What Does It Mean When Your Check Engine Light Symbol Is Lit?
The check engine light warns drivers of potential engine issues or even total failure. There are many reasons your check engine warning light may come on. It might be anything from sensor failure, alerting you to do preventive maintenance (such as an oil change), or even warning drivers of potentially significant problems that could cause engine failure. So, just because the check engine light comes on, it may not be a complete catastrophe. However, if and when your check engine warning light does come on, we suggest bringing it to us for a full inspection as soon as possible. Even if nothing seems broken, getting it diagnosed accurately can be the difference between a simple fix and having to replace the engine.
Failing O2 Sensors
There are several sensors that feed info to your engine to help it run more efficiently. However, incorrect readings from components like the mass airflow sensor or the oxygen sensors can cause a check engine warning light. If your vehicle seems normal, a faulty oxygen sensor is the likely culprit. This could mean that your vehicle is running normally, but since the engine isn't receiving the data, it triggers a warning. Even if the car feels fine, you should probably get your car diagnosed immediately to rule out more significant problems.
Your Gas Cap is Not Fully Tightened
Something as simple as forgetting to replace the gas cap or not replacing it completely could easily cause a check engine warning light. A car's gas cap may need to be replaced during your vehicle ownership. Gas caps may have a life expectancy as low as 50k miles. If it's time to replace your gas cap, we highly suggest genuine replacement parts from the manufacturer. Using parts from big box stores will work in an emergency, but nothing beats original parts from the manufacturer.
Spark Plugs in The Car are Old
Spark plugs are vital to the performance of your vehicle's engine. As the name indicates, spark plugs give off a small spark of electricity, which then ignites the gas and causes your engine to run. Spark plugs demand very accurate tolerances for peak performance, and if the spark plug configuration is wrong, it could trigger a check engine light. Symptoms of faulty spark plugs include diminished fuel efficiency, slower acceleration, and your engine just does not run smoothly.
Schedule Service for a Chevrolet Buick GMC Near Sugar Land
Finnegan Chevy Buick GMC is your ideal destination for all your auto service needs near Sugar Land. Our friendly staff is ready to get you and your vehicle back on the road safely, no matter its make or model. Schedule your next auto service with us in person or online.
