You’re driving peacefully along when all of a sudden the service engine light comes on. This has probably happened to most drivers at some time or another. Is it okay to keep on driving, or should you head straight to an auto shop? Do you need to pull over and call a tow truck? Understanding why that little warning light comes on will help alleviate your fear of a major engine repair looming ahead.
Do you know what causes the service engine light to come on? Here are five main triggers:
- The Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs to be replaced. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. If not replaced, the engine will burn more fuel than usual and damage the spark plugs and catalytic converter.
- Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The gas cap seals the fuel system which helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. If not replaced, your fuel will evaporate quickly.
- Catalytic converter is bad. The catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Damage usually occurs due to neglected maintenance. If you don’t replace it, your vehicle will not pass the emissions test, you will have reduced performance and fuel efficiency, and your car will run at a higher temperature.
- The MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) needs to be replaced. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently. If you do not replace a bad sensor, the spark plugs, oxygen sensor or catalytic converter may incur damage, plus you will have reduced performance and fuel efficiency.
- Spark plugs or plug wires need to be replaced. Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and the plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If not replaced, you will experience poor power and fuel economy.
Most cars now have onboard computers that can identify specific problems. As soon as you can, take your car to your mechanic to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that the safety of your vehicle is not being compromised.
Wondering what causes the service engine light to come on? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
You’re driving peacefully along when all of a sudden the service engine light comes on. This has probably happened to most drivers at some time or another. Is it okay to keep on driving, or should you head straight to an auto shop? Do you need to pull over and call a tow truck? Understanding why that little warning light comes on will help alleviate your fear of a major engine repair looming ahead.
Do you know what causes the service engine light to come on? Here are five main triggers:
- The Oxygen (O2) Sensor needs to be replaced. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. If not replaced, the engine will burn more fuel than usual and damage the spark plugs and catalytic converter.
- Gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The gas cap seals the fuel system which helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. If not replaced, your fuel will evaporate quickly.
- Catalytic converter is bad. The catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. Damage usually occurs due to neglected maintenance. If you don’t replace it, your vehicle will not pass the emissions test, you will have reduced performance and fuel efficiency, and your car will run at a higher temperature.
- The MAF (Mass Airflow Sensor) needs to be replaced. The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run your engine efficiently. If you do not replace a bad sensor, the spark plugs, oxygen sensor or catalytic converter may incur damage, plus you will have reduced performance and fuel efficiency.
- Spark plugs or plug wires need to be replaced. Spark plugs ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber and the plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If not replaced, you will experience poor power and fuel economy.
Most cars now have onboard computers that can identify specific problems. As soon as you can, take your car to your mechanic to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that the safety of your vehicle is not being compromised.
Wondering what causes the service engine light to come on? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at Rebel Automotive for more information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
