but you'll need to call the Hirning Buick GMC Service Center and make a service appointment. A steady check engine light can be warning you about one of several issues, including a bad catalytic converter, a faulty oxygen sensor, a broken mass airflow sensor, bad spark plugs or a damaged gas cap.
Bad Catalytic Converter
Your car contains a catalytic converter that converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If the catalytic converter isn't operating properly, the car will experience a drop in fuel economy, the engine will take a performance hit, and the vehicle may fail an emissions test.
Broken Oxygen Sensor
Your car's oxygen (O2) sensor measures the unburned oxygen in the vehicle's exhaust system. When the sensor breaks, it causes the engine to burn more fuel. Your car will experience a drop in fuel economy. If left unchecked, a faulty O2 sensor can damage the catalytic converter or the spark plugs.
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
Your car contains a mass airflow sensor that measures the engine's air inflow and controls the volume of fuel necessary to run the engine. If the mass airflow sensor is broken, it can damage the vehicle's catalytic converter, spark plugs or O2 sensor. You'll notice reduced performance as well as less fuel economy.
Bad Spark Plugs
Bad spark plugs and wires can damage your car's O2 sensors, ignition coils and catalytic converter. You'll notice a drop in performance as well as reduced fuel economy.
Loose, Damaged or Missing Gas Cap
The gas cap may seem like an insignificant component of your vehicle, but it prevents gasoline fumes from escaping from the fuel system. If the gas cap is loose, you can tighten it. If it's damaged or missing, it must be replaced. Otherwise, the gasoline will evaporate, and the car will get lower fuel economy.