CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON? 8 COMMON CAUSES EXPLAINED

The check engine light is an important indicator on your vehicle’s dashboard that serves to alert you when something is wrong with your car.

However, many drivers feel a sense of panic or confusion when this light illuminates, not fully understanding what it means or the potential issues that could be causing it.

In this blog post, we will explain what the check engine light is, some common reasons why it may come on, and tips for avoiding the car engine light.

To start, it’s helpful to understand exactly what the check engine light is.

What is a Check Engine Light?

Formally known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL), this light is connected to your car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) computer system. The OBD constantly runs diagnostic tests on various components and systems like the emissions, engine, and transmission.

Its role is to detect malfunctions or deterioration in performance. When it senses an issue has occurred, it will illuminate the engine warning light notification to alert you that service is needed.

The car engine light coming on doesn’t necessarily mean something is severely wrong – it could simply indicate a minor problem has been detected. For example, one morning you may notice the light is on and your car is running fine with no noticeable issues.

In this case, the problem causing the light may be something minor like low tire pressure. However, it’s important not to ignore the light, as ongoing issues could worsen over time if left unaddressed.

Some common issues that can trigger the car dashboard warning lights include faulty oxygen sensors, evaporative emission leaks, and ignition problems.

The light may also come on due to loose or worn parts, damaged hoses or wires, or driving habits like failing to tighten your gas cap properly.

Reasons for An Illuminated Check Engine Light

One of the most dreaded sights for any driver is seeing the car engine light illuminated on their dashboard. As an indicator that something is wrong under the hood, it’s important to understand some common issues that can trigger this light.

Here are 8 reasons why your engine warning light may have come on:

1. Oxygen Sensor Malfunction

The oxygen sensor is a vital component in your vehicle’s emission control system. It works to monitor the amount of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust gases and sends feedback to the engine’s computer so it can optimize the air-fuel ratio accordingly.

This helps reduce emissions and keep your engine running smoothly. However, over time oxygen sensors can become degraded and stop functioning properly. When this happens, the sensor will no longer be able to accurately read the exhaust gases.

As a result, the computer will have incorrect information to regulate the fuel mixture.  It may even trigger a failure code that illuminates the check engine light.

2. Loose Fuel Cap

vaporsThe fuel cap on your vehicle forms a tight seal when closed to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping the gas tank. However, if the cap is loose, damaged, or missing, it allows vapors to leak out into the atmosphere instead of being contained.

A loose gas cap will trigger a leak code that sets off the check engine notice. But, simply tightening the cap back on securely is often all it takes to reset the fault. It’s always a good idea to inspect the condition of your fuel cap regularly for this common issue.

3. Catalytic Converter Faults

The catalytic converter is a vital emissions control device located in the vehicle’s exhaust system.

It contains precious metal catalysts that convert harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide, etc., in the exhaust gas into less dangerous substances like carbon dioxide and water vapor. This helps reduce emissions from your vehicle.

Over time and with high mileage, the catalysts inside can degrade to the point where they no longer efficiently clean the exhaust. When the converter no longer functions properly, the engine will produce diagnostic trouble codes that trigger the check engine light.

4. Ignition Coil Issues

The ignition coil is a key component that sits inside the engine compartment and supplies high-voltage electric current to the spark plugs. This current creates the spark needed to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

Without proper sparking, the engine will run poorly or even stall. Common signs include rough idling, misfiring under load, and reduced fuel economy.

5. Defective Spark Plugs 

Automotive Industry. Vehicle Spark Plug in Car Mechanic Hand.

Spark plugs are essential for combustion ignition in a gasoline engine. They fire thousands of times per minute to keep your vehicle running smoothly. However, over time around 70,000 to 100,000 km, spark plugs do eventually wear out and need replacement.

Common signs of bad plugs are rough idling, misfires under acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. When this occurs, the engine will produce trouble codes that activate the check engine notification.

To resolve the issue, old spark plugs must be replaced with new plugs with the correct heat range and gap size for that engine, restoring optimal ignition performance.

6. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure 

The mass airflow sensor, also known as the MAF sensor, is located in the vehicle’s intake tract and plays an important role in fuel regulation. It continuously monitors the volume of air entering the engine through the throttle body or air filter housing.

A dirty or faulty MAF sensor will provide inaccurate readings that confuse the computer. This can be displayed as issues like rough idling, stalling, reduced power, or the engine check warning light. Cleaning or replacement of the MAF sensor is usually needed to resolve the problem.

7. Vacuum Leakage

The engine uses a system of hoses and components to introduce vacuum, or negative pressure, for various functions like braking, emissions control, and more. Small cracks or loose connections in vacuum lines allow outside air to enter the intake manifold instead of going to the intended components.

The PCM may log vacuum leak-related diagnostic trouble codes that illuminate the check engine notification. Inspecting for cracks, holes, or loose fittings in vacuum hoses is a good starting point.

8. Dead Car Battery

A car mechanic replaces a battery.

While a dead battery may not directly cause the check engine light to illuminate, it can prevent the engine control module from properly communicating with various sensors and components.

This can lead to inaccurate readings and potentially trigger the check engine light as a result. If your battery is weak or has died, replace it and ensure that all systems are functioning correctly.

Tips For Preventing Unwanted Check Engine Light Triggers

Your car’s engine check warning light is an important indicator that something may be wrong under the hood. However, this light can illuminate even when there isn’t a serious issue, usually due to minor problems that are easily preventable with regular car care and maintenance.

Below are some tips for avoiding unnecessary check engine light illumination so you don’t have to worry unnecessarily or spend money on repairs that aren’t truly needed.

1. Regular Car Maintenance

One of the best things you can do to prevent minor issues from triggering your check engine light is to do regular car maintenance. Keeping up with services like oil changes, tire checks, fluid checks and more helps catch small problems before they worsen.

For example, low engine oil can cause the light to come on, but changing your oil regularly ensures levels stay optimal. Regular maintenance also includes inspecting components for signs of wear.

For instance, worn spark plugs or dirty air filters can impact engine performance enough to illuminate the check engine light, but replacing these parts prevents that from happening.

2. Safe Driving Habits

Driving habits can also contribute to unnecessary check engine lights. For example, accelerating or braking too hard places additional stress on engine components. Over time, this type of aggressive driving style increases the likelihood of minor issues developing.

It’s best to avoid rapid acceleration when possible and leave plenty of following distance between you and the car in front of you to minimize unnecessary braking.

Maintaining a steady speed whenever practical also reduces engine strain compared to constant speeding up and slowing down. Driving smoothly and responsibly can do wonders for engine warning light prevention.

3. Opt For High-Quality Fuel

Putting low-quality or contaminated fuel in your tank is another potential cause of check engine lights. Fuel injectors and sensors can become gunked up or damaged over time from poor-quality gasoline.

When this occurs, the engine may run poorly or fail emissions tests, causing the check engine light to illuminate. Follow your car manufacturer’s oil change recommendations and visit our car repair workshop Munich Motor Works for oil changes.

Using high-quality fuel goes a long way in preventing check engine lights and keeping your engine running at its best.

Detecting minor issues early helps avoid checking engine lights when there’s no serious problem. Following these strategies ensures your engine gets the care it needs and avoids unnecessary check engine light alerts.

Wrapping Up

While a check engine light can be unsettling, understanding the common causes can help drivers better handle the situation and get their vehicle back in proper working order.

At Munich Motor Works, our highly trained technicians have extensive experience precisely diagnosing the root of engine light symbol concerns across various European & German automotive brands using the latest diagnostic tools and technology.

Whether you need assistance with battery repair, oxygen sensor replacement, ignition coil repair, spark plug replacement, or more in-depth catalytic converter or engine repair services, you can trust that our team of experts will properly identify and resolve any issues with your engine.

Rather than ignoring the engine indicator light or taking your car to a local repair shop, we recommend scheduling a complete diagnostic check soon at a trusted car repair workshop like Munich Motor Works.

An accurate diagnosis of the problem by our certified mechanics can help prevent further damage and provide the insight needed.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment and allow our experts to ensure your vehicle’s check engine light issue is identified and addressed properly.

We’ll get to the bottom of the issue and ensure your car is back on the road, running at its best.